OST

How to Fix & Repair Corrupt OST File? Complete Guide

In this write-up, we will repair corrupt OST file by rebuilding file or using built-in Inbox Repair Tool. Also, we have used a smart solution to restore data from affected data file into healthy format.

A corrupt OST file is a common issue with Outlook users; it prevents Outlook from opening file data, causes repeated crashes, synchronization errors, and makes mailbox items inaccessible. OST file is primarily used as synchronized copy of mailbox data for accounts such as Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft 365.

If your data is available on the server, then recreating OST file is usually safest solution to repair corrupt OST file. But, if OST file contains data that is not available on the server, then deleting and rebuilding technique can cause major data loss situation. In such situation, only automate solution helps to recover complete mailbox data from damaged file.

What Causes an OST File to Become Corrupt?

OST file corruption is common and can happen due to multiple causes such as:

• Sudden system shutdown while Outlook is running in background.
• Outlook or Windows crashes
• Large or oversized OST files
• Synchronization failures
• Storage or disk errors
• Malware or viruses affect Outlook.
• Outlook profile problems

Common Signs of a Corrupt OST File

Before jumping to the techniques to repair corrupt OST file, let’s understand the root cause to choose right technique:

• Receiving error “Errors have been detected in the .ost file”
• Outlook not responding and freezes while loading data.
• Emails fail to synchronize.
• Unable to send and receive emails.
• Outlook closes unexpectedly.
• Outlook unable to load and show data.

Can You Manually Repair Corrupt OST File?

Yes, but the technique depends on where the mailbox data exists. Means if your OST file contains complete data that is available on the server, then recreating OST file and using scanOST.exe technique can work to fix corrupt OST file issue.

But don’t immediately delete original OST if it contains data that is not available on the server. In such situation, suggested automated solution will work.

Important Note: Before performing any method to repair corrupt OST file, create a backup copy of your OST file for data safety.

Method 1: Fix OST File by Recreation

We will delete existing OST file and create a new file to sync complete data from server again.

1. Close your Outlook completely.
2. Open “File Explorer”.
3. Enter this location in the address bar.
4. Locate .ost file.
5. Now, delete or rename this file.
6. And start Outlook again.
7. Outlook creates a new OST file automatically.
8. This allows Outlook to synchronize mailbox completely.

When This Method Works

• When Exchange/Microsoft 365 account is active.
• Mailbox server data is available on the server.
• No need to recover data from exist OST file.

Method 2: Repair Corrupt OST File using Inbox Repair Tool

Microsoft Outlook provides built-in ScanPST.exe utility to fix corrupt OST file. This software mainly used to repair PST file, but sometimes it works with OST as well.

1. Close Outlook completely.
2. Locate SCANPST.EXE on your machine (location depends on the Outlook installation)
3. Double-click ScanPST.exe to launch it.
4. Use “Browse” button to upload damage OST file.
5. Use “Start” button to start scanning process.
6. After scan process complete, choose “Make backup of scanned file before repairing”.
7. Finally, click on the “Repair” option to repair corrupt OST file.

How to Fix Corrupt OST File & Recover Data?

If nothing works and Outlook still can’t load OST file data due to corruption, then you should use suggested solution. Because there is no manual method available to restore data. This software helps to recover complete data from affected OST file into healthy save format. Download the demo version for free to understand features and working steps:

How to Repair OST File? Using Automated Tool

1. Download and install the suggested software.

   

2. Import your corrupt OST file using “Add File” option.

   

3. Use “Scan Modes” to verify corruption level of OST file.

   

4. All your mailbox data will appear on the panel and chose “Export” button.

   

5. After that, select saving format as “PST” and click the “Adv Settings” option.

   

6. You can apply filters accordingly and choose “Save” button.

   

7. Select location to save output data file.

   

8. Finally, choose “Export” button to repair corrupt OST file.

   

Final Words

Fixing OST file corruption is not an easy task, because once OST file becomes orphaned and damaged there is no manual way available to recover data. Yes, if your file contains data that is already available on server then users can recreate OST file or try build in Inbox Repair Tool. However, in case your file contains offline data that is not available on server, then you should only use automated solution to restore complete mailbox data. Suggested solution helps users recover data into healthy format to repair corrupt OST file.