How to Repair a Corrupt PST/OST File.(Outlook Data File)

When you use Microsoft Outlook, your email messages, calendar, tasks, and various items are saved on a mail server, on your PC, or both. Outlook items that are saved on your PC, are kept in an Outlook record (.pst and .ost).

There are 2 types of Outlook data Files utilized by Outlook. An Outlook file (.pst) is used home or small business accounts. If you're using a Microsoft Exchange account, your items are sometimes delivered to and saved on the mail server, to allow you to work with your messages even when you can’t connect to the mail server, another variety of data file that's named an offline Outlook file (.ost) is kept on your PC.

The primary variations between the 2 forms of Outlook information files are as follows:

Outlook data Files (.pst) are used for POP3, IMAP, and web-based mail accounts. When you want to create archives or duplicate your Outlook folders and items on your PC, like Exchange accounts, you must create and use extra .pst files.

Outlook data Files (.ost) are used once you have an Exchange account and want to work offline or use or use the default Cached Exchange Mode. This sort of data file is also used for accounts that you set up with the Outlook connector for Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail). Outlook data Files (.ost) are always copies of things that are saved on a mail server and don’t have to be backed up like Outlook data Files (.pst).

If your Microsoft Outlook file (.pst and .ost) won’t open, or if you think the file is corrupted, use the Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE) to diagnose and repair errors within the file. The Inbox Repair tool checks the Outlook data files on your PC to examine if they are in good shape.

Repair a .pst file

Exit Outlook and do one of the following:

Browse to C:\Program Files.

or

Browse to C:\Program Files (x86).

In the Search box, type SCANPST.EXE.

NOTES: If the search doesn't find SCANPST.EXE in one folder, try searching in the other folder Navigate to the folder location based on your version of Outlook.

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

PST Scan

Open SCANPST.EXE.

In the Enter the name of the file you want to scan box, enter the name of the .pst file you want the tool to check, or choose Browse to select the file.

NOTE: By default, a new log file is created during the scan. You can choose Options and opt not to have a log created, or you can have the results appended to an existing log file.

Choose Start to begin the scan.

If the scan finds errors, choose Repair to start the process to fix them

When the repair is complete, start Outlook with the profile associated with the Outlook Data File you just repaired.

Recreate an offline Outlook Data File (.ost)

Some account types, such as Microsoft Exchange Server, use an offline Outlook Data File (.ost). This type of data file is a copy of information saved on your mail server. If you encounter problems with an offline Outlook Data File (.ost), the file can be deleted and recreated by downloading a copy of your items again.

We don't recommend repairing an offline Outlook Data File, so if your offline data file isn't usable, you should recreate it.

Exit Outlook.

Open Control Panel, and in the Search Control Panel box, type Mail, and then choose Mail.

In the Mail Setup dialog box, choose E-mail Accounts.

NOTE: The title bar of the Mail Setup dialog box may contain the name of the current profile. To select a different existing profile, choose Show Profiles, select the profile name, and then choose Properties.

Choose the Data Files tab, select the Exchange account, and then choose Open File Location on the mini toolbar.

NOTE: A File Explorer window opens to the location of the data file for the Exchange account. The Account Settings and Mail Setup dialog boxes will remain open, behind the File Explorer window.

Close the Account Settings and the Mail Setup dialog boxes, and then return to the File Explorer window.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you close these two dialog boxes before you delete the file. If they aren't closed, Windows may display an error message about a conflict.

In the File Explorer window, right-click the Exchange data file, and then choose Delete.

NOTE: The next time you start Outlook, a new .ost file is created for the account.

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