How To Repair A PST File?

For most working professionals, Outlook is a cornerstone that streamlines your workflow allowing you to manage emails, notes, schedules, and more!

However, there may come a day when you can’t access your Outlook profile. You won’t be able to send or view sent emails, and lose access to any of the Outlook items that you regularly depend on.

This is usually caused by a damaged or corrupted PST file. You will need to repair your PST file fast as you stand a chance of missing out on important emails and more. Here, we will teach you everything that you need to know about PST files and how to repair them!

What is a PST File?

A Personal Storage Table file (or OST for short) is a file format that is used to store all your Outlook data such as notes, calendars, emails, and more! The Outlook application works with PST files to allow you to send emails, schedule emails, or create a reminder.

While the Outlook application is responsible for sending emails or creating notes, Your PST file is the reason you can store the emails you receive, or save notes to be read at a later date. Without your PST, you would not be able to take advantage of any Outlook features.

Symptoms of a Corrupted PST File

Here are some signs that may indicate that your PST file is damaged or corrupt.

1. Unable to Open Or access Outlook.
2. Unable to Open or View Sent emails.
3. Unable to find your PST file.

Note: If you are experiencing any of the above or related symptoms, make sure to export your Outlook PST file and try using it on a different system to confirm that the issue lies with the PST file and not the Outlook application.

Solutions to Fix an Outlook PST File

One thing I like about our problem here is that there are effective solutions that we can rely on.
The solutions below are arranged in terms of effectiveness and I suggest that you try both in order.

1. Repair PST File with ScanPST (Inbox Repair Tool)
2. Repair PST File using Rikvr Repair For Outlook

While both methods are user-friendly and easy to use, I would request my readers to go through all the steps before proceeding.

During the repair process, please prevent any interruptions as a precaution.

1. Repair PST File with ScanPST (Inbox Repair Tool)

Stuck with a damaged PST file? Do not worry, Microsft has you covered. Along with the Outlook application you ScanPST as well!

What is ScanPST?

Also known as the Inbox Repair Tool, ScanPST is a PST repair utility that is specifically designed to repair corrupt PST files and restore them back to how they used to be. It has several advantages.

Benefits of ScanPST

• It is extremely easy to use. (even for beginners)
• ScanPST comes pre-installed with Outlook.
• It is a free PST repair tool.
• It is effective in fixing minor PST file errors and inconsistencies.

Where Is ScanPST Located?

While ScanPST’s location is no secret, it may be slightly tricky to access, I have provided the file location of ScanPST in the list below-

1. Outlook 2021: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
2. Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
3. Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16

How do I repair my PST file using ScanPST?

Locating ScanPST is usually the hardest part, after which it’s just smooth sailing. All you need to do is open ScanPST and follow the steps below-

Note: Before starting, quit Outlook and all mail-enabled applications to diagnose and repair errors in the file.

1. After opening ScanPST, Click on Browse… and import your corrupted Outlook PST file. Then, Click on Start to confirm your choice and begin the scanning process.

2. The Scanning process will examine your PST file for any errors or inconsistencies. If any are found, there are 3 things that you need to do.

1. Check the box to create a backup of the scan file before repairing
2. Click on Browse… to select a save location and name the backup file.
3. Click on Repair to confirm your choices and begin the PST repair process.

3. After the Repair process, all that is left is to verify if ScanPST was able to repair your damaged PST file.

Why Won’t ScanPST Work?

While ScanPSt is a great tool, it does have a few drawbacks-

1. Cannot repair severely corrupted PST files.
2. Only works on PST files that are 2GB or smaller.
3. Works on the original PST file making it vulnerable to irreversible changes.
4. Manually locating and importing your PST file may be tough.

For a more effective PST repair solution, we can use specialized tools like professional PST repair software.

2. Repair PST File using Rikvr Repair For Outlook

When ScanPST won’t work, a professional PST repair tool is a good option. Third-party PST repair tools are a better option as they are easier to use and more effective compared to the inbox repair tool.

Here, we will be using Rikvr Repair For Outlook, its user-friendly design, advanced repair algorithm, and preview options make it a great solution to fix corrupted PST files.

How do I repair my PST file using Rikvr Repair For Outlook?

1. Import the Corrupted PST file

• Open Default PST File- Imports PST file from default location
• Select PST File Manually- manually browse and select the corrupted PST file
• Find All Your PST Files- The software scans the entire drive and lists out all the available PST files for you to choose from.

2. Choose a scanning method, select a save location, and click on Repair to begin the repair process.

3. Save the repaired PST file and verify the results.

Avoiding Future PST File Catastrophes

The trick to protecting yourself from the dangers of losing your Outlook PST file and the contents in it is to adopt appropriate precautions

• Regular backups- creating and regularly updating a PST backup file will protect you during a data loss scenario.
• Keeping PST files under recommended size limits- If you notice your PST file reaching its storage limit, you may want to take appropriate measures as you stand to face performance issues.
• Properly closing Outlook before shutting down the computer – abruptly shutting down your Outlook application may damage your Outlook data file.

To Conclude

While damaged Outlook PST files can cause several issues, we can always seek comfort in the fact that there are ways to resolve these problems in the comfort of our desks. I hope that you were able to repair your PST file and restore it back to health. If you have any feedback or related queries, please do reach out.