How do you repair PST file without data loss? Quick Guide

Corrupted PST files may lead to data loss, error messages in Outlook, or even render data files inaccessible, among other issues. How is a PST file corrupted? Because these PST files are created in various situations, their corruption occurs for multiple reasons. Let us discuss that further.

Causes of Outlook PST File Corruption

Microsoft Outlook PST files may corrupt for a variety of reasons. However, once you know what causes such corruption, you will be better prepared to avoid such problems and prevent the corruption of your valuable data. Some of the reasons why PST files get corrupted are:

• Device failure: The failure in the device software resulted in the inactivation of the application, thereby causing corruption in the PST files.
• Power failure: In case there is a power failure, Outlook also closes abruptly, thus, causing corruptions in PST files.
• Damaged network devices: PST files, being kept over the network, are prone to any network problem that may lead to PST file damage.
• Virus attacks: Virus attacks break the data of the whole system, along with PST files.
• Oversized PST files: PST corruption also occurs because the file size increases as your PST grows.

Once you understand the more common causes of PST file corruption, you can go ahead to see the methods of preventing PST file corruption and, hence, safeguard your precious Outlook data.

How Do I Fix a Corrupted PST File?

Here are some known procedures to resolve corrupted PST files. In the following section, we shall outline the manual methods for fixing corrupted Outlook data files and reliable solutions. Let’s go through the next section and simplify them one by one separately:

1. Fix the Outlook PST file With the Outlook PST Repair Tool.

To repair PST files, Microsoft offers the Inbox Repair Tool, also known as ScanPST.exe, which is included with the Outlook program. This approach is especially useful for repairing minor corruptions within PST files.

Steps to use SCANPST.EXE

1. Navigate to ScanPST.exe Location. Depending on your version of Outlook

The location of ScanPST.exe varies:

• 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. Double-click on SCANPST.EXE to start the program.
2. Next, click the Start option to begin scanning for errors.
3. If SCANPST.EXE shows an error, pick the Make backup of scanned file before repairing option.
4. Choose a backup location for the resultant output files, and click Repair to begin fixing the file.
5. Once the repair is finished, a “Repair Complete” popup will appear.
6. After that, click OK to finish.

If you have a backup of your PST file, restoring it can be the easiest solution, provided you’ve been consistently backing up your Outlook data. This method allows you to repair Outlook PST files without using the ScanPST tool.

2. Generate a New PST File and Import Data Into it

Furthermore, it has also provided the facility for creating a new Outlook data file for the repair of corrupt Outlook data files. 

1. Download and open the MS Outlook email client application.
2. Click on the option New Email and, in the new email, select Outlook Data Files.
3. Specify the destination where you want the PST file to be located, then click OK. 

That is how a new PST file is created.

Set the new PST file as the default by following the steps below:

1. Open the Outlook application in your system.
2. Then go to File >> Info >> Account Settings.
3. Click on the Data Files tab and select the new PST file. 
4. Then, choose the Default option and restart Outlook.

3. Accessing Outlook in Safe Mode

Opening Outlook in Safe Mode can help to bypass problems and errors of PST files.

1. Open the Run dialog by using the Win + R shortcut keys.
2. Type outlook.exe /safe, and then press the Enter key.

Outlook will be prompted to start in Safe Mode. Now, you can try accessing and then moving the data to a new PST file.

Note:–  Manual methods will not work if the files are severely damaged or corrupted. It would be better to rely on professional tools in such cases.

4. How to Repair PST File Without ScanPST?

The Aryson PST Recovery tool is designed to repair corrupted Outlook PST files. It effectively scans damaged PST files and recovers lost data from the PST file. Additionally, you can export these files to Office 365, Exchange Server, and more. The tool ensures data security and integrity while offering a range of features, including:

• This software entirely recovers mailbox data from an extremely corrupt PST file.
• It saves the restored file in multiple file formats according to your needs.
• Moreover, it enables preview panels that inform you of what data has been chosen and allows you to confirm it.
• It scans a particular folder for the Outlook file in the advanced search section to give it a precise output.
• In addition to this, it supports various recovery modes, according to which any severity of PST corruption can be repaired.
• It has two PST file types-the 32-bit version, also called ANSI, and the 64-bit version, also called UNICODE.
• Besides, it supports all the versions of Windows OS.

Simple Steps to Repair Outlook Data Files:

1. Firstly, download and run the PST Recovery software on your system. 
2. After that, tap the open button to choose PST files to recover.
3. Browse the corrupt PST file from your device, and click the OK button. 
4. Now pick the recovery modes: Standard, Advanced, or Deep according to your needs. 
5. Now, give the PST file details, like file type and file encryption type.
6. Next, select a location on the system to save the recovered data. 
7. You can also explore the software’s additional features for improved results.
8. Finally, click OK to begin saving your recovered PST data.

Conclusion

Thus, after reading the entire blog you have a better understanding of how to repair Outlook data files. The task can be achieved in different methods as discussed above. However, the manual procedure is pretty lengthy and tough for newbie users. Therefore, it is advisable to go ahead with the utility provided above to keep all your important Outlook emails and other information in one place and safe. Also, you will obtain a free trial or demo version of the application to comprehend and accomplish it properly. Also, there is no need for technical knowledge to use this software. So, it is applied for both technical and novice users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)