How one can restore a Microsoft Outlook PST or OST file

You get errors or errors in Microsoft Outlook and suspect that the issue could also be attributable to corruption in your private listing file, which incorporates all of your e-mail and different content material. To assist find the reason for the issue, Microsoft provides the built-in Inbox Restore software, also referred to as ScanPST.

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The ScanPST software can scan a Private Storage Desk, PST, or Offline Storage Desk, OST, file to diagnose and restore errors within the file. These file codecs are utilized in Outlook to retailer information domestically for private backup and offline entry, respectively. If the software finds any corruption, it provides to restore the errors. This is the way it works.

Earlier than making an attempt to revive a file, the software routinely creates a backup. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll need to have your personal backup as an added security measure. To seek out the placement of the PST or OST file, open Outlook and click on the File menu. Click on the Account Settings button after which choose the Account Settings command.

Within the Account Settings window, click on the Knowledge Recordsdata tab. Study the trail for the file you need to scan and open it in File Explorer. Shut Outlook. Then merely create a backup copy of the file. In case you encounter an error in regards to the file being closed if you attempt to again it up, guarantee that Outlook and any purposes that use or combine with Outlook are closed. If vital, open Process Supervisor to see if there are any applications that should be shut down.

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In File Explorer, browse to the folder containing scanpst.exe to launch the software. The situation varies barely relying in your taste of Outlook and whether or not it’s the 32-bit or 64-bit model. For the 64-bit model, begin by looking to C:Program FilesMicrosoft Workplace. For the 32-bit model, browse to C:Program Recordsdata (x86)Microsoft Workplace. From there, drill right down to the next places:

Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019 and 2016 – ..rootOffice16.

Outlook 2013 – ..Office15

Outlook 2010 – ..Office14

Outlook 2007 – ..Office12

If you cannot find the file by a selected path in File Explorer, merely seek for scanpst.exe. Double click on on the file. The window lists the trail for the PST or OST file. If it factors to the unsuitable file, click on the Browse button and choose the right file.

With the right PST or OST file listed, click on the Begin button. The software goes by eight phases. Assuming the file is corrupt, the software will cease in some unspecified time in the future and inform you that it has discovered errors within the file. Clicking the Particulars button could or could not can help you present extra info. Both manner, click on on the Restore button.

The software will then show a notification telling you when the restore is full. Click on OK. Run the software once more to see in case your PST or OST file now passes the check. If further errors are discovered, click on the Restore button once more.

Sooner or later, the software could point out that it has discovered solely minor inconsistencies within the file and that it’s non-compulsory to restore them. As an alternative of restoring it once more, you would possibly need to verify this system’s log file to see the scan outcomes.

To do that, go to the folder that incorporates your PST or OST file. Double-click the log file that begins with the identical identify as your mailbox. The log file incorporates plain textual content, so you may learn it in Notepad or an identical textual content editor. Then open Outlook and attempt to replicate the habits that triggered the issues within the first place.

If Outlook is working correctly, you are good to go. If not, chances are you’ll need to strive one other restore or take into account different causes for the errors plaguing Outlook.

How can I inform if my PST file is corrupted?

Frequent indicators of corrupt PST information embody:

• Error messages, similar to “the file (filename).pst can’t be opened.”
• Outlook doesn’t open or crashes when accessing the PST file.
• Emails, contacts or calendar entries are lacking or can’t be accessed.
• Delays when opening or navigating inside folders saved within the PST file.

Emails present unusual characters or incomplete information.

SEE: How one can Scan and Restore Corrupt System Recordsdata in Home windows 11

How can I forestall future PST file corruption?

PST file corruption might be prevented with the next greatest practices:

• Preserve PST information as small as potential: Archive outdated emails, delete pointless gadgets and cut up giant PST information into smaller ones.
• Shut Outlook appropriately: Click on File > Exit, and do not shut down your laptop abruptly when it is working.
• Set up the most recent Outlook updates and antivirus software program: Holding software program up-to-date ensures bug fixes, whereas antivirus software program prevents malware that may corrupt PST information.
• Improve defective or unreliable {hardware}: This consists of laborious drives or USB drives for storing PST information.
• Allow auto-archive: AutoArchive reduces the scale of your energetic PST file by transferring older gadgets to an archive.
• Don’t use PST information for processing giant quantities of knowledge: For instance, frequent import/export and huge attachments.

How can I get better PST information with out ScanPST?

You do not essentially want to make use of ScanPST to get better corrupted information. One various manner is to create a brand new PST file after which import the info.

1. Go to File > Account Settings > Knowledge Recordsdata > Add, then choose “Outlook Knowledge File (.pst)” and save the brand new file.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export and choose “Import from one other program or file”. Then choose ‘Outlook Knowledge File (.pst)’.
3. Flick thru your corrupted PST and choose “Don’t import duplicates,” then full the wizard to maneuver any recoverable information to the brand new PST file.

You may as well restore from a latest backup of the broken PST file you probably have one.

Typically corruption is restricted to sure add-ons or settings, relatively than the PST file itself. On this case, you may entry your non-corrupted file in Outlook’s Secure Mode, the place such settings are disabled. Press Home windows + R, sort outlook.exe /secure, and press Enter to launch it, and if you happen to can entry your information, take into account disabling problematic add-ons.

Fiona Jackson up to date this text in January 2025.