Read time 7 minutes
OST files are crucial for every Outlook user. They store a cached copy of your mailbox on your computer so you can work offline. But when they become corrupted or damaged, your entire mailbox becomes inaccessible, leading to inefficiency in your workflow. This can be a major setback to the productivity of an organization that heavily depends on Outlook for day-to-day communication. In such a situation, it becomes a necessity to repair corrupted OST files.
Best Ways to Repair Corrupted OST File
Repairing the OST file is necessary to recover the lost Outlook emails. Here are three effective methods to repair corrupt OST files; choose them accordingly:
Method 1. Using Inbox Repair Tool – Scanpst.exe
Scanpst.exe is widely known as an Inbox Repair Tool by Microsoft that helps to repair OST files and PST. Here is how to repair corrupt Outlook OST files 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.
- If any issues are found, they will be displayed in the ScanPST.exe window, then 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.
Method 2. Rebuild OST File
Misconfigurations in Outlook profile can lead to issues with OST files. To repair corrupt OST file in Outlook, you can try rebuilding the OST file. Follow the steps below to do so:
- Open the Control Panel, then look for Mail (Microsoft Outlook) and click on it.
- Click on the Data Files.
- Select your email account, then click on the Open File Location.
- You can either delete or rename the corrupted OST file.
- Reopen Outlook and it will create a fresh OST file with all mails downloaded from the server.
When Repair isn’t Enough – Recover Data from Corrupted OST
ScanPST.exe will only work if your OST file has minor corruption. But for severe corruption issues, you need to use the OST File Repair Tool that can handle severe corruption. Easily repair heavily corrupted OST files without compromising with the folder structure. It also comes with a free demo version which allows users to test software before purchasing.
- Easily auto-locate OST files from your local system.
- Repair OST emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, tasks, and other mailbox items.
- Convert OST different formats, like PST, EML, MSG, MBOX, PDF, DOC, etc.
- Zero OST file size restrictions for bulk repair.
- Repair and convert OST without needing Outlook.
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. To repair corrupted OST file in Outlook which is severely corrupted, you should opt for a tool which is specifically designed for this task. Moreover,you can also look to convert your OST files to PST as a viable alternative. Check out the Kernel OST to PST Converter tool for a hassle-free conversion in no time.
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. 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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