How to Repair an Outlook Data File (PST or OST) That’s Damaged or Corrupt

The solution is buried deep within

Data file corruption can prevent Outlook from opening your mail data—email messages, contacts, calendars, etc. Attempting to repair an Outlook data file repair might fix the issue if yourPC doesn’t start Outlookor Outlook won’t load your mailbox.

This tutorial covers repairing corruptPersonal Storage Table (PST)and Offline Storage Table (OST) files in Outlook.

In most cases, running a damaged data file through the Inbox Repair tool should be enough to patch it up. But sometimes, you must take extra action to recover lost items.

How to Fix Corrupted PST File Using Inbox Repair Tool

Outlook’s Inbox Repair tool can repair corrupt data files and help yourecover deleted Outlook files. You’ll find the tool in the Microsoft Office installation folder, so you must do some digging to get to it. Once you locate and launch Inbox Repair, you only need to select the damaged PST file to repair it. It is super straightforward.

Important:Inbox Repair provides an option to create a backup of the damaged PST file. Make sure to select it since you may need a copy to retrieve missing data later on.

Note:The folder paths above apply to Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, and Outlook 365. Open theOffice15(Outlook 2013),Office14(Outlook 2010), orOffice12(Outlook 2007) folders if you use an older version of Outlook.

  1. Select theBrowsebutton and choose the Outlook PST file you want to repair.

If you don’t know the location of the PST file, pressWindows key+Sto openWindows Search. Then, type the file name in the search box and include the “.PST” file extension. You should see the file location within the search results.

Alternatively, openOutlookand go toFile>Account Settings>Account Settings>Data Filesto view the PST file’s location.

Force close Outlook, paste the file location in the Inbox Repair tool, and proceed to the next step.

  1. SelectStarton the Microsoft Inbox Repair Tool.

Wait while the tool scans the Outlook file for corruption and other issues. Depending on the data file size and PC configuration, the repair process might take a few minutes.

  1. Check the box next toMake backup of scanned file before repairingand selectRepair.

  2. SelectOKwhen you see a Repair complete success message.

Outlook should start using the PST file without issues. You will find a copy of the corrupted PST file (with the .BAK extension) in the same location as the repaired original.

Restoring (Lost or Missing) Repaired Outlook Data Files

The Inbox Repair Tool sometimes fails to place repaired PST files and folders back in their original folders. When that happens, the tools usually lump the file(s) in a “Lost and Found” folder or “Recovered Personal Folders.”

You can fix this issue by moving the misplaced files or folders into anew PST data file. If you see a “Lost and Found” folder or “Recovered Personal Folders” in Outlook’s Folder Pane, follow the steps below to recover repaired items to the new data file.

  1. Open theHometab in Outlook. Then, open the menu next toNew Email, point toMore Items,and selectOutlook Data File.

  2. SelectOutlook Data Fileand selectOK.

  3. Enter a file name, choose where you want the file saved on your PC, and selectOK.

  4. Next, select theMore (three-dot) iconin the bottom-left corner of the Outlook window and chooseFoldersto switch the sidebar to Folder List view.

  5. Drag the content of theLost and Foundfolder orRecovered Personal Foldersinto the new data file.

You can now delete/remove the “Lost and Found” folder or the “Recovered Personal Folders” data file from Outlook.

How to Recover Missing Items from Backup Data Files

If you notice any missing items in the repaired data file and can’t find them in the Lost and Found folder or Recovered Personal Folders, try retrieving them using the backup copy of the original. The idea is to import the missing content into the data file without duplicating items that the Inbox Recovery tool has already recovered.

Note:The backup copy is the original (corrupted/damaged) file you repaired. You may or may not be able to recover files from the backup (depending on the extent of corruption/damage), but it’s worth a shot.

  1. Copy the corrupted PST file backup (with .bak extension) to your desktop.

  2. Change the.BAKextension at the end of the file name to.PST.

If you can’t see the file extension, open theFilemenu in a File Explorer window and selectChange folder and search options. Then, switch to theViewtab and uncheck the box next toHide extensions for known file types.

In Windows 11, select View on the top menu, chooseShow, and selectFile name extensions.

  1. Open theFilemenu in Outlook and selectOpen & Export>Import/Export.

  2. ChooseImport from another program or fileand selectNext.

  3. SelectOutlook Data File (.pst)and selectNext.

  4. SelectBrowseand select the backup copy of the corrupted PST file (the one that you just renamed).

  5. SelectDo not import duplicatesand selectNext.

  6. Check theInclude subfoldersbox, selectImport folders into the same folder, and pick the (repaired) data file with missing items.

  7. SelectFinishto start the importation process.

Once Outlook finishes importing any items, you must manually confirm if the previously missing items are now present. If not, try rerunning the Inbox Repair tool.

Should You Use Third-Party Software to Repair Outlook PST Files?

A cursory search online will reveal lots of paid third-party tools that claim to repair damaged or corrupted Outlook PST files. In almost all cases, though, the Inbox Repair tool should be more than good enough for the job.

Only use a third-party recovery program if Inbox Repair fails to retrieve your data. Do your due diligence by thoroughly checking online reviews before spending money on any software.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved