Table of Contents:

User Query: After going through multiple posts online, I corrected my Outlook contacts/address book issues by creating a new profile. But, I have accidentally deleted my original Outlook profile. My Inbox subfolders, contacts, and many emails are lost. I have done as advised by opening the Outlook data file but the only thing listed is the new profile information. There is no original profile. Is there any way I can recover Outlook profile?

Accidentally deleting Outlook attributes can be the worst nightmare, even more so, when you delete your Outlook profile. Because deleting an Outlook profile basically means all your emails, tasks, appointments, reminders and all other Outlook attributes will be lost.

How Do I Restore a Deleted Outlook Account?

If you have deleted your Outlook Account and looking to restore your Outlook profile, you can do it by finding the location of the Outlook data file and importing it back to outlook. This method is for .pst users. If you are a .ost user you can simply recreate your Outlook profile. We have covered both the scenarios below in detail for your reference.

How to Restore Outlook Account Manually (.pst)?

Method 1: Sign into your Account

When you delete an Outlook account, Microsoft's server does not immediately delete it. Microsoft stores your account information on its servers for 60 days before totally erasing it. Within 60 days of deletion, you can easily retrieve it by logging into your account.

Method 2: Try Contact Microsoft Private Support

If you try signing in and get a notification that your email account isn’t available, it means it has been deleted for more than 60 days. In such a situation, one of the best things to do is to contact Microsoft Private Support. Although far-fetched, there’s a possibility that your account may still be on their server.

Method 3: Import PST Data File

All of your Outlook data is usually stored in a data file called PST. So, even when you delete an Outlook profile, you should be able to get back your Outlook data by finding the PST file.

Your Outlook account cannot be deleted or removed without affecting the PST file. All of your email items are automatically saved in a PST data file when Outlook is configured with a POP account. Your local drive houses this PST data file. Only if you manually remove this file or if it becomes corrupted or damaged will you lose your mailbox data.

You can find the PST file in the following locations depending on your Outlook version.

All of your Outlook data is usually stored in a data file called PST. So, even when you delete an Outlook profile, you should be able to get back your Outlook data by finding the PST file.

For Outlook 2013, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, and Outlook 2021

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

For Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2010

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

Once you have found the PST file, import it to Outlook to get back access to your data. To import the Outlook PST file follow the below mentioned methods:

This way, you will have your Outlook profile restored and you will regain access to your Outlook account along with its attributes. If this method fails due to PST file issues, you should consider repairing the Outlook data file.

Unable to find PST file? PST file not showing data even after importing? This can happen when you have a corrupt Outlook profile in other words your PST file is damaged or corrupted. In this scenario, it is recommended to repair your PST file using PST repair software.

Use Remo Repair for Outlook PST to automatically find and repair damaged or corrupt PST files and thereby restore your Outlook account with ease. With the help of just 3 clicks, the software recovers your Outlook profile including emails, contacts, calendar items, journals, tasks, etc. Download the tool for free now!

How to Recover Outlook profile using Remo Repair Outlook?

To recover outlook profile automatically using Remo, you need to download and install Remo Repair PST on your Computer and follow the below mentioned steps:

Step 1: Find your PST file

Launch the utility and from the main screen, select ‘Find PST file‘ for the software to find the PST file automatically.

Step 2: Choose between the Scan Modes

Normal Scan: When the level of PST corruption is low, a normal scan is useful because it ensures quick PST repair.

Smart Scan: It can help you in recovering emails, contacts, notes, and other Outlook data items from a severely damaged PST file. You can also select this option if the standard scan fails to repair the PST file.


Step 3: Choose the location.

After the scan is complete select a destination location for the software to save the repaired PST file, this file can be imported back to Outlook and you can restore your Outlook account with all attributes intact.

Step 4: Import the Repair PST file to Outlook

Launch Outlook, select File > Open > Open Outlook Data File. This will help you launch Outlook with a healthy PST. Make sure you open the Outlook data file that you repaired using the Remo Repair PST tool. Here’s how you can do it:

How to Manually Restore Outlook Profile for .ost Users?

If you are using an IMAP account and have a .ost file, restoring your Outlook profile is a simple task. Follow the below mentioned steps to easily restore Outlook profile on .ost file.

This is how you manually restore Outlook profile for a .ost file. If you are looking to moving your Outlook profile to another computer then it is recommended you make use of a safe and smart options for your Outlook migration.

Remo Outlook Backup and Migrate is an exclusive tool designed to put an end to all woes of Outlook data loss scenarios. With smart backup options and swift migration facility, Remo’s Outlook Backup and Migrate software is a must have tool for regular Outlook users.

Final Words:

Restoring an Outlook profile or an account may seem simple by looking at this article, however in some cases it might lead to permanent data loss if the outlook data file is not found. It is important you to take regular backup of your Outlook data file to stay away from these kind of crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What happens when an Outlook profile is deleted?
  2. When an Outlook profile is deleted all the email accounts stored in the respective profile will be lost. However, Outlook data files (pst./ost., etc.) that cater to your profile will remain. You can access these files by access.

  3. Is it possible to recover a deleted Outlook profile?
  4. Yes, you can. After Outlook profile deletion, your account informatics is saved by Microsoft for a period of 60 days. To recover your account, you may sign in to your account and restore it.

  5. What happens when you recreate an Outlook profile?
  6. Recreating an Outlook profile will cause you to lose access to all shared mailboxes. However, you can get your account reconnected once you log in.