How to Repair Corrupt OST File in Outlook in Simple Steps

What Causes Outlook OST File Corruption?

There are general issues that users often face causing OST corruption. These are:

• Power failures and unstable internet connectivity.
• Sudden Outlook closure and other software issues.
• Attacks or Threats to the application or system environment.
• Oversized OST files, storage problems, and human errors.
• OST file synchronization problems within Outlook.
• Conflicts due to third-party add-ins or blockers.

Why Repair Corrupt OST File?

The significant reasons that make it crucial to recover corrupt OST file are as follows:

• Cannot open Outlook data file error: Accessibility Issue
• OST file cannot connect to the MS Exchange Server: Synchronization Issue
• Missing or deleted mailbox emails and other items
• OST file freeze while performing operations in Outlook: Performance Issue
• Outlook crashed, unable to view files

There are many more such problems and errors that may occur. Thus, it is necessary to repair OST file.

What Methods Assist to Fix Corrupt OST File?

We have several free manual methods and a verified and tested professional tool by experts to solve OST corruption. All solutions will be explained in brief in this particular section. Go through it to find out your perfect and reliable solution.

How to Manually Repair Corrupt OST File?

Different manual ways to repair the damaged OST are described here. Go through them once to find the best solution for you. Remember the free solution always comes with some limitations.

Method 1: Repair OST File via Inbox Repair Tool

1. Firstly, close MS Outlook and all its related processes if running in the background.
2. Then, move to the default location of the ScanOST.exe file: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office (version)\ScanOST.exe
3. Double-tap the file and the Inbox Repair Tool dialog opens.
4. Further, press Browse and add the OST from the PC to be repaired. Hit Start.
5. The scanning initiates and on completion, if any errors arise, click Repair.

Method 2: Repair Corrupt OST File by Recreation

1. Foremost, close Outlook and restart it. Now, go to the Account Settings window.
2. There, in the Data Files tab, choose your OST profile, and press Open File Location.
3. Once located, delete the OST file, and restart Outlook to create a new OST.

What are the Shortcomings of These Manual Solutions?

The limitations of this free method are:

• Loss of unsynchronized data with Exchange server.
• Suitable for only minor corruption and damage in OST.
• Takes time if files are multiple in numbers and can be affected much.
• Users must know about technical aspects for successful recovery.

Thus, these are not a very suitable solution if you require immediate action.

Which Tool Repair Corrupt OST File Effortlessly?

SysInfo OST Recovery Tool is a suitable software for managing the corruption in OST files. It swiftly repairs the corrupted file and also saves it in multiple file formats without size or other restrictions. Along with that, the tool offers interactive GUI and different recovery modes to Handle an Oversized OST File. Moreover, the tool ensures complete mailbox item recovery without MS Outlook installation. Thus, it is a complete solution for handling corrupt or damaged OST files with ease.

Steps to Repair Outlook OST File

1. Run the software and press the Open icon to add the OST file from the PC.
2. Click (…) to locate your OST file to repair and add it to the tool.
3. Then, choose the Standard, Advanced, or Deep mode to recover and tap OK.
4. Later, preview mailbox folders from the tree structure and select to save.
5. Click Save and press (…) to browse the destination for the repaired OST.
6. Lastly, choose file format for saving and other filters, and click OK to finish.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you need to repair corrupt OST file at any time, do not worry. This guide provided you with every possible solution for the repair. Choose manual solutions for free but consider limitations. Otherwise, if finding a hassle-free, risk-free, and time-saving solution, then go with the professional tool. You will be easily able to access all your OST data again without any trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.