Proven Methods to Open Corrupted PST File

open corrupted PST file

PST files are the online replica of user mailboxes in Microsoft Outlook. It stores messages, calendars, contacts, and other items. Thus, it is vulnerable to many issues. They might display undesirable behavior like inaccessibility, corruption, or synchronization issues due to reasons like accidental deletion of a user account on Outlook, termination of Outlook randomly, system slowdown or crash, power failure, etc.  In this article, we have discussed different conditions in which you may need to retrieve emails from an Outlook Data File (.pst). In addition, we have also explained how to Open corrupted PST Files manually or by using an Outlook PST Repair Tool.

What is Outlook Data File(.pst)?

PST stands for Personal Storage Table, formerly known as Online Outlook Data Files, is an online file format offered by Outlook that stores and includes mailbox items like copies of messages, calendar events, journals, tasks, and others. It supports to store in different popular Microsoft software such as Microsoft Exchange Client, Windows Messaging, and Microsoft Outlook. Situations may crop up when you need to retrieve emails from a PST file.

Repair an Outlook data file (. pst) file -Reasons

Different reasons lead to the corruption or damage of PST files. Some of them are listed below:

  • A situation where you do not let the PST file size exceed their limit and gets corrupted.
  • Don’t turn off Microsoft Outlook properly.
  • The occurrence of issues in any physical or hardware part of the system will damage the PST file.
  • Sometimes, the Outlook is in the running or working stage, and the system may get shut down accidentally.
  • PST may get damaged due to a virus or any malware issue.

Before working with the process to open Corrupted PST file, there are a few things that the users should keep in their minds to get rid of the damaged PST file.

How do I Prevent a PST file from Corrupting?

  • Do not let the PST file size exceed its limit.
  • Don’t store PST files on a faulty network drive.
  • Avoid working with the bulk of emails simultaneously.
  • You have to keep away from using irrelevant Outlook add-ins.
  • Requires to close Outlook properly.
  • Turn off the computer correctly.
  • Make sure to use antivirus programs.
  • Shut down your Windows computer while working on Microsoft Outlook 2019, 2016, or any version.

Two Best Methods to Open Corrupted PST Files

The article describes the 2-best and simple methods to repair Outlook PST files. The first one is the manual in which you have to download scanpst.exe, and another way to recover data from corrupt PST is the free PST repair tool.

  1. Inbox Repair Tool Download:- It checks the Outlook data files(pst) on your system to see if they’re in good shape or not.
  2. Outlook Repair Tool:- It successfully recovers mailbox data from the corrupt PST file without any data loss.

Method 1: How to Repair an Outlook PST File Manually? 

If you want to fix PST file corruption or damage, then you have to use the Scanpst.exe Outlook tool. It is also known as Inbox Repair Tool, developed to recover all the mailbox data associated with the Outlook data file (.pst) instantly. To proceed with the manual method, follow the below-given steps carefully:

Note:- It is required to take the backup of the Outlook PST file before repairing.

Firstly, you have to exit Outlook and locate the ScanPST tool on your Windows PC. Use the below-mentioned path as per your Outlook versions:

  • 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, open the scanpst repair tool by double-clicking on it.
  1. The software opens with the below-given wizard.
  1. Here, select the Browse button to add the Outlook PST file in the software.
  1. Then click on the Start button to initiate the scanning process of the added PST file.
  1. Wait till the scanning process gets completed, and click on the Repair button to fix the corruption of the PST file.
  1. Finally, you will find a pop-up box that comes with the message Repair Complete. Click Ok and close the utility.

What Happens after you Repair a PST file Using ScanPST?

After you complete the repairing of the corrupt PST files, open your MS Outlook account. In case you have multiple Outlook profiles, you have to open Outlook with the repaired PST. Implement the steps below to access missing or deleted emails, contacts, reminders, and other Outlook folders.

In the Folder list, you have to locate the Recovered Personal Folders (which means the folder gets created after PST file repairing). Further, it includes all your default folders items such as Calendar, Contacts, Deleted Items, Inbox, Journal, Notes, Outbox, Sent Items, and Tasks.

But if you find the above-recovered folders empty, then check out the Lost and Found folder. It includes all your recovered items. Still, the restored Outlook items can’t be placed in their original structure. So to overcome this issue, you have to create a new Outlook PST file.

Step-By-Step Guide to Create a New Outlook Data (PST) Files

  1. First, Outlook and go to the File tab and opt for the Info section.
  2. Under the Account Settings, select Account Settings from the drop-down.
  3. Here, you have to select the Data files and click on the Add tab.
  4. Now, assign the name of the new PST file to the field specified.
  5. After that, click on the Ok button, and your PST gets created within a few seconds.

Method 2: How to Repair PST File Without Scanpst? – Professional Solution

Aryson PST Repair Tool is a multi-featured and powerful tool that allows users to repair damaged/corrupt Outlook Data Files (PST) without any data loss. The software can open corrupted PST files & Retrieve deleted emails/attachments instantly.

Steps to Open Corrupt PST File Using Outlook PST Repair Tool

  1. Download & Install the PST Repair Tool and run it as administrator.
  1. Use the Open button to select the PST file and choose the scanning mode. Click Ok.
  1. The software shows you the folders present on your selected PST file.
  1. Now, click the Save button to backup the recovered folders in a specific file.
  1. Select the Saving format(PST) or other formats like DBX/MBOX/EML/MSG.
  2. Then choose the required inbuilt features and click Ok.
  1. Finally, you will find a pop-up showing-Scanning Process Completed. Click Ok.

Conclusion

There can be different reasons behind the corruption of the PST file in Outlook, such as the ones discussed in this article. You can try the manual solution that allows you to open corrupted PST File(s). But, performing manual recovery of Outlook data file data can be time-consuming and requires technical knowledge too. However, you can simplify fixing corrupt PST by using professional software.

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