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Summary: Sometimes, Outlook OST file gets corrupt due to various reasons. In this blog, we have discussed some solutions to repair OST file in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, & 2007. In addition, we have mentioned about a specialized OST to PST converter tool that can help you recover data if the OST file becomes inaccessible or orphaned.
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OST file is an Outlook data file that is created when you configure the Outlook with IMAP, Exchange, Office 365, and Outlook.com accounts. It saves a synchronized copy of mailbox data on your local system. You can perform various actions such as reading emails, deleting emails, composing new emails, etc., even in the absence of Internet connectivity or access to the server. When a connection to the server is re-established, Outlook synchronizes all the changes made offline in the OST file with the server.
However, at times, you experience a situation when the OST file gets corrupted. Some signs of OST corruption are error messages during OST file synchronization, missing items from OST file, etc. There are various factors that can lead to OST corruption such as bad sectors on hard drive, incompatible Outlook add-ins, oversized OST file, etc.
How to Repair Corrupt OST File in Outlook
You can repair Outlook OST file by using Outlook’s in-built tools and features. These are as follows:
Solution 1: Update Folder
If there is an issue with a particular folder, you can manually update the folder in Outlook. You have to delete offline items in the affected folder and update the folder by connecting to the Exchange server. Follow the given steps:
Solution 2: Use ScanPST to Repair OST File
ScanPST.exe or Inbox Repair tool is an Outlook built-in utility that can be used to repair both PST and OST files. You can run this Outlook repair tool to find and resolve the errors in your OST file. The ScanPST.exe is by default located in Outlook installation directory. However, the exact location may vary depending on the version of Outlook you’re using. To know the exact location of ScanPST.exe, read How to Find Scanpst.exe Location in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 & 2007.
Once you have located the ScanPST.exe on your system, follow these steps:
What to do if the above Fixes Don’t Work?
In some situations, the above fixes don’t work. For instance, if the OST file has certain offline items that aren’t with the server, then recreating the OST file (which requires file deletion) is not an option. In such a situation, you need to extract and export the OST data to Outlook importable PST format. The best and quickest way to recover the data from an inaccessible or orphaned OST file is by using a third-party tool such as Stellar Converter for OST.
Why Stellar Converter for OST?
Stellar Converter for OST is the perfect solution to convert OST to PST. It has many distinguished features such as user-friendly design, easy operability, and fast processing. The software is also recommended by many Microsoft MVPs and IT professionals. Here are some impressive features that make it a perfect tool for OST to PST conversion:
This dedicated converter tool works in almost all scenarios and helps you convert your OST to PST File.
How to convert OST to PST with Stellar Converter for OST?
Stellar Converter for OST software scans an inaccessible OST file and converts the data into a portable PST file in a few simple steps. These are:
Now, your OST file is successfully converted into a PST file. You can import this file into Microsoft Outlook and access its contents.
How to Import PST File into Outlook?
Follow these steps to import the PST file into Outlook:
Conclusion
When Outlook OST file gets corrupted, you can perform OST file repair either by using Outlook’s built-in ScanPST utility. Alternatively, you can delete the OST file and recreate it by connecting to the Exchange mailbox. However, if the OST file isn’t accessible or Outlook is not working, using an OST to PST converter tool such as Stellar Converter for OST is the best option to safely recover the data.
Let’s take a look at our MVP review of OST to PST tool from stellar.
Eric Simson is an Email Platform Consultant and is associated with Stellar Data Recovery from last 6 years. He writes about the latest technology tips and provides custom solutions related to MS Outlook, MS Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.
I recovered permanently deleted OST FILE (1.58GB). I am using Stellar Converter for OST tool for checking all emails and folders but only displaying 159 emails. Kindly advise why not display all emails and folders.
Hi Saleem, we need to check if the OST file was corrupted or not. Also, we need to analyze whether you have checked the Top for Outlook Folder in converted PST in Outlook.
Please share the order number of the purchase and you may contact our support team directly.
Due to bad settings, my antivirus was responsible for damage in OST file. When I repaired the OST using SCANPST.EXE, it failed to recognize the OST file.
Thankfully with the help of the software, you recommended I’ve finally recovered my emails.
Good!
We always work on a vision to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.
The above two methods (Update folder and ScanPST.exe) are not working. I am still unable to access OST file at Windows 10 PC.
Please suggest.
Hi Matthew,
Have you used Stellar Converter for OST?
If no, then try its free demo for quick analysis.
How can I re-construct OST file without spending a single dollar?
No problem! You can try manual method. But, any bad practice with OST file can lead towards damage in Outlook data file.
Why we got an error when trying to convert OST file manually? We are using Exchange 2013 with 34+ employee’s mailboxes.
Please describe the reported error. In case, your OST file is corrupt then manual conversion is not possible.