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OST files are crucial for every Outlook user. However, OST file corruption makes the mailbox inaccessible, leading to inefficiency in your workflow. This can be a major setback to the productivity of an organization that depends on Outlook for day-to-day communication.
It is crucial to repair corrupted OST file in time to avoid losing track of communication with customers and shareholders. This article provides a detailed explanation of how to come out of this situation. From free in-built utilities to a professional Outlook OST repair solution, this guide explains it all.
100% Reliable Ways to Repair Corrupted OST Files
OST files can become corrupt and inaccessible due to hardware failures, oversized OST files, or virus/malware intrusion. Repairing the OST file is necessary to recover the lost Outlook emails. Here are three effective methods to repair OST file; choose them accordingly:
Method 1. Using OST Integrity Check (Scanost.exe)
The OST Integrity Check Tool (Scanost.exe) is available within the earlier versions of Outlook. You can use this utility to repair Outlook OST file when experiencing minor corruption issues. In some cases, this tool rebuilds the OST file, too. Here is how to repair OST file using Scanost.exe?
- Go to the below location in File Explorer to run Scanost.exe tool:Drive:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office version.
- Double-click on Scanost.exe to open the utility.
- Select the Outlook profile containing corrupt OST as per your Outlook.
- Select Scan all folders or Choose folder to scan from the OST Integrity Check window.
- Mark the check box Repair errors and click Begin Scan.
This will start the scanning of the selected OST files. After the process is completed, it will show a pop-up to finish the process. Now open your Outlook and try to access OST file.
Advantages
- Easily scans the entire OST file data & repair OST file parallelly.
- Easily finds any conflict between server and client.
- Maintains harmony between server and client.
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t maintain data integrity.
- Not capable enough to recover deleted OST files.
- Supports only Outlook version 2007 & earlier versions.
Method 2. Using Inbox Repair Tool – Scanpst.exe
Scanpst.exe is widely known as an Inbox Repair tool by Microsoft that helps to repair OST file and PST. Here is how to repair OST file using Scanpst.exe:
- Locate ScanPST.exe in the Windows File Explorer. Double-click to open it.
- Click on the Browse button. Select the corrupt OST file you want to repair. Click the Start button.
- One error and issues are found, click the Repair button.
- Click OK on the pop-up message, “Repair Complete,” to finish.
After successful OST file repair, try to open Outlook and check whether the data is accessible.
Advantages of Scanpst.exe
- Repair corrupt OST file and PST, too.
- Fix corrupted Outlook data.
- It is a free tool provided by Microsoft.
- Supports all versions of MS Outlook.
Disadvantages of Scanpst.exe
- It cannot repair OST and PST files larger than 2GB.
- Difference of files & scanpst.exe location in the system.
- Unknown security restriction cancelling Scanpst.exe launch.
- Need to run this utility many times to fix corrupt OST files.
- Scanpst.exe fails to repair OST file with severe corruption.
Method 3: Using an automated OST repair tool
Manual methods to repair OST file have their own pros and cons. These methods might help you fix the corruption issue, but always carry the risk of data loss during the process. Therefore, a better method to repair corrupted OST files would be a professional OST repair tool.
Kernel for OST to PST converter is a free tool to access and fix corrupt OST files. This OST file repair tool effortlessly removes corruption from the OST files. The user-friendly interface & robust algorithms make it one of the best OST file repair tools for users. It also helps the users to access their mailbox data stored within the OST file in the case of an unavailable original Outlook profile. You can also use the tool to resolve other OST-related issues like the Outlook “0X80072f06” error.
Advantages of OST repair tool
- Allows you to convert OST file to PST, MSG, EML, PDF & many more.
- A user-friendly interface helps you to work efficiently.
- Generate a file analysis report to analyze OST file data.
- Open healthy as well as damaged OST files.
- Open OST files without the original Outlook profile.
- Compatible with all MS Outlook, MS Exchange, and Windows OS versions.
Conclusion
Fixing your OST file corruption is a hierarchical process that includes multiple tasks. You must perform error analysis, find probable solutions, and review data contents before migrating. The in-built utility by Outlook can only fix minor problems within the OST file.
For severe file corruption, opt for a recommended OST converter tool. It will help you repair corrupted OST files while maintaining the integrity of the data. For hands-on experience with the tool, take the free trial today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. When you add an oversized or severely corrupted OST/PST file in ScanPST.exe, it fails and displays the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair tool not responding error.
Ans. The manual methods are generally not very reliable for recovering deleted OST items. Besides, Kernel for OST to PST Converter recovers deleted email items along with other data without hassle.
Ans. Yes. Manual repair methods carry some risk of data loss and severe corruption issues. That is why you should use a professional tool that resolves OST issues effortlessly.
Ans. When your OST file gets severely corrupted, native methods fail, or you want to preserve data integrity, you’re recommended to use the Kernel OST Converter tool.
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