How to Access Corrupt Outlook Data Files: A Compréhensive Guide

Unlocking Your Corrupt Outlook Data Files: Step-by-Step Solutions

Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client that helps users manage their emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks efficiently. However, sometimes, the Outlook data files (.pst and .ost) can get corrupted, making it difficult or impossible to access your crucial information. In this guide, we will discuss how to access corrupted Outlook data files using various methods and tools.

Identifying the Symptoms of Corrupted Outlook Data Files

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to recognize the signs of a corrupted Outlook data file. Some common symptoms include:
Inability to open or access the Outlook application.
Frequent error messages while using Outlook.
Emails or other items disappear from your inbox or folders.
Slow performance and frequent crashes in the Outlook application.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, your Outlook data files may be corrupted. Let’s explore the steps you can take to regain access to your data.

Method 1: Use the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe)

Microsoft provides an inbuilt utility called the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) to repair corrupted Outlook data files. Follow these steps to use the tool:
Close Microsoft Outlook.
Locate the ScanPST.exe file on your computer. The location varies depending on your Outlook version and Windows installation.
Double-click the ScanPST.exe file to launch the tool.
Click “Browse” to locate the corrupted .pst file on your computer.
Click “Start” to initiate the scanning and repairing process.
Once completed, you can open Outlook to verify if your data has been restored.

Method 2: Create a New Outlook Profile

If the Inbox Repair Tool fails to fix the issue, you can create a new Outlook profile to access your data:
Close Microsoft Outlook.
Open the Control Panel and click “Mail.”
In the Mail Setup dialog box, click “Show Profiles.”
Click “Add” to create a new profile.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the new profile with your email account.
Set the new profile as the default, and restart Outlook.

Method 3: Use Third-Party Outlook Recovery Tools

Several third-party tools can help you access corrupted Outlook data files. Some popular options include Stellar Repair for Outlook . This tool offers advanced features to recover and repair Outlook data files, ensuring that you regain access to your emails and other information.

Below are some key features of the software :

• Stellar Repair for Outlook can scan large-sized PST files without any issues.
• Its email administrator can succesfully extract mailbox data from corrupt PST.
• This advanced tool can restore mailbox data even from password-protected PST.
• Stellar PST Recovery tool is capable of retrieving data from emptied deleted items and deleted mails from inbox.
• The software shows a tree-like preview of recoverable mail items – email text, calendars, contacts, hyperlinks, etc. as well.
• It also allows recovering an individual email by selecting the desired mail from the preview pane.
• Users can save scanned PST files into a DAT format and perform the recovery process later at their convenience by loading the saved file into the software and performing recovery. This process will not require rescanning of the PST.
• The software allows users to export mailbox data into PST, PDF, EML, HTML, MSG and RTF formats which allow it to be accessed on different applications – MS Outlook, Web browsers and PDF readers.
• This amazing Outlook email recovery tool allows you to save the recovered PST file on any storage media you choose. You can save it on the external hard drive, internal storage, and also on network storage – NAS, Cloud, SAN and WAN accessible through the host system.
• The software also has advanced filters that allow users to include/exclude mail items like junk mail, mail from a specific mail address, filtering emails according to a specific date range, etc. while saving the recovered PST files.
• The Technician edition of the software connects to the Live Exchange mailbox and export the recovered mailbox items directly to a mailbox on Exchange Server or Office 365.
• The software is available in six languages – English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.
• This amazing Outlook PST Repair tool is compatible with Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003.
• System Requirements for Stellar Repair for Outlook :
• Intel-compatible (x86, x64) processor
• Minimum 4GB (Recommended 8GB) memory
• Hard disk of 250 MB for installation of files
• Works on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and below

How Stellar Repair for Outlook works? A step –by step guide

Step 1: Launch the software and click on either ‘List Profiles’ or ‘Choose manually’

Step 2: If you click on the ‘List Profiles’ option, it will auto-scan & will list all Outlook data files associated with your Outlook account. Select the Outlook data file from the list and click ‘Repair’.

Step 3: By clicking on ‘Choose Manually’, you can browse the Outlook data file (OST/PST) you wish to repair if the file is not located at the default location. For this, you can use the ‘Find’ option to search and select the OST or PST file.

Step 4: The software can simultaneously scan and repair the selected Outlook file.

Step 5: When the repair process is completed, a ‘Repair Complete’ message box pops up. Click on ‘OK’ and you will see an enhanced preview of recoverable OST/PST file items.

Step 6: From this preview, you can select the mail items that you wish to recover. Click on ‘Save Repaired File’ under the ‘Home’ menu. Select the desired file format from the ‘Save as’ menu and click on ‘Next’.

Step 7: Click on ‘Browse’ to select the location where you want to save the recovered mail items in the new PST file. Click on ‘Apply Advance Filter’ to filter out unwanted mail items – junk mail or deleted items, etc. Click ‘OK’.

Step 8: The recovered PST file will be saved at your selected location. Click on the ‘How to Import PST File’ link to import PST file into your Outlook profile.

Pricing of Stellar Repair for Outlook

Stellar Repair for Outlook is available in three editions :

• Professional – Priced at $79.
• Technician – Priced at $149
• Toolkit – Priced at $199

Each Edition comes with different features that match the user’s requirements.

Preventing Outlook Data File Corruption

To minimize the risk of Outlook data file corruption in the future, follow these best practices:
Regularly back up your Outlook data files to avoid data loss.
Keep your Outlook application and Windows OS up-to-date.
Avoid storing large volumes of emails and attachments in a single folder.
Use reliable antivirus software to protect your system from malware.

Conclusion

Accessing corrupted Outlook data files can be challenging, but the solutions outlined in this guide should help you regain control of your vital information. Whether you choose to use the Inbox Repair Tool, create a new Outlook profile, or employ third-party recovery tools, it’s essential to follow the recommended best practices to prevent future file corruption.