Overview
Are you facing OST file corruption in Outlook? And looking for tips to avoid OST file corruption in Outlook? Then you should read the article, as solving the problems is great, but it can only provide relief for temporary basis. Moreover, knowing the root cause of the problem can help you a lot, and you can avoid the problem from happening.
Additionally, in this article, I’ll explain everything from the basics, for example, what an Outlook OST file is, how corruption happens, signs that your file is not healthy, tips to prevent the corruption, multiple techniques to solve it, and last but not least, some common questions that will solve your queries.
So let’s dive into it without wasting any time.
Also read: Fix Exchange is Currently in Recovery Mode
What is an OST File in Outlook?
Before we move further, let’s know what this file’s format is-
OST – Offline Storage Table is basically a local copy of your mailbox data saved on your computer in MS Outlook.
It stores your:
• Emails
• Contacts
• Calendar entries
• Attachments
• Tasks
• Notes, and much more information
Furthermore, when you’re online, it syncs automatically to the Exchange Server; in fact, you can access it offline trouble-free.
OST File Corruption – Common Causes
In this section, you can read about the common cause that leads to file corruption-
• Sudden system shutdown – If you turn off your system abruptly while Outlook is still running, it can cause corruption of files.
• Power failures – Unexpected power cuts can interrupt synchronization and damage the files affect the OST file.
• Large OST file size – Oversized files become unstable and prone to corruption as they are hard to handle and store.
• Virus or malware attacks – A malicious program can damage your data files and can cause data corruption.
• Faulty add-ins or software conflicts – Third-party add-ins can interfere with Outlook’s normal operation and affect the OST file.
Consequently, these factors can lead to severe issues if not addressed early.
Signs Your OST File is Corrupted
Knowing the causes of corruption is important to prevent future damage.
However, here are some points that will help you know that your files are corrupted and now you need to fix them.
• Outlook crashes or freezes – The application stops responding frequently while working.
• Error messages appear – Messages like “Cannot open Outlook data file” or “Synchronization failed”.
• Missing emails or folders – Some emails, contacts, or calendar items disappear unexpectedly.
• Slow performance – Outlook takes unusually long to open or load emails.
• Fails to send or receive emails – Emails cannot be sent or received due to sync issues.
Hence, if you are facing any of these issues in outlook then your file is corrupted. Clearly, early detection helps minimize damage.
Tips to Prevent OST Files from Corruption
In this part, I’ll list some tips to avoid OST file corruption in Outlook that you can follow-
• Keep Microsoft Outlook Updates
You should update Outlook regularly that will help you to prevent bugs and synchronization errors that can damage your OST file.
• Update Windows Regularly
Always keep your Windows updated to maintain system stability and reduce risks of corruption.
• Manage Mailbox Size
Archive old emails, delete unnecessary attachments, and empty the delete items to avoid file overload.
• Avoid Force Shutdown
Always close Outlook properly before shutting down, as an abrupt shutdown can damage the files.
• Use Reliable Antivirus Protection
Scan your system religiously to prevent malware from damaging or corrupting OST files. Moreover, a reliable antivirus ensures long-term system safety.
You can try these tips to avoid OST file corruption in Outlook. Nevertheless, it might not work for a severe corruption scenario.
Therefore, you can check out some manual and expert techniques to repair corrupted Outlook OST files when these methods aren’t helping you. Consequently, you have multiple options for recovery.
Techniques to Solve Corruption of the OST file
If your OST is severely corrupted, you can try these methods to solve OST file corruption in Outlook-
NOTE – The 1st and 2nd methods are technical, which require expertise. They can be complex, time-consuming, and risky to use. In additional they are not suitable for beginners.
1. Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) Use
This technique is the Inbox Repair Tool, a built-in Microsoft Outlook feature. It helps to repair corrupted Outlook OST files with minor issues. However, this feature isn’t available in Outlook 2010 or later versions.
1- Close Outlook properly before starting the repair process.
2- Then locate ScanPST.exe, which is usually located in one of these folders-
• C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX
3- Now double-click ScanPST.exe to open it.
4- Next, Browse and choose the OST Outlook data files that you want to fix.
5- Then click Start Scanning to scan the file for errors.
6- And if errors are found, tap on Repair; it can take a few minutes depending on the file size.
7- Finally, once the process is done, open Outlook and check if the issue is resolved or not.
Afterward, you can continue to monitor your OST file regularly.
2. Recreate the OST File
In some cases, your Outlook profile can cause issues. Similarly, creating or repairing a new profile can help you fix corruption in the Outlook OST file.
1- First, look for Control Panel>Mail>Show Profiles.
2- Then, choose your Outlook profile and click Properties>Email Accounts.
3- Next, select your account and then click Repair.
4- Lastly, follow the instructions and restart Outlook.
3. Smart Way to Fix OST Corruption | Using Expert Tool
If none of the techniques work for you and you want a safe option, you can use a highly professional Softaken OST to PST Converter that quickly scans and repairs corrupted, orphaned, inaccessible, and damaged Outlook OST files. It comes with advanced features like batch migrations, large file support, data integrity and structure preservation, preview feature, selective conversion, and also supports encrypted files.
In addition, this tool supports both the latest and older versions of Outlook and Windows.
You can run this tool by following these simple steps-
1: Install the tool on your computer after downloading it.
2: After that, select Browse and add any size OST file.
3: Examine the uploaded document after receiving a proper preview.
4: Select PST as your output format’s export type.
5: Next, save your converted file by setting the output destination.
6: Lastly, click the Convert Now button.
Finally, your Outlook OST data is restored safely trouble free.
Conclusion
In this article, I have explained how OST file corruption can disrupt your workflow and provided tips to avoid it. Understanding its causes, recognizing early warning, and applying preventive measures can help you avoid OST file corruption in Outlook.
Moreover, when issues become severe, using reliable repair methods or expert tools can ensure safe and complete recovery. All the techniques are good; however, the ScanPST.exe and Repair Outlook profile are manual methods, which means they are time-consuming, risky, and need technical knowledge.
On the other hand, a professional tool is advanced, quick, and maintains data integrity, which makes it reliable to use.
Therefore, if you want a safe and easy way to fix damaged OST files without technical complications, try the free demo version of the professional tool before investing in the full version.
FAQs
Q1. How do I fix a corrupt OST file in Outlook 365?
Try using ScanPST.exe or recreate the Outlook profile techniques if you have technical knowledge.
Q2. How to Repair an OST file without Outlook?
You can use a professional converter that will repair and restore your data.
Q3. How to Fix a Corrupted Encrypted OST file?
This can only be done by a specialize software that can support password-protected OST file recovery.