Steps to Repair Corrupt Outlook PST File
Microsoft Outlook by default stores all Outlook items in a single PST file. Sometimes, you may encounter problems in Outlook personal data (.pst) file due to corruption. Here you lose access to your PST file, as it will be in a broken state which result in huge loss of data. In such case, you need to run the Outlook application in safe mood and try to fix the issues with the inbuilt Inbox Repair tool scanpst.exe. But, if the scanpst.exe fails to repair the Outlook data file, then the only way to repair corrupt outlook PST file is by using Remo Repair Outlook.
There are so many instances in which Inbox Repair tool doesn't work:
- It cannot repair severely corrupted Outlook personal folder (PST), as it can only handle minor problems like header file corruption.
- Unable to fix password protected and highly encrypted PST files.
- Scanpst.exe utility hang, if you try to repair large sized Outlook data files.
Remo Repair Outlook (PST) program can manage any sort of corruption with both PST and OST Outlook data files. Supports repairing of password protected and highly encrypted PST file. Not just fixes corrupt Outlook data files, but also recovers deleted and lost emails, contacts, RSS Feeds, notes, tasks, and other attributes. The software has a friendly interface so that even an inexperienced user can also use the utility to fix corrupted Outlook file with ease.
Easy steps to repair corrupt Outlook PST file with Remo Repair Outlook
To fix corrupt Outlook PST file by yourself, you need to download and install the free demo version of Remo Repair Outlook software on your Windows computer. Run the PST file repair utility after closing the MS Outlook application completely and follow the below listed steps:
Step 1: Download Remo Outlook Repair software and install it on your Windows computer. Launch the application and start with PST repair process. You will find three options from main screen. Use “Open PST File” option to select the corrupt PST file, if you know its exact storage location (or) Click “Find PST File” option to search for your Outlook PST file (or) Press “Select Outlook Profile” option to choose your PST files, if you have multiple accounts.
Figure 1: Main Screen
Step 2: Select the appropriate scanning method to scan the PST file. Choose the destination location and click on “Repair” button.
Figure 2: Select PST Scanning Method
Step 3: Allow the PST file repair process to be done on the scanned PST file. After completion of PST fixing process, the tool's screen will displays a successful message like "Your Outlook PST file has been repaired".
Figure 3: Repaired PST File
How MS Outlook personal data file gets corrupt?
- Outlook PST file automatically gets corrupted if the file size exceeds it's maximum size limit. The size of the PST file limit varies in different Outlook versions
- Outlook application should be terminated properly, otherwise it leads to PST file corruption
- The PST file may get corrupt due to external threats like virus, malware or spyware
- Bad sectors on the hard drive where you have stored the Outlook data files can corrupt the files and make it inaccessible
- Malfunction of Outlook application can also cause damage to the personal data file
- Improper way of re-installing the operating system or upgrading the Operating System also causes corruption to Outlook PST file
Safety measures to avoid PST file corruption
- Maintain updated anti-virus program and scan your system regularly.
- Always backup your PST files
- Do not close MS Outlook improperly
- Keep eye on the size of the Outlook data file, and be alert that it should not cross it's maximum size limit