How to Fix Corrupt Outlook Data File?

Microsoft Outlook is among the most utilized email clients in the world. While being in a professional space, the use of such email clients is quite exclusive. With such extensive functionality, there are issues that can be raised against it. One such problem is the corrupt Outlook data file, and this article will address solutions for it.

To make your operations definite, we will help you execute the issue without difficulty. Go through the provided solutions to know more about how you can fix the corrupt Outlook file.

Part 1: Reasons for Outlook Data File Corruption

To start our discussion, we will first examine some causes of Outlook data file corruption. For this, we have outlined some causes that can occur for both OST and PST files. Look ahead to understand more about the reasons in detail:

Why Does My PST File Get Corrupted?

First, we will be visiting some reasons why the PST file gets corrupted across Outlook:

1. Issues with the Hard Disk

PST files are stored across the computer. You might face file corruption issues if the problem directly leads to your device's hard disk. On crashing your hard disk, the data across it gets damaged or lost. For such uncertain reasons, the Outlook data file gets corrupted.

2. Oversized PST File

Another common issue of PST file corruption involves the data accumulation across it. The PST file can hold 50GB of data for Outlook versions above 2010, but the safe limit is 20GB. Regardless of this, if the file size accumulates, there is a chance it will get corrupted.

3. Problems Caused by Malware

Virus or infectious malware can cause extensive issues with your PST file. If you are another victim of a corrupt Outlook data file, viruses can be the main cause. As it damages all files across your computer, the intrusion can make it inaccessible.

Why Does My OST File Get Corrupted?

OST files have their reasons for getting corrupted across the computer. We will now be looking into the following reasons:

1. Outlook Closes Indefinitely

We are aware that the OST data file is connected to the main Outlook account. In such conditions, where you accidentally close your Outlook, you might sabotage your data file. This leads to direct data losses, which can corrupt your OST file.

2. Issues with Network Connectivity

Another basic issue that can substantially cause data file corruption is the problematic network connection. If your internet is not working properly, it can cause synchronization issues. These synchronization problems may stop the OST file from working properly.

3. Power Outages

While using Outlook, you can face multiple problems with your email client if the power goes out. Due to such unconditional issues, multiple operations can stop abruptly during execution. Thus, you will have an Outlook corrupt file for no specific reason.

Part 2: Solutions to Repair Outlook File

Now, we will shift our focus across the solutions that can be used to repair an Outlook corrupted file. These solutions can be tested for both PST and OST files. However, you need to look ahead to figure out which solution best suits the specific data file.

Method 1: Use Inbox Repair Tool

The Inbox Repair Tool is recognized as the Scanpst.exe software. This software has been designed to repair all problems that involve corrupted PST files. It operates quite similarly to any repair tool found in the market. As it validates an issue across a PST file, it utilizes different functions to correct it. However, regardless of any corrupted PST file, you can repair it with Scanpst.exe. We will now look ahead to how you can effectively use the Inbox Repair Tool to repair Outlook files with ease:

Step 1: Close all operations of Outlook across your computer.

Locate Scanpst.exe across your device. The location varies depending on the version of the software and computer. For this, we advise you to look into the location from the provided list:

Step 2: As you successfully launch Scanpst.exe, locate the PST file by clicking "Browse."

You can also specify the scan log with the help of "Options." Click on "Start" after configuring the process.

Step 3: The file is scanned initially. All the discovered errors are displayed across the next window.

There, you can specify if you need a backup file of the scanned PST before repairing it. Next, click "Repair" to start the process.

Step 4: The platform displays a completion message of a successful recovery of the PST file.

Method 2: Use Outlook Data Repair Software

Why go for different methods to repair your corrupt PST or OST file? Wondershare Repairit for Email provides a comprehensive system to repair corrupt Outlook data files. While it supports the Windows and Mac systems, you can find this Outlook data file repair tool to be effective. Discover a proper system to resolve all email issues against any scenario. While you can repair your PST and OST file with Repairit, it restores the deleted mails across the file.

Want to understand more about how you can use Repairit for Emails to repair Outlook data files? Go through the steps below to know more about the simple steps:

Wondershare Repairit for Email

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• Repair damaged PST&OST Files in Outlook in all Email corruption scenarios, such as hard disk crashes & bad sectors, virus attacks & tojan horse, outlook corruption & malfunctions, improper shutdown procedure, etc.

• Restore Outlook Emails deleted for a long time with a very high success rate.

• Repair emails in bathes without size limits and support to preview all of them before saving.

• Compatible with Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11, Windows Server 2012/2016/2019, and MacOS X 10.11~ MacOS 12 (Monterey).

Step 1: Add Corrupt Data File.

To start the process, install and launch Repairit for Email on your computer. Proceed to add the corrupted PST or OST file that is to be repaired.

Step 2: Start Repairing Data File.

On adding the corrupt data file, click on “Repair.” This will start the restoration of all uploaded emails across Outlook.

Step 3: Preview and Restore Data File.

Now, you can preview the email files that have been repaired by this Outlook data file repair tool. Following this, select the path where you want to restore all the email content.

Method 3: Create a New Outlook Data File

Another impressive technique to repair the corrupt Outlook data file is by creating a new file. Rather than using tools to fix the file, you can replace the data file on your account. This can be done for both PST and OST files. To create a new Outlook data file, go through the detailed steps below:

For PST File

Step 1: Access the "Control Panel" of your computer from the Windows Search.

Look for the option of "Mail" across the new window. This will open the "Mail Setup" window, where you have to click on "Data Files" to proceed.

Step 2: This opens up the next window where you have to select the Exchange account.

Next, click on “Open File Location” to open the PST file location.

Step 3: As the file opens across the file explorer, right-click to open the menu.

Select “Delete” to remove the PST file.

Step 4: Return to the "Account Settings" dialog box where you need to click on "Add."

Navigate the PST file and add it. Following this, click on "Set as Default" and close the program. You now need to restart Outlook and use it normally for your emails.

For OST File

Step 1: You need to close Outlook on your computer and access “Mail” from the “Control Panel.”

As the dialog box opens up, click on “Email Accounts” from the options. It will open the account settings of your Outlook program.

Step 2: On the next window, select the data file and click on “Open File Location.”

As you discover the OST file, right-click on it and select “Delete.” Restart Outlook on your computer and recreate the OST file for your account.

Conclusion

For this article, we have reviewed how you can repair the corrupt Outlook data file. To make effective use of solutions, try Wondershare Repairit for Email. You can consume its email repairing tool for proficient results. Make effective use of this tool to repair corrupt Outlook data files with ease.