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Using reputable antivirus programs not only boosts system performance but also shields it from external threats. These tools enable you to manage viruses by deleting or quarantining them. However, it’s important to note that each antivirus program employs its unique algorithms—some permitting specific program modifications while others flag them as potential threats.
Antivirus programs can affect desktop applications like MS Outlook. Many Outlook users report issues when operating Outlook on antivirus-protected machines. The antivirus software may restrict Outlook from loading PST files. Additionally, if a PST file is infected with a virus and the antivirus is unable to remove it, the PST file may become inaccessible.
If your antivirus blocks Outlook, you might encounter one of the following error messages.
1. Your Anti-Virus software has blocked the file you were trying to open
2. Outlook PST is in use and cannot be accessed
In addition to these, antivirus programs can create various other issues.
Reasons behind PST errors caused by Antivirus
Here are some of the root causes behind PST errors triggered by antivirus programs:
- The antivirus currently running on your machine doesn’t support your recent Outlook version like 2016/2019.
- Antivirus is outdated or you are using a trial version of the program.
- You are not using a legitimate antivirus program.
- Possibly your Outlook PST has gone corrupt.
- The PST file is virus infected and the anti-virus is not capable enough to remove the virus from the file.
The primary step in resolving these issues is to ensure your antivirus is up-to-date and doesn’t restrict Outlook’s operation. If the error persists, consider using the methods outlined below:
- Update your antivirus with the recent updates
- If the file is virus infected and your anti-virus is unable to remove the virus, then delete the file as soon as possible and restore it from a valid backup.
- Use Inbox Repair tool (scanpst.exe), an inbuilt utility provided by Microsoft, to deal with the PST corruption issues.
If you haven’t backed up your Outlook data and the Inbox Repair tool fails due to severe PST corruption, it’s advisable to explore third-party Outlook repair tools as the most recommended solution.
In this regard, we have highlighted an efficient repair tool that provides a one stop solution to all your PST related issues.
Kernel for Outlook PST Repair stands out as a popular alternative to the Inbox Repair Tool and manual methods for addressing Outlook PST file corruption. This tool effectively repairs damaged PST files, recovering email messages, notes, tasks, calendars, journals, appointments, and other Outlook items. Here’s how the tool operates:
- Launch the tool and click Browse to locate the folder containing the corrupt PST.
- Select the required PST file and click Open.
- Then, click Next.
- Read the process information and click Finish.
- The next window displays the recovered data; mailbox folders are displayed on the left-hand side panel whereas the contents are displayed on the right-hand side panel. Select the required data and click Save to save the recovered PST file.
- Select PST (MS Outlook) as the output type and click Next.
- Select desired filters to save specific data from the recovered PST and click on the Next button.
- Provide a destination path to save the recovered file and click Next.
- The recovered PST file gets successfully saved to specified location; click OK to finish the process.
Wrapping Up
PST file issues arising from antivirus applications are a common challenge for many Outlook users. To address this, you can update your antivirus or configure it to allow Outlook functionalities. However, when PST files are corrupted due to virus infections that antivirus software fails to detect, it’s advisable to rely on a dependable tool like Kernel for Outlook PST Repair to resolve corruption issues.