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Written By Raj Singh
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Updated on April 22nd, 2025
Fix Outlook PST File Corruption – Causes, Solutions & Prevention
Outlook is used extensively by individuals and enterprises as an important email communication tool. It maintains vital data in PST format. However, PST files may become corrupted due to software glitches, oversized files, or unexpected system shutdowns. Such corruption can result in data loss, restricted access, and frequent errors within Microsoft Outlook. Thus, it is essential to resolve Outlook PST file corruption at the earliest to prevent disruption. In this blog, we will discuss several efficient ways to repair PST files. We will also show the advantages of using a trusted PST Recovery tool.
Reasons for Outlook Data File Corruption
Microsoft Outlook data files can become corrupted for many reasons. Knowing these reasons can prevent corruption and ensure that your important data remains safe. Some of the common reasons are:
- Exceeding the storage limit can destabilize the PST file.
- Incorrectly closing Outlook or sudden power loss while working.
- Bad sectors on your hard drive or SSD can lead to PST file corruption.
- Forcing the closure of Outlook or system crashes when Outlook is running.
- Malware can infect PST files, corrupting their structure.
- Migrating PST files across unstable networks or storage devices.
- Operating with older or unsupported versions of Outlook.
How Do I Repair Outlook PST File Corruption?
There are many methods known to restore damaged PST files. In the next section, we will explain the different ways to restore damaged Outlook data files, such as manual and effective ways.
Method 1: Repair PST File Using Outlook PST Repair Tool
To fix PST files, Microsoft offers the Inbox Repair Tool, or ScanPST.exe, within the Outlook program. This method is particularly great for fixing minor corruptions in PST files.
Steps to use SCANPST.EXE:
- Go to ScanPST.exe location. Depending upon your version of Outlook
- Double-click on SCANPST.EXE to run the program.
- Click the Browse button to select the corrupted PST file.
- Then, click the Start option to begin the scanning for any errors.
- If SCANPST.EXE finds errors, select the Make backup of scanned file before repairing option.
- Choose a destination folder for the backup file, then click Repair.
- Upon repair, a Repair Complete popup will be displayed.
- Then, click OK to complete.
Method 2: Fix “Outlook Data File Keeps Getting Corrupted” by Creating New PST File
Also, you can make a new Outlook data file to recover damaged Outlook data files. Steps are discussed below to make a new Outlook data file:
- Download and launch the Outlook email client program.
- Click on New Email, and in the new email select Outlook Data Files.
- Give the location or destination desired for the PST file and hit OK.
- Again, open the Outlook application on your system.
- Then, navigate to File >> Info >> Account Settings.
- Click on the Data Files tab and select the new PST file.
- Hit the default option to make the new PST file as a default
Method 3. Use an Automated Tool to Outlook PST File Corruption
The PST Recovery Tool is meant to restore damaged or corrupted Outlook PST files in an efficient manner. It scans and recovers inaccessible data safely. Users are able to export recovered files to Office 365, Exchange Server, and other destinations. The tool also supports both ANSI (32-bit) and UNICODE (64-bit) PST file formats. Moreover, it provides guaranteed data integrity and retains original folder hierarchy. It also provides advanced features to improve the recovery process and user experience.
Simple Steps to Repair Outlook Corrupted PST File:
- Download, install, and launch the PST Recovery software on your computer.
- Click the Open button located at the top left corner of the interface.
- Browse to the location of your saved PST file and select it.
- Now, choose the appropriate recovery mode based on the level of corruption.
- After that, use the left panel to preview the contents of your PST file.
- Select the checkboxes next to the folders you wish to recover.
- Click the Save button to proceed with saving the recovered data.
- Specify the destination folder where you want to store the repaired file.
- Finally, click Save to complete the process.
Conclusion
After going through the entire blog, you now know how to fix Outlook PST file corruption through various methods. The manual method is time-consuming and complicated for novices. Hence, using the suggested tool is a safer and simpler alternative. It secures all your Outlook emails and data. Also, there is a free trial or demo version available to assist you in testing the software before making a final choice.
Related Post: Outlook Inbox Repair Tool
Frequently Asked Questions:
1.How do I know if my PST file is corrupted?
Ans: You may see errors like “Outlook cannot open your data file” or experience missing emails and inaccessible folders.
2.Where can I find ScanPST.exe?
Ans: ScanPST.exe is located in the Microsoft Office installation folder, usually under Program Files or Program Files (x86).
- The location of ScanPST.exe varies:
- Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\ Office16
- 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.
3.Is it safe to use a PST repair tool?
Ans: Yes, trusted PST repair tools are safe to use and protect your data during recovery. They maintain the original folder structure. These tools also ensure the content remains unchanged while retrieving emails, contacts, calendars, and other Outlook data accurately.
About The Author:
Raj is a skilled technical writer who makes complicated topics easy to understand. With experience in email and cloud migration, he creates clear and engaging content that helps readers learn about technology. His work is trusted by many and has been featured on well-known tech sites.
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