Best Solutions to Repair Corrupt PST File for Free – Learn Here

Summary: Want to fix your Outlook PST files if they got broken by mistake? Then this blog will help you. In this technical blog, we’ll talk about all the important stuff about broken PST files so that after reading, you can keep your PST files safe and understand why Outlook files can get messed up. Furthermore, we will learn how to repair corrupt PST file with a manual or with the help of the professional Outlook PST Repair tool. Let’s start this helpful blog right away. Download Now   Purchase Now

What is the Outlook PST File?

The Outlook PST file is a personal storage file used to keep emails, contacts, calendar events, and other data. It’s like a data folder where you can store and arrange your Outlook information, such as emails, contacts, and calendar events, on your computer. This file format is also used to make backups of Outlook data, which can be easily moved between different computers.

However, sometimes the Outlook PST files can get damaged, causing data loss. Before we discuss how to repair corrupt PST file, let’s understand why PST files can become corrupt.

What are the Reasons for a Corrupt PST File?

It’s important to regularly back up your PST files to prevent data loss in the event of corruption. Here are some of the reasons of Outlook PST corruption:

• Large PST files can get corrupted due to size restrictions.
• Hard disk or storage device failures can corrupt PST files.
• Unexpected shutdowns, software errors, and other issues can lead to PST file corruption.
• Virus or malware infections can cause PST file corruption.
• Network drive problems can ruin PST files.
• Physical damage to the storage device can also corrupt PST files.

After understanding the above reason for PST file corruption, now take a look to understand how to save PST files from corruption briefly.

How to save PST files from corruption?

To prevent PST file corruption and ensure the safety of your Outlook data, consider the following measures:

• Regularly backup your Outlook PST files to restore them if the PST file keeps getting corrupted.
• Avoid storing too much data in one PST file to reduce the risk of corruption.
• Always close Outlook properly to prevent PST file damage.
• Store PST files on reliable storage to avoid connectivity issues.

By following these best practices, you can minimise the risk of PST file corruption and safeguard your Outlook data. Now, let’s find out the best and most reliable methods to repair corrupt PST files easily.

Method 1: Recover Corrupted PST File Using Outlook’s Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE)

Microsoft provides the inbox Repair tool, or SCANPST>EXE, to repair Outlook PST files within the Outlook program. It repairs errors in your PST files and also fixes minor corruptions within them. Follow the step-by-step guide, but before following the steps, make sure that Outlook is not running in the background. Then, go to the SCANPST.EXE Location. The location of SCANPST varies with each Outlook version.

• Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
• Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
• Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
• Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
• Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12

1. Now, double-click SCANPST.EXE to launch the software.
2. Then, click the Browse option to choose the corrupted Outlook PST file.
3. Here, select Start to begin scanning the PST file for problems.
4. Additionally, the utility will review the file structure and look for errors.
5. If SCANPST.EXE discovers any issues, select the Make backup of scanned file before repairing option, which provides a backup path location, and click Repair to start fixing the file.
6. Following the repair, a Repair Complete window will display; click OK to proceed.
7. Finally, open Outlook using the profile attached to the corrected PST file and check if the problems were successfully repaired.

The SCANPST.EXE application must be run numerous times for effective repair, and it can’t recover deleted data from within Outlook. This procedure can only repair minor corruptions; it may not resolve more significant difficulties, and technical knowledge is required to execute these steps correctly. Thus, if this method doesn’t help to repair a corrupt PST file according to your needs, then you can move forward to another method.

Method 2: Repair Outlook PST File by creating a new PST file

In this method, we will create a new PST file in MS Outlook and transfer all the data from the corrupted Outlook PST to the new PST file. You can use this method when your original PST files are not severely corrupted but have minor issues that prevent regular operation. Moreover, this approach is also useful when you can open the PST file but get errors or problems when accessing specific data. Let’s look at the instructions in a step-by-step manner.

1. First, open Microsoft Outlook on your device.
2. Navigate to the File tab >> Account Settings option.
3. Choose the Data Files tab in the Account Settings Wizard and click Add.
4. Then, give the name of the new PST file and set the path location to save the new file. Click the On button.
5. Here, manage the new PST file as the default in Account Settings.
6. Click OK on the prompt, “Do you want to change the default Outlook data file?”.
7. Now, close the Account Settings window, find the empty new Outlook Data File in the left sidebar, and then navigate to the File option.
8. After that, choose Open & Export >> Open Outlook Data File.

1. Open the old PST file by choosing it and pressing the OK button.
2. Select the folder and the emails (Ctrl+A to select all) you want to copy to the new PST.
3. Drag and drop the items into the new PST file’s folder while holding down the Ctrl key.
4. Verify copied emails in the new PST file’s folder, then close and reopen Outlook to see the changes take effect.

The Outlook PST Repair tool can’t be effective if the old PST file is severely corrupted and can’t be opened. Additionally, there is also a risk of missing some data or not being able to recover certain items. You can select a different approach to repair a corrupt PST file if you are not satisfied with this one.

Method 3: Fix Corrupt Outlook PST file using the export feature in Outlook

MS Outlook provides a useful export option that allows you to save a copy of your data in a new PST file. This approach will enable you to view the data in the PST file readily but suspect corruption; it is also the best way to protect your data by producing a backup before undertaking more invasive repair procedures. Here are the steps to fix damaged PST files using the MS Outlook feature:

1. In the first step, open the Outlook application.
2. Go to the File > Open & Export > Import/Export option.
3. Then, choose Export to a File and hit the Next button.
4. Select the Outlook Data File (.pst) and hit the Next button again.
5. Now, select the Export folders, ensure “Include Subfolders” is checked, and click Next.
6. Afterwards, click Browse to set the saving location for the PST file, and then click the Finish button to start the exporting process.

Method 4: Use Outlook’s safe mode to repair corrupt Outlook PST files

In this approach, we will use Outlook’s safe mode to assist you in avoiding issues related to add-ins, extensions, or a corrupted user profile. It’s a troubleshooting step to determine whether the problem is with the PST file itself or another component of Outlook. It’s especially beneficial when Outlook fails at startup or behaves strangely. Here is the proper guide to repair corrupt PST files in the section below.

1. First, close the MS Outlook application if it’s running in the background.
2. Then, using (Win + R), open the Run dialog box, type outlook.exe /safe, and press Enter.
3. Outlook will now launch in safe mode. Try accessing and transferring your data to a new PST file.

All of the manual methods mentioned above are effective in their own ways, so you can fix a corrupt PST file manually using any of the methods described. However, each method has its limitations that you may encounter during the conversion process. Therefore, you can choose the method that best suits your needs and requirements.

If you are a novice user and prefer a safe and easy way to fix corrupt PST files, you should consider the automated method. This method allows you to repair corrupt PST files in bulk effortlessly. Let’s learn more about the professional approach in the section below.

Method 5: Repairing Outlook Data Files Using the Outlook PST Repair Tool

The Outlook PST Repair tool is a reliable and effective solution for restoring mailbox emails from PST files. It can recover all mailbox items from corrupt, damaged, or inaccessible PST files, including emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, journals, and more. Additionally, it offers several features to simplify complex tasks and ensure accuracy. This tool allows you to preview the data from your corrupted PST files, and it allows you to repair multiple PST files in bulk without losing data. Let’s talk about how to recover corrupt PST file in bulk in a hassle-free manner.

The procedures to fix a corrupt PST file are as follows:

1. First, download, Install, and run the PST Repair Tool.
2. Then, click Open to browse the Outlook PST file.
3. Now, choose the recovery mode and hit OK to start the scanning process.
4. In the folder list, choose which you want to restore and tap Save.
5. Pick the PST format or other format that you want.
6. Opt for the additional features if you need them.
7. After all, click OK to start the recovery process for mailbox data.

Please note that the technical experts recommend this tool for you to download on your device for free to check its performance. Moreover, if you have multiple PST files and want to merge them, make sure to read this guide on how to merge Outlook PST.

Conclusion

This article discussed various methods for repairing corrupt PST files using both manual and technical approaches. While there are several manual methods available, we focused on four reliable techniques in this blog that can effectively help you repair corrupt PST files. You can choose the method that best suits your needs. If you’re not very technical and need to repair multiple corrupt PST files without difficulty, the automated method is the ideal choice for you. Now, you can select the method that fits your requirements.

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