Repair Outlook Data Files (PST & OST) Easily

This write-up helps you understand the necessity of Outlook data files, identify common issues that arise from corruption, and provide step-by-step instructions to repair Outlook data files. Whether you’re dealing with a corrupted PST file that contains years of important emails or an OST file that has become unreadable, the methods explained here will arm you with the necessary knowledge and tools to fix the problematic data files and restore your Outlook data to working order.

Microsoft Outlook is an indispensable tool for managing emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks. However, it is not immune to issues that can disrupt its functionality. One of the most serious issues any Outlook user can encounter is corrupting Outlook data files. When PST (Personal Storage Table) and OST (Offline Storage Table) files get corrupt or damaged. Outlook users experience difficulties such as being unable to use Outlook, missing emails and other data, and encountering various issues and errors.

Signs of a Corrupt Outlook Data File

• Outlook data files cannot be accessed.
• Outlook PST file cannot be opened.
• The set of folders cannot be opened.
• The Outlook data file (.pst) format cannot be used.
• Microsoft Outlook exited without properly closing your Outlook data file.

Some common Outlook errors indicate a corrupted or damaged Outlook data file. Because of their differences in functionality, PST files and OST files require different repair methods.

How to Repair Outlook Data Files?

The answer depends on what files you want to repair. If the PST file has gotten corrupted or become damaged, you can try inbuilt tools like ScanPST or specialized tools like Remo Repair Outlook PST.

In the case of an OST file, you can try converting the problematic OST file into PST using reliable converter tools. You can also try deleting and recreating a new OST file.

Repairing Outlook Data File (PST File)

A professional PST repair tool or Microsoft’s Inbox Repair Tool can easily fix Outlook data files that users cannot open.

Method 1: Repair Outlook Data Files [PST] Using ScanPST

To repair Outlook data files PST, you can use the Outlook Inbox repair tool that comes with your PC. Refer to the following table to learn the location of the ScanPST.

Outlook 2019 & Outlook 2021	C:\Program Files\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

After locating ScanPST.exe, follow the below-mentioned steps carefully to repair the Outlook data file.

• Open Outlook and select File > Account Settings > Data Files.
• From the list of Outlook data files, choose the corrupted file with the extension .pst.
• Click on Open File Location, and note the location of the PST file.
• Next, navigate to the ScanPST location, double-click on the exe file to run the tool.
• Click on Browse and choose the corrupt PST file.

• Next, click on Start to begin the repair process.
• Once the scan is complete, you will see a message stating no errors or errors were found.
• If the tool shows any errors on the Outlook data file, click on Repair to fix the file.

Even though ScanPST can repair corrupt PST files, it cannot be relied upon completely. This is because ScanPST can only repair data files damaged by minor corruptions. If the PST file is severely corrupted, it’s best to avoid using the Outlook Inbox Repair tool.

The most effective way to repair an Outlook data file or PST file is to use professional PST file repair software. When choosing an appropriate PST repair tool, it is critical to consider the software’s safety, integrity, and efficiency.

Method 2: Repair Outlook PST Files Using Remo PST Repair

With its safe and quick Outlook data file repair process, Remo PST Repair Software is the most sought-after tool in the Microsoft Outlook community for fixing Outlook data file corruption.

The tool creates a copy of a corrupted or damaged Outlook data file before repairing it; you can always be sure that the original file maintains the safety and integrity of your Outlook data.

Download and Try now!!

Steps to Repair PST Files Using Remo Repair Outlook PST

1. Download and install Remo Repair PST on your computer and follow the steps below to repair the Outlook data file.

2. Launch the software and choose one from the following options. Select any of the above options and move on to the next screen.:

• Open Default PST File: This option will let the tool select the default PST file.
• Select PST File Manually: With this option, you can manually select the PST file by browsing.
• Find all your PST Files: This option will list all available PST files. You can choose the Outlook data file to be repaired.

3. On the next screen, you will have two options: select the most appropriate scanning method, depending on your requirements.

• Normal Scan: This option is when the level of corruption in the PST file is low.
• Smart Scan: This option can be used when the PST file is severely corrupted. Always use Smart Scan if Normal Scan fails to repair the Outlook data file.

4. Click on Repair to start repairing the Outlook data file. After completion, the software facilitates previewing recovered Outlook data in the Outlook-styled browser.

5. If you find the Outlook data recovery and repair process satisfactory, save the Outlook data files.

After you repair the PST file, the tool will save a healthy PST file in the selected destination folder. To access the contents of the repaired Outlook data file, you need to import it into your Outlook application. The next section provides instructions for importing an Outlook data file.

How to Import an Outlook Data File?

To know how to import an Outlook data file, follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Launch the Outlook application, go to File, and click Open and Export.

• Select Import/Export, click Import from another program or a File, and click Next.

• Now select Outlook data file (.pst), and click Browse to select the repaired file.

• Finally, select Replace duplicates with items imported select import items into the current folder, and hit the finish.

This brings us to the end of this section. The next section talks about repairing corrupt or damaged Outlook OST files.

Repair Outlook OST Files

OST files allow users to work offline and later synchronize with online servers. However, various reasons might damage or corrupt your Outlook data file. In this case, you will need to seek help to repair the OST file.

There are two ways to repair your Outlook data file OST: converting it to PST and deleting and recreating it.

If you have all your Outlook data saved on the server side, you can just delete and recreate your Outlook data file.

However, if you have important data in your offline Outlook data file and are not sure if it exists in the Exchange server, convert OST to PST to get back your contacts, notes, emails, and other Outlook data items.

Method 1: Convert the Problematic OST File into a Healthy PST File

Converting the OST file can not only fix the corruption but also create a healthier PST file that you can access from Outlook and allow you to transfer Outlook to a new computer.

I recommend you use the Remo OST to PST converter to help you fix your damaged Outlook data file and get it as PST. The tool extracts every piece of information from the damaged Outlook data file and creates a healthy PST file with all your data in place.

Download the software for free now.

Method 2: Fix Outlook Data File by Deleting and Recreating OST File

Unlike PST files, you can delete and recreate the OST file and connect it to the server to reconnect your emails to your mailbox. This is the biggest advantage of OST file users. To recreate the OST file, log out from your profile, delete the existing OST file, and follow the below-mentioned steps to delete and recreate an OST file:

• Microsoft Outlook, and click on File Tab.
• Now, click on Account Settings and select Data File.
• From the list, locate the corrupted Outlook data file with the extension (.ost)
• Choose the OST file and click on the file location at the top.
• Now, select the OST file and delete it.
• Next, launch the Outlook application.

You can retrieve all the Outlook data once Outlook starts the Send/Receive process.

Recreating the OST file will help you repair and access the Outlook data by syncing your Outlook account with the server.

Conclusion

Learning more about the Microsoft email service you use every day is always rewarding. This article provides all the information you need during a crisis like Outlook data file corruption.

The dedicated solutions mentioned above will help you repair Outlook data files, both OST and PST. Please let us know if you successfully fixed your Outlook data file using our article. Also, please share the article if you found it helpful.

About the Author: Tony Landry

Tony Landry is a Web Content Editor at Remo Software. He loves to write, edit, and manage content for users trying to troubleshoot and fix problems on Windows, Outlook, storage drives, and Cloud storage networks. With an aptitude that transcends writing, Tony is recognized as a Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint expert. His comprehensive solutions…