Nothing is wrong with saying that the data file (.pst) is the backbone of Outlook, the globally popular email client. The Personal Storage Table (.pst) files are the personal folder. These files store mailbox content, such as email messages, contacts, calendars, etc., on the local system or an external hard disk. Note that PST files do not have mailbox size limits on a mail server.
The healthy status of a .pst file is pivotal for flawless Outlook operations. These files are also portable. Other profiles and environments can also be accessed. Such features make these files more prone to corruption. Understanding factors that can cause corruption issues in these files is vital to mitigate corruption. Sometimes, accumulating data and metadata in these files breaches the data size limit imposed by Outlook. Suca h scenario leads to an oversized .pst file, causing corruption issues. Other reasons that can amount to corruption in the .pst file include a virus attack, hardware failure, software issues, or forced application termination.
Now, the question arises of how to repair a damaged .pst file. ScanPST is a built-in utility that fixes corruption in Outlook data files (.pst). This utility scans, diagnoses,ses, and repairs the corrupt file. But it has some limitations. It is best for repairing files with minor corruption issues. In the utility event, we need a professional PST to retool and fix the problem. Unleash the Best Guide to Repair Corrupt PST File in 2025 to repair a damaged Outlook data file (.pst), ensuring your vital data is secure and accessible.
Signs of a Damaged PST File:
Here are some prominent signs that indicate corruption issues in an Outlook data file (.pst):
- Error Messages: The user may suddenly receive error messages such as “The set” of folders cannot be opened” or “Th” fil” is not an Outlook data file (PST). ” This is “a sign of corruption.
- Delayed Actions: The application takes longer to search email messages, contacts, etc. This is a significant sign of corruption.
- Sudden Freeze: A damaged .pst file also causes a sudden freeze or closure of the application.
- Outlook Fails to Start: In some cases, corruption also hinders the start of the email client.
- Missing Folders: When the user discovers incomplete mailbox content, such as missing emails, contacts, or events, it is considered corruption.
Major Causes of PST File Corruption:
In this part of the guide, we will unearth reasons that can lead to corruption in the .pst file. Some of such causes are:
- An Oversized File: Different versions of Outlook have imposed a file size limit. For example, in the 2003 and 2007 versions (ANSI format), this limit was 2GB. In 2010 and later versions, it was raised to 50 GB for the UNICODE file format. If the data file size exceeds this threshold, it will corrupt.
- Power Shutdown: A power breakdown when Outlook is active may lead to inaccessible email messages or errors in the PST file structure, which can corrupt the data files.
- Malware Attacks: Any email message attachment may carry a virus; downloading it may damage the .pst file.
- Forced Shutdown: If the Outlook user abandons the prescribed procedure and abruptly closes three applications, the .pst file can be corrupted.
- Software Issues: Plugins or add-ins sourced from unauthorized sources can create hurdles in the normal functioning of the application. It may result in corruption issues.
Best Guide to Repair Corrupt PST File in 2025:
Repairing a corrupt PST file is crucial. If the issue persists for a long time, it may lead to irrecoverable data loss. This guide section explains every step to recover your Outlook data quickly.
Method 1: Repair Using ScanPST.exe
It is the first aid available to Outlook users to fix corruption issues in the PST file. This utility validates the headers, file structures, and folders. After the scan, it provides a report and attempts to fix minor issues. The step-by-step guide is listed below:
Step 1:
Discover this utility in the following locations:
| MS Outlook Version: | Scanpst Location |
| 2016 and 2019: | C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 |
| 2013: | C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15 |
| 2010: | C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14 |
Step 2:
Close the application and other associated processes. Wait for some time.
Step 3:
Open the ‘Run’ Di’log’e box by clicking the Windows + R keys.
Step 4:
Type %programfiles%/Microsoft Office/ in the dialogue box. Click Enter.
Step 5:
Now, navigate to the targeted Outlook data file (.pst).
Step 6:
Start the scanning procedure.
Step 7:
Once the procedure is finished, the utility will showcase a report with errors and inconsistencies. After reading the investigation, click the “Repair” tab to”proceed.
Step 8:
The best option is to create a backup. Select the checkbox option and provide the location path to save the backup file.
Step 9:
Once the repair process is over, the utility will display a summary of the results. Evaluate them.
Step 10:
Restart the application to verify if the issues have been fixed or not.
Are There Any Limitations of ScanPST?
We have already discussed that this utility best suits small files (up to 2 GB) with minor corruption issues. It may fail to fix problems involving large data files or a complex corruption scenario, such as in the case of a virus attack. Some of its limitations are:
- Time Consumption: The utility only fixes one file at a time. It also runs multiple scans to validate the error, diagnose the issue, and try to fix it. This process amounts to a loss of productive hours. Things will worsen if the user has to scan multiple files.
- Risk of Data Loss: There is always a risk of losing vital business data during this manual process.
- Technical Expertise: A person using ScanPST must know all the steps involved in the repair process. Any miscalculation may damage data irretrievably.
- An Oversized PST File: Different Outlook versions have imposed a data file size limit. For instance, such a size limit is 2 GB in the case of 2002/XP and older Outlook versions. It was later enhanced to 20 GB for Outlook 2007 and later versions. It is now 50 GB. If the ScanPST scans a file larger than the prescribed size limit, it may be unable to repair it.
- Inaccessible or Orphaned Files: MicrosofMicrosoft’sn utility may fail to repair encrypted or password-protected Outlook data files (.pst).
- Minor Issues: The utility is best for addressing minor errors, such as corruption in the header, folder structure, etc. However, it may fail when dealing with complex bribery, such as a virus attack.
Method 2: Repair Using Third-Party Tools
Many users ask, “What’s “What’s ScanPST fails?” Worry “it. We can employ any PST repair tool like Stellar Repair for Outlook in such cases. These tools are powered with a friendly GUI and can recover even deleted or inaccessible mailbox items. Their advanced algorithm can address corruption issues in a severely damaged .pst file (like in a malware attack). Additionally, such repair tools also maintain the integrity and structure of your data.
Advantages of using Stellar Repair for Outlook
–Ensures a fast and effective solution to repair an oversized .pst file.
–Effectively restores accidentally deleted or lost mailbox items.
— Exhibits the preview of the fixed .pst file with all its content.
— Offers advanced filter options for selective repair.
— Offers the option to export data in multiple file formats–PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF.
Conclusion
Healthy PST files are made for seamless Outlook operations. Any corruption issue to these files must be dealt with at the war footing level as any delay may lead to irrecoverable loss of business-sensitive data. Microsoft has provided a built-in utility called the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) to repair such damaged data files. However, the utility has some shortcomings that range from its inability to repair an oversized .pst file and risk of losing sensitive business data to consumption of ample productive hours. It is better to use any third-party PST recovery software. Such tools are fast and reliable. Stellar Repair for Outlook is one such tool. IT admins recommend it. This software features a friendly GUI. It quickly scans, diagnoses, and fixes issues even in an oversized or severely-corrupted .pst file. Additionally, it maintains the original structure of the repaired file.