How to Repair Outlook Data File (.pst) in Simplest Ways

How are PST Files Damaged or Corrupted?

To recover the PST file, first, we must know the reason for its damage and corruption. These are:

• Unstable network and data interruptions during server and Outlook sync.
• Sudden power loss or Outlook shutdown while the task is still in process.
• Viruses, malware, ransomware, and other threats are a prominent cause.
• Bad sectors on the system’s hard drive or hardware and software issues.
• Also, oversized PST files are one of the major causes of corruption.

Best Solutions to Repair Outlook Data File (.pst) in Simplest Ways

This section elaborates on two different ways to fix Outlook PST files. The first is to repair PST free and the second is via a professional tool. The methods are secure and will recover your PST file easily. Further, the step-by-step procedure is discussed in detail below. Let’s get started with the freeway.

Repair Outlook PST File Using SCANPST.EXE

SCANPST.EXE aka Inbox Repair Tool is a manual way within Outlook by Microsoft to repair damaged PSTs. Follow these steps:

1. Firstly, ensure that MS Outlook is closed and not running in the back.
2. Then, navigate to (C:\Program Files \Microsoft Office\root\Office [Version]) on your system.
3. Search for SCANPST.EXE and double-click it to run the program.
4. Afterward, click Browse to locate and add the damaged PST file.
5. Hit Start to initiate the scanning procedure of the added file.
   
6. If errors are found, click Make backup of scanned file before repairing and press Repair. Once done, click OK.
   

Manually Repair PST File Online Using Outlook Import/Export

1. In Outlook, click File and pick Open & Export to select Import/Export.
2. Further, choose Export to a file from the options and tap Next.
   
3. Select Outlook Data File and click Next to continue.
   
4. Subsequently, select the folder to export from and check Include subfolders.
   
5. Click Next and hit Browse to specify a destination to save.
6. At last, select an option to manage duplicates and then click Finish.
   

Repair Outlook Data File By Manual Methods

Recover PST File by Starting Outlook in Safe Mode

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the run dialog box.
2. Type Outlook.exe/safe to run the MS Outlook application in safe mode.
   

Creating A New PST File and Uploading Outlook Data

1. Go to Account Settings from the Account Settings tab in File on Outlook.
2. Next, move to the Data Files tab and click Add.
3. In the open dialog box, enter a name, specify a location to save, and tap OK.
   
4. Then, select the newly created PST and click Set as Default.
5. When prompted to confirm, click OK and close the window.
   
6. Further, again click File -> Open Outlook Data File in Open & Export.
7. Browse and choose the old PST file and click OK.
   
8. Select the folders to transfer or press Ctrl+ A to select all.
9. At last, hold the Ctrl key and drag and drop the folders into the new PST file.
10. Close Outlook and restart it to verify the imported emails.

Shortcomings of the Manual Methods

• Effective for minor corruption and no guarantee of complete recovery.
• Cannot recover deleted or missing Outlook items and emails.
• Users must have absolute technical knowledge or may face data loss.
• You need to repeat the steps multiple times, i.e. time-consuming.

Automated Tool to Repair Outlook Data File With Attachments

When manual methods fail or seem too tricky, using an expert-recommended solution is the best choice. The SysInfo PST Recovery Tool does the task of repairing corrupted or damaged PSTs very well with 100% accuracy. This utility also allows to restore personal folders in Outlook. It is highly secure and repairs PST files online within seconds. Along with that, this versatile tool supports bulk recovery of PST files and has no size limitations. Moreover, some unique and advantageous features of this excellent utility are:

• Allows to save recovered PST data in multiple file formats like EML, DBX, etc.
• Repairing damaged and corrupt PST also helps in Outlook Profile Repair.
• Provides different recovery modes to handle the corruption of files.
• Offers numerous filters like Date Range, Handle Errors, and more.

Steps to Repair Outlook Data File

1. Launch the tool on your PC and press Open to add a corrupted PST file.
2. Select either Standard or Advanced mode of recovery and click OK.
   
3. Preview and select folders to recover from tree format and click Save.
4. Afterward, hit the (…) icon to select a destination to save and click OK.
5. Subsequently, select a format to save the recovered file and apply filters.
6. At last, click OK to finish the repair and recovery of Outlook PST.
   

Conclusion

Outlook Data files (.pst) can be corrupted due to numerous reasons as stated above. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be resolved. This blog specified four different manual ways to repair Outlook data files. However, they have some loopholes. Therefore, using a professional tool is an effective solution. It saves extra time and effort and is secure too.

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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.