Why Does Outlook Data File Corruption Keeps Popping Up? 6 Ways to Fix!

Published By Aunraag Singh

Approved By Nimisha Ramesh

Published On January 13th, 2026

Reading Time 9 Minutes Reading

Does your Outlook PST keeps getting corrupted every now and then? You’re not alone. Numerous users report facing recurring Outlook data file corruption. Unfortunately, even after using Microsoft’s in-built repair tool, the issue does not seem to go away. We understand it’s not just a frustrating inconvenience but can also lead to data loss or severe risk to users’ sensitive data.

In this guide, we will discuss why your PST file keeps getting corrupted. What causes the corruption in the Outlook data files and how to eradicate it with manual solutions as well as an automated ScanPST alternative. Along with that, we will also share what not to do if you’re facing recurring PST corruption and how to prevent this issue in the future as well. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

PST acts as the local data container for the email application storing emails, contacts, notes, calendars, and other data items in it. If a PST file is healthy, Outlook would work smoothly, however, if the PST keeps getting corrupted, the email application may fail to load, become unstable, or show error messages. Therefore, in the following segment, we are going to understand the root cause of it.

What Does Outlook Data File Corruption Mean?

Outlook data file corruption occurs when internal file structures break, indexing tables are damaged, or headers become unreadable. It means when MS Outlook can no longer correctly read or write data inside the PST file. When something like occurs, Outlook may display warning like:

“The Outlook data file cannot be accessed”
“Errors have been detected in the file…”
“Outlook data file corruption keeps popping up” even after repair attempts

These warnings are not just temporary glitches but indicate structural damage in your PST file.

Common Indications for Outlook PST Keeps Getting Corrupted

You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if your PST is getting corrupted repeatedly.

Your Outlook emails disappear or fail to open
MS Outlook crashes during startup
Frequent prompts to repair the data file
MS Outlook freezes while sending or receiving mail
Search results might be missing or incomplete
Outlook data file corruption keeps popping up even after the system restarts

If you experience even one of these symptoms, it indicates that the underlying issue hasn’t been resolved.

What Causes Outlook Data File Corruption?

Below are the most common triggers that cause corruption in the Outlook data file PST. Understanding them will help in preventing the issue from happening again.

Improper Outlook Shutdown: Abrupt system shutdown, power failures, or force-closing MS Outlook interrupts the read/write operations. Over time, this leads to structural damage in the PST file which then results in the Outlook data file being corrupted repeatedly.
Oversized PST Files: When a PST file exceeds the default file size limits set by Microsoft, it breaks its internal structure resulting in corruption. This often turns out to be one of the major reasons why your PST file keeps getting corrupted.
Outdated Outlook Add-Ins: Faulty or outdated add-ins interfere with PST file operations leading to Outlook freezing or data inconsistencies.
Using PST Files Over A Network: Microsoft strongly discourages the use of PST files on Network Drives. If you do that, you may frequently face PST files getting corrupted due to latency or connection drops.
Faulty Storage Media: SSD error, Network Drive interruptions, or bad sectors on a hard drive can also severely damage a PST file. This is especially harmful if they’re stored outside the local system.

Now that we are aware of what triggers the corruption and damage in PST files, it is time to move on and check out the solutions to eradicate this issue. Let’s dive right in.

How To Manually Fix Recurring PST File Corruption?

Use ScanPST aka Inbox Repair Tool
Make a Fresh PST and Import Data
Reduce PST File Size
Disable Faulty Add-Ins
Repair Outlook Installation

Now, let us describe each of these solutions in detail so you get a better idea of which solution is the perfect fit according to your requirements. Do note that these solutions are only effective for minor corruption and may not work for severely damaged files.

Use the Inbuilt Inbox Repair Tool

Fully shut down MS Outlook.
Now, locate ScanPST.exe based on your Outlook version.
Run the Inbox Repair Tool and browse to the damaged PST file.
Click “Start” and let the scan process complete.
Lastly, repair the detected errors and restart MS Outlook.

Limitations of this Manual Solution:

The ScanPST tool cannot repair severely damaged files.
Moreover, it often fails when PST corruption keeps recurring.
Users might face accidental data loss during repair, i.e., it’s a risky method.

Read: What To Do When ScanPST.exe Freezes During Repair?

Create a Fresh PST File & Import Data In It

Start MS Outlook.
Go to “Account Settings” and make a fresh PST file.
Set this new PST as the default file.
Now, import data from the old PST in it, if accessible.

Drawbacks of this Manual Approach:

This solution only works if your Outlook application opens smoothly without any issues, however, even after you follow all the above-mentioned steps, it may still show signs that the Outlook PST file keeps getting corrupted.

Decrease The File Size Of Your PST

Here are the steps to decrease your PST file size so it stops being prone to recurring corruption.

Archive old email messages.
Empty the junk folder and the deleted items folder.
Delete unnecessary attachments.
Go to “Account Settings” and compact the PST file size.

Following these above-mentioned steps ensures lowered PST file size which in turn lowers the changes of PST being corrupted repeatedly.

Disable the Faulty Add-Ins

Launch MS Outlook in Safe Mode.
Disable all the add-ins.
Re-enable them one-by-one to identify which one is faulty.

Use this method if your Outlook crashes randomly or freezes during random tasks.

Repair MS Outlook Installation

Damaged Outlook program files may also trigger recurring PST corruption. Here’s how to fix it.

Start Outlook and open the “Control Panel”.
Then, go to “Program and Features”.
Now, select “Microsoft Office”.
Afterward, click “Change” and choose “Repair”.

Following this method fixes application-level issues contributing to repeated PST file corruption.

Read: Best Guide to Repair MS Outlook Profile Securely

Why Manual Methods Are Not Enough?

Manual solutions are only reliable if the corruption level is minimal. However, if your Outlook crashes during the ScanPST repair process, Outlook errors keep reappearing, or if it fails to open the PST file altogether, opting for a manual solution may worsen the situation.

Therefore, technical experts suggest choosing an automated solution if you’re facing severe PST file corruption again and again. In the following segment, we share one such famous solution, so stay tuned! But before that, we will discuss what you should avoid if your Outlook PST keeps getting corrupted.

What Not To Do When PST File Keeps Getting Corrupted?

As we discussed above, if you’re dealing with recurring PST corruption, certain actions may make the matters worse. Here is what to avoid if facing repeated damage.

Repeatedly Using ScanPST on the Same File: While it might seem helpful, each pass may remove damaged items from the PST instead of restoring them, leaving the folders empty or emails missing.
Force-Shutting MS Outlook During Sync: Abruptly closing Outlook while emails are indexing or syncing interrupts the read/write process. This eventually leads to internal damage and explains why corruption keeps returning.
Letting PST File Size Grow Unchecked: Ignoring the PST file size growth is one of the fastest ways to ensure repeated PST corruption. File size is often a major contributing factor if your PST file keeps getting corrupted.
Storing PST File on OneDrive or Network Drive: PST files are designed for local storage by default which is why even the slightest connection interruptions can damage its internal structure.

Now that we are aware of what not to do if facing recurring Outlook data file corruption, let’s see what experts suggest doing in that situation.

Automated Solution to Fix the Recurring Corruption in Outlook PST File

When Microsoft’s in-built Inbox Repair Tools and other manual methods fail, FreeViewer Outlook PST Repair Tool offers a reliable and secure way to mitigate recurring Outlook PST file corruption without further damage. Download it for free and experience the smooth and hassle-free process yourself.

Download Now Purchase Now

This utility is well equipped with advanced features to successfully recover PST emails, contacts, attachments, and calendars. Moreover, it handles large PST files safely. It also preserves the metadata and original hierarchy and structure of your PST file data throughout the process. Along with that, it works with all MS Outlook versions so no need to worry about compatibility issues.

Conclusion

If your Outlook PST file keeps getting corrupted, it’s an indication toward a deeper underlying issue; your PST file may be severely damaged on a structural level. Temporary fixes and manual solutions may provide short-term relief but they turn out to be unreliable if the corruption level is severe. Therefore, technical experts recommend the above-mentioned automated utility for secure, reliable and lasting relief from recurring Outlook PST file corruption.