When a Microsoft Outlook PST file gets corrupted, it can refuse to open. Luckily, there are several ways to try and fix the issue so that you can access the data stored in the PST file. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 methods for repairing or recovering any corrupt PST file and getting them back up and running.
1. Scanpst.exe Tool:
The most common way to repair a corrupt PST file is by using the scanpst.exe tool (also known as the Inbox Repair Tool). This tool comes pre-installed with Microsoft Outlook and can be used to diagnose and repair corrupt PST files. To open the tool, navigate to C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 or simply search for “Scanpst” in your computer’s search bar. Once opened, select the corrupted PST file from the list and click start. Follow the instructions on screen and wait for the process to complete before trying to open the repaired PST file again.
2. Use an Alternate Viewer:
If the Scanpst tool failed to repair your PST file, you can try using an alternate viewer such as Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair. This software is designed to recover data from corrupt or damaged PST files and convert them into a usable format that can be imported into Microsoft Outlook. To use this tool, simply download it from their website and install it on your computer. Once installed, open the tool and select the corrupted PST file from its list of supported formats. Follow the instructions on screen and wait for the process to complete before trying to open the repaired PST file again.
3. Use Third-Party Software:
If both of these methods fail to repair your corrupt PST file, you may need to resort to using third-party software. There are a variety of programs available online that can scan, repair and recover data from PST files. Most of these programs come with a free trial so you can try them out before committing to the full version.
4. Contact Microsoft Support:
If all else fails, you may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance in recovering your data from the corrupted PST file. They have knowledgeable technicians who can help walk you through the process of repairing or recovering your data.
5. Create a Backup:
It is important to create regular backups of your PST files so that you have an up-to-date copy in the event of a data loss. This will ensure that all new information and emails are backed up and can easily be restored if something goes wrong.
6. Set a File Size Limit:
To help prevent PST files from becoming corrupted, it is important to set a file size limit for your mailbox. This can be done in Outlook by navigating to the “Mailbox Cleanup” section and setting a limit on the maximum size of your mailbox. This will reduce the chances of PST corruption due to over-sized files.
7. Avoid Interruptions:
When working with PST files, it is important to avoid any interruptions such as power outages or system crashes. These types of events can cause corruption in PST files, so it is best to make sure that you are safely shutting down all applications before leaving your computer unattended.
8. Disable Automatic Compression:
If you have automatic compression enabled on your system, it can lead to PST corruption. To avoid this issue, disable the compression feature before working with PST files. This can be done in Outlook by navigating to the “Advanced” tab and unchecking the “Compress my mailbox” option.
9. Use an Anti-Virus Program:
It is important to use an up-to-date anti-virus program when working with PST files as this will help protect against malicious viruses that can cause data loss or corruption. Make sure that you are regularly running scans and updating your virus definitions to keep your computer safe from threats.
10. Upgrade Your System:
Finally, if you continually have issues with PST corruption, it may be time to upgrade your system. Older versions of Outlook and Windows can become outdated over time and lack the necessary security features to protect against data loss or corruption. Consider upgrading to the latest version of Outlook and Windows to ensure that you are protected from any future issues with corrupted PST files.
Conclusion:
Dealing with corrupt PST files is never an easy task, but by following the above steps you should be able to get back access to your emails and other important information stored in the file. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact Microsoft support for assistance. With their help, you should be able to get your data back in no time!
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