How to Fix a Corrupted OST File: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions

Summary: Over the years, MS Outlook has become the most trusted way of exchanging information. But sometimes, this data can get damaged or corrupted due to multiple reasons. So, here we will discuss various solutions for retrieving corrupt OST files. At last, we will also mention about an OST recovery software for efficient and quick data recovery.

Introduction

Microsoft Outlook uses OST files to store a local, synchronized copy of mailbox data, allowing users to access emails and other items offline. However, OST files can become corrupted due to synchronization issues, Outlook crashes, profile problems, storage errors, and other factors.

In this guide, we’ll explain the common causes and symptoms of OST corruption and explore practical ways to repair, rebuild, or recover the affected data.

Most Common Reasons for OST file Corruption

There are several reasons why OST files are damaged. Here are some of the most common reasons for the same:

• Malfunctioning of the storage device, hard drive and sudden power loss can be a reason for damaged OST files.
• Failure of MS Outlook to process information and synchronize data on a real-time basis.
• Storage limitations in MS Outlook can also result in data corruption to a great extent.
• Synchronization errors can be a reason behind this too.

Now that we know why our OST file formats are vulnerable to corruption, let us know more of the solutions which can be deployed to get back the data.

Signs Your OST File May Be Corrupted

• Outlook won’t start or repeatedly crashes
• Outlook says it cannot open the data file
• Mail folders fail to open
• Emails are missing or not displaying correctly
• Outlook repeatedly asks for synchronization
• Search results are incomplete
• Outlook remains stuck on “Processing”
• Mailbox folders don’t synchronize correctly
• Calendar or contact data doesn’t update
• Outlook becomes unusually slow

Important: Don’t Delete the OST Before Checking Your Data

Before deleting or recreating an OST file, make sure the mailbox data you need is available on the server or can be synchronized again. An OST is normally a cached copy of server mailbox data, but users may sometimes need to recover information from a local OST that is no longer available on the server.

If the OST contains important data that cannot be synchronized or accessed through the mailbox, make a copy of the original file and consider using Regain OST File Recovery tool before rebuilding or deleting it.

Six Verified Solutions to Repair Corrupt OST Files

Here are the solutions that you can follow for repairing your corrupt files and access inaccessible OST files.

Solution 1. Start MS Outlook in safe mode

Running MS Outlook safely can be an easy way to protect OST files from damage. MS Outlook runs on add-ins, and these add-ins can be faulty too. These faulty add-ins must be turned off by running MS Outlook in safe mode. Users can press Windows + R key to open the run dialogue box and then use the command – “outlook.exe/safe.”

Solution 2. Update the Folder

If your OST files are corrupt and inaccessible, then this is the method you can follow. All you have to do is to change the properties of the files and folders. For this, follow the given steps:

1. Right-click on the folder and then click on Properties.
2. A dialogue box will appear. Click on the ‘Clear Offline Items’ option. Hit the OK button.
3. Click on the Send/Receive chance on the ribbon.
4. Click on Update Folder to save the changes.

Solution 3. Disable Firewall settings

Disabling Firewall can be a great way to protect the OST files from corruption. This is because Firewall is a defender that will scan every incoming and outgoing email. This ends up disrupting the mechanism and causing multiple problems in running MS Outlook. That is why disabling Firewall is one of the ways to save the OST data files from corruption.

Solution 4. Compact OST Size

Storage is definitely an inherent problem for MS Outlook. The limited size of the storage is something to take note of while handling data in MS Outlook. Therefore, deleting the files might help to an extent. But once you delete the files in MS Outlook, they go to the deleted files folder. You will have to delete all the items from the folder to clear up additional space.

Solution 5. Use SCANOST.EXE Tool

MS Outlook has an inherent tool to scan and repair the data file. The SCANOST.EXE Tool helps to improve minor complications of the OST file in a hassle-free manner. It is an excellent method for beginners. It helps to detect the issues and fix them in no time. Follow the steps to run this tool in MS Outlook.

1. Exit MS Outlook. Go to the location of the OST files in your system using File Explorer.
2. Double-click on the file.
3. Choose the Profile connected with the OST file.
4. Select the folders to be scanned and click on the ‘Repair errors‘ box.
5. Click on ‘Begin Scan‘.
6. A notification will prompt stating that ‘OST corrected successfully.’
7. Click OK to finish the process.
8. Open MS Outlook once again to see if the issue has been fixed.

Solution 6. Use Professional tool to Recover Corrupt OST Files

The methods we discussed above are helpful in repairing damaged OST files, but they may not be the best ones. It is because every manual process has got its limitation. While some methods may not be supported on the latest versions of MS Outlook, others may be burdened with complicated steps which beginners cannot get. That is why relying on professional solutions like Regain OST Repair Tool becomes essential at this hour.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $39

Software Features:

• Seamless convert OST files to multiple formats, such as EML, PST, MSG, MBOX, ICS, VCARD, and HTML.
• Repairs data from damaged and corrupt OST files.
• Recover permanently deleted files along with attachments, calendars and journals.
• Comes with a user-friendly interface for beginners.
• Removes duplicate data from files to create additional storage.
• Splits excessively large OST and PST files to enhance the quality.
• Exports OST files to Office 365 and other Cloud Email Servers.

The Regain OST Repair Tool is the fastest and the most reliable method to repair corrupt OST files. It has a good speed and works great on every version of MS Outlook.

Video Tutorial to Fix Corrupt OST Files Using Regain Software – Watch Now!

Conclusion

With this, one can understand that fixing the corrupt OST files cannot be an issue if you follow the proper steps. This article has provided you with enough information to fix this error. Even if the manual methods are not working well for you, you can use this Regain OST Repair Tool, an automatic method to recover any data.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What causes an OST file to become corrupted?

Ans. OST corruption can occur due to Outlook crashes, synchronization problems, damaged Outlook profiles, insufficient disk space, storage errors, or improper Outlook shutdowns.

Q2. How do I know if my OST file is corrupted?

Ans. Common signs include Outlook not opening, missing or inaccessible emails, synchronization errors, frequent crashes, or messages that Outlook cannot access the data file.

Q3. Can I repair a corrupted OST file without losing emails?

Ans. Yes, if the mailbox data is available on the Exchange or Microsoft 365 server, rebuilding the OST can restore the synchronized data. Always check the server copy before deleting the original OST.

Q4. Can I delete a corrupted OST file?

Ans. Yes, for Exchange or Microsoft 365 accounts, Outlook can usually recreate the OST after it is deleted. However, first make sure important data is available on the server.

Q5. Will Outlook recreate an OST after I delete it?

Ans. Yes. Outlook can create a new OST and synchronize mailbox data from the Exchange or Microsoft 365 server when you sign in again.

Q6. Can I recover emails from a corrupted OST file?

Ans. Yes. If the required emails are not available on the server, then professional Regain OST File Recovery tool can help scan the corrupted file and recover accessible mailbox data.

Q7. Can I repair an OST file using ScanPST?

Ans. Microsoft’s Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) can repair certain Outlook data-file errors, but it should not be treated as a universal solution for corrupted OST files. For Exchange/Microsoft 365 OSTs, rebuilding the file may be more appropriate when server data is available.

Q8. What is the difference between repairing and rebuilding an OST file?

Ans. Repairing attempts to fix problems within the existing file, while rebuilding creates a new OST and downloads mailbox data again from the server.

Q9. Can I recover an OST file if the Exchange account no longer exists?

Ans. Yes, recovery may be possible if the original OST still contains accessible mailbox data. In that case Regain OST recovery software can scan the file and recover available emails and other items.

Q10. Can I open an OST file without Outlook?

Ans. Yes, but Outlook for Windows does not natively open an OST file independently. An Regain OST File Converter tool can be used to access and extract data from the file.