Read time 5 minutes
An OST file, short for ‘Offline Storage Table,’ functions as a mirror image of the entire content residing in your Outlook mailbox. Occasionally, Microsoft Outlook might encounter errors and become unable to open due to issues stemming from a corrupted or deleted OST file.
OST file corruption can stem from various factors, such as incompatible Outlook add-ins, file system corruption, storage limitations, accidental deletion of the Exchange mailbox, inefficient synchronization, or improper file system recovery procedures, among others.
At times, you may encounter an error message like “Errors Have Been Detected In The File Xxx.Ost,” where ‘Xxx’ represents the file name code. When facing such an error, it’s advisable to first explore Microsoft’s built-in utility for resolving the issue before considering alternative solutions.
Solution 1: Creating OST File Again –
Microsoft Exchange Server relies on an offline Outlook Data File (.ost). If you encounter any issues with this file, you can restore your mailbox data by recreating it. To recreate OST files, please follow the steps outlined below.
- Step 1. From Control Panel, select Mail option. To change current profile name, click on Show Profiles in Mail Set-up box.
- Step 2. Select the profile name and click on Properties.
- Step 3. Click on E-mail Accounts to go to Account Settings.
- Step 4. Within Account Settings, click on Data Files and select file path.
- Step 5. From Outlook Data Files, select Open File Location. File explorer window with required file location will get opened.
- Step 6. Close Account Settings box and Mail Set-up box by clicking on cross button on right corner. Go to file explorer window opened earlier. Delete that particular corrupted OST file by right clicking on it. The very next time you open MS Outlook, a new .ost file with original stored data is created for the account.
- Step 1. In default location for Microsoft Office program file, search Scanpst.exe application and run it. A Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool box is popped up, click on Browse to select that particular corrupted .ost file path.
- Step 2. Click on Start to start the process of repair.
- Step 3. A dialogue box signaling errors in file is popped up. To make backup of scanned file before repairing, an option is also available. Select checkbox to save a backup otherwise unselect it. File details can also be seen by clicking on Details option. Click on Repair to repair the corrupted .ost file.
- Step 4. Now a dialogue box with text Repair complete is popped up which shows that repair process is complete.
- Step 5. Open MS Outlook to confirm that file is repaired and data is accessible.
Nonetheless, there exists a possibility that these built-in tools may fall short in backing up the entire mailbox data or may be unable to effectively repair and display corrupted OST files. Therefore, the utilization of external repair software becomes necessary to address this issue.
Kernel for OST to PST Converter software stands out as an effective repair solution, enabling the restoration of complete backups of lost or deleted OST files. This software flawlessly converts OST to PST files in various formats as per your needs. It boasts In-Built search functionality and intelligent filters to streamline your tasks. Both the ‘Trial’ and ‘Full version’ offer valuable features. In the Trial version, you can restore up to 25 files from each folder within the mailbox at no cost. For restoring more than 25 files in each folder, the full software license is available for purchase.
Conclusion
OST file corruption can result from various causes, posing a direct threat to your stored data. When Outlook displays the error message “Errors Have Been Detected In The File Xxx.Ost” due to an unidentified error in the OST file, it becomes imperative to address the issue promptly. In such circumstances, you can utilize the built-in Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool for resolution. Alternatively, recreating the OST file is another viable option to explore. However, if corruption renders your files inaccessible, consider Kernel for OST to PST as an ideal solution to recover and restore your data.