Summary: OST, also known as ( Offline Storage Tables), is a file format that contains your mail data stored in the Exchange server. It allows the users to work in Offline mode and also in the condition where the application is not connected with the exchange server. They contain all the mail, folders, calendars, tasks, notes, etc. When your Exchange server gets damaged or your Exchange account is inaccessible for any reason, your OST files also get corrupt. If you want to access OST files, you need to fix corrupt OST files quickly.
Throughout this article, you will find ways to manually fix corrupt OST files and use of the OST Recovery Tool. It also highlights various reasons why OST files get corrupt.
Different Reasons Due to Which OST Files Get Corrupt
There are several reasons why OST files are corrupted or damaged. Some main reasons are highlighted below:-
- Due to Deleting the Files and folders:- Sometimes, when a user deletes any file and folder from their MS Exchange, the OST file becomes inaccessible or gets damaged or corrupted.
- Sudden Termination of Outlook:- This is another reason why OST files become inaccessible. If Outlook stops working suddenly, it also leads to OST data corruption.
- Presence of Virus and Other Malicious:- Viruses and malicious are the major reason behind the corruption of OST files. The presence of harmful viruses in the system corrupts the OST file and makes them inaccessible.
- Poor Network Connectivity: Sometimes, the network fails while synchronizing the OST file in the Exchange Server account. In that scenario, the OST file gets damaged.
- Data Storage Issue: If your hard drive contains some bad factor, where your OST file is stored. It may corrupt the OST file.
These are some reasons which lead to OST file corruption. Now, let’s discuss the methods to repair OST files.
Method 1: Fix Corrupt OST File by Using The Scanost.exe Tool
A free utility created by Microsoft called OST Integrity Checker is still the most viable solution for users who wish to fix issues with their OST files. It is suggested that the user launch the tool on his machine and select the correct location of the OST file to run a thorough examination of its data. Any discrepancies are repaired manually by following a few simple steps, which might display on the screen.
However, the OST Integrity Checker is no longer present in the Outlook 2010 and higher editions. However, another tool introduced in MS Outlook 2003 itself called the Inbox Repair tool might help you repair OST files of higher versions of MS Outlook with integrity errors.
Drawbacks of Scanost.exe Tool
- This utility only fixes the minor corruption of the OST files.
- This application did not present in 2010, and other higher versions of MS Outlook.
- Risk of data loss during OST file recovery.
Method 02: Recover Corrupt OST File by Recreating OST File
Microsoft Exchange Server uses an offline data file stored on the email server. If there is an issue with this file, you can replace it by deleting the old one and downloading a new copy from the server.
Method 03: Fix Corrupt OST File by Compressing the OST File
When Outlook uses a .ost file to store data, it also includes other files with the same extension in them. Compacting your files not only removes the unnecessary space taken up by these files but also allows you to use your hard drive and other storage options differently. While permanently removing items can make your files smaller, they will also delete important OST file data which can result in you losing vital Outlook items that are no longer available since they are no longer saved in another folder or location.
Method 04:- Use of Professional solution ( OST Recovery Tool)
If the above methods do not fix Corrupt OST file then use the Professional solution Sysinfo OST Recovery Tool. It is a prominent solution to recover corrupt OST files. This utility provides three modes of recovery, i.e., Standard, Advanced & Deep, and compatible with all versions of MS Outlook and Windows operating system.
Follow the steps provided to Repair OST file Quickly:-
- Press the Open button and choose the OST file from your system. Select the recovery mode: Standard, Advanced or Deep. Click OK.
- It only takes a few seconds for the scanning process to be complete. Tap Ok after the completion.
- After then, check the mailbox folder to start recovering data from it and click Save.
- Select the Path to save the resultant OST file.
- Choose the file format like PST, EML, MBOX, etc., and tap the Ok button to start the saving process.
- Now, the saving process gets started on your system.
- After the completion of the saving process, click Ok.
Final Verdict
In this blog, we have provided why OST files get corrupted and the various methods to fix corrupt OST files manually. But the free method comes with some limitations in that scenario I would suggest you to use the OST Recovery Tool.
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