How to Fix Corrupt OST File in Outlook: Ultimate Handbook

In some cases, When a user tries to access mailbox data from OST files, it shows improper behavior. There are numerous factors behind this occurring in the OST file. This circumstance can arise in any Outlook version. To fix corrupt OST file, you can check here. We have the three best methods to fix this issue. In addition, we have another post for couldn’t create Outlook data file. Most experts suggest this tool named OST file Recovery Tool. But before that, let us look into the reasons for Outlook data file corruption.

Why do OST files get Corrupted?

These are the top reasons for corrupt OST file:

• When the OST file gets oversized, there are high chances of corruption.
• When the OST file gets infected by malware or Virus, then OST files may get corrupt.
• Hardware-connected problems may also lead to Outlook data file corruption.
• If there is abrupt power loss, your Outlook files may get damaged.

The above factors are responsible for Outlook OST corrupt. Let’s look into the methods to fix corrupt OST file.

How do I Restore my Outlook OST file?

There are three methods available for rebuilding OST file:

1. Repair corrupt OST file via ScanPST.exe Tool
2. Recreate the OST file for Rebuilding OST file
3. Professional Strategy to Fix Corrupt OST File

Let’s learn about these methods one by one in the below context.

Method 1: Repair corrupt OST file via ScanPST.exe Tool

To fix corrupt OST file, use the inbuilt app of Microsoft Outlook. The name of this Outlook OST repair utility is ScanPST.exe.

1. Discover the ScanPST.exe tool for your Outlook Version.

In Outlook 2019 C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\

In Outlook 2016 C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16

In Outlook 2013 C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15

In Outlook 2010 C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14

In Outlook 2007 C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12

1. Now, tap on the Browse button to select the OST file.

2. After that, press the Start icon to proceed with scanning.

3. As the scanning procedure completes, click on Repair.

4. A message will appear on the screen. Here, hit the OK tab.

5. Finally, check if you can access your Outlook and File items.

Read more: Corruption in PST Files

This method is effective and provides Results. However, if some problem persists and it doesn’t fix the damaged OST file. Then, you can try the following manual technique.

Method 2: Recreate the OST file for Rebuilding OST file

If the above method doesn’t work for you, try the other way. Here, we will restore corrupt OST file by recreating a new OST file.

1. Firstly, to start the process, shut down the MS Outlook.

2. Then, find the damaged OST file for the Windows version you are using:

Windows 10drive: \Users\< Username >\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

Windows 8 & 8.1drive: \Users\< Username >\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

Windows 7 & Vistadrive: \Users\< Username >\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

Windows XP drive: \Documents and Settings\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

1. After this, copy and save the OST file to the new secure site.

2. Meanwhile, also delete the OST file from the default area.

3. Finally, open Microsoft Outlook to form a new OST file. It will Fix corrupt OST files and the corruption concerns.

These manual techniques are some best available free solutions. However, we must consider the flaws of manual tricks before using them. Let us discuss these shortcomings in the following para.

Restrictions of Manual Procedures

The manual ways used above are not free from flaws: Following are the limitations of using Manual procedures:

• It can only repair corrupt OST file with minor issues. But can’t fix highly corrupted files.
• The manual process has the disadvantage of not being able to repair large files.
• These procedures don’t confirm data safety.
• Need to run this utility ordinarily to fix files
• Non-tech users may face difficulty in completing the process without technical aid.

These are major weak points of manual approaches. To fix these issues, you can try the Professional method. Let us learn about it in the successive context.

Method 3: Professional Strategy to Fix Corrupt OST File

The fast and easy approach for Outlook OST repair is a professional utility. In this context, the best third-party Solution is OST File Recovery Tool. It repairs and recovers OST files without any issues in less time. In addition, The simple and interactive GUI of this tool makes the task of conversion easy. Thus, novice users can also use this tool with ease. The software can recover files of a bigger size also. Additionally, the best feature of this tool is that it can repair highly damaged files safely. Finally, let us conclude the whole write-up in a few sentences.

To Summarize

Let’s see all the learnings from this write-up. Here, we have included all the best ways to fix corrupt OST file. It contains two manual fixes for rebuilding OST file. But, the manual tricks were not free from defects. Here, we also discussed the professional procedure for restoring the OST file. To sum up, I want to advise users to use the Professional way for safe recovery.