How to Fix Corrupt Outlook OST File? Complete Guide

Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client and it stores mailbox data locally in OST(Offline Storage Table) files. This file allows you to work offline and sync changes with the Exchange Server once a connection is restored. However, users may be facing issues due to a corrupt Outlook OST file, it can affect email communication and workflow. So, let’s know the causes of OST file corruption.

Common Causes of OST File Corruption

• Unexpectedly closed or Outlook application crashes can damage OST file.
• Frequent sync errors between Outlook and Exchange Server may corrupt Outlook OST file.
• Oversize OST files can slow down Outlook and increase the risk of corruption.
• If the hard drive contains bad factors, then the OST file becomes unreadable or get corrupted.
• Malicious software can damage or modify OST files, resulting in OST files being corrupted and data loss.
• Unstable or slow connectivity can stop the synchronization process, potentially leading to a OST file corruption.

Signs and Symptoms of a Corrupt Outlook OST File

• Errors such as 0x8004010F: Outlook data file cannot be accessed or Outlook using an old copy of your Outlook data file.
• Outlook may become unresponsive, freeze frequently or crash at startup if the OST file is corrupted.
• Users may face synchronization issues where new emails don’t appear or sent items don’t update.
• Corruption may result in incomplete mailbox data , with some folders, some messages or contact disappearing unexpectedly.
• An usually slow Outlook performance, especially when opening or searching emails may be due to a corrupt OST file.
• Even with active connectivity, Outlook may remain in offline mode, unable to sync with the Exchange Server.
• Sometimes, Outlook may fail to open the user profile altogether indicating severe OST damage.

How Corrupt OST File Affects Outlook Performance?

• Outlook may take a long time to launch as it uses a damaged OST file.
• Emails may not sync properly with Exchange Server, and face delays in sending and receiving emails.
• Outlook’s search feature may not work or show incomplete data due to corrupted OST file.
• OST file corruption can cause Outlook to consume excessive system resources, slowing down your entire computer.
• Outlook may hang or crash frequently, especially when accessing corrupted folders or emails stored in the OST file.
• Outlook might fail to display some emails, calendar entries, or contact makes critical data inaccessible to the user.
• All these issues had user frustration, lost time and lower productivity especially in professional and business environments.

Manual Methods to Repair a Corrupt Outlook OST File

When you face OST file corruption issues, then you can follow several approaches to fix repair and restore Outlook functionality. So follow the methods as we have discussed below using Outlook built-in tools or basic troubleshooting to fix this error:

Method 1. Using Inbox Repair Tool(SCANPST)

1. Close Outlook.
2. Locate SCANPST Tool on your system.
3. Open Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool and browse to your OST file location.
4. Click Repair button to start repairing corrupt Outlook OST files.
5. Once completed, Click on OK and check OST file corrupted issues resolved.

Method 2. Rebuild the OST File

1. Open Outlook and go to Tool.
2. Click on Account Settings and press on Account Settings.
3. Under the data files, select the corrupt OST file and click to Remove.
4. Create a new Outlook profile or reconnect your email account to generate fresh OST files.
5. Outlook will automatically sync your data from the server to the newly created OST files.

Method 3. Disable or Remove Problematic Add-ons

1. Open Outlook and navigate to the file.
2. Click on options and press on Add-ins.
3. At the bottom of the screen, select Manage COM Add-ins and click Go.
4. Disable any Suspicious Add-ons and relaunch Outlook To check if the issue is resolved.

Method 4. Clear the Offline Cache

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and click on the file.
2. Click on Account setting and again hit on Account Setting in the dropdown menu.
3. Select your account under Email and press Change.
4. Click on More Settings and press on the Advanced tab.
5. Under offline folder settings, click Disable offline use and relaunch Outlook.
6. Enable offline mode to rebuild offline cache.

Method 5. Create New Outlook Profile

1. Open the Control Panel and click on Mail(Microsoft Outlook).
2. Press on Show Profiles and click on Add to recreate the new profile.
3. Set the New Profile as default and reconnect your account.
4. Outlook will create a new OST file for the new Outlook profile.

Using Outlook with a Corrupt OST File: Risks and Consequences

• One of the major risks of losing emails, attachments, calendar, contacts as stored in an OST file. Once corrupted, this data may not be accessible or permanently lost.
• A corrupt Outlook OST file prevents proper synchronization with Exchange Server. Due to these, you can lose emails, unsent messages and outdated inbox data.
• Outlook may become sluggish, unresponsive or frequently crashes while accessing the corrupt OST file. This disrupts everyday email tasks and slows down workflow.
• A damaged OST file can affect the integrity of the Outlook user profile, sometimes making it impossible to launch the application or requiring full reconfiguration.
• Cannot start Microsoft Outlook error message. Its too bad as it creates downtime and frustration for businesses.
• If the corruption is due to malware or virus infections, continuing to use the corrupted file could expose sensitive information or spread malicious software.
• Attempting to work with a broken OST file often results in time-consuming, troubleshooting, reduced productivity and increased IT support tools.

Quick Steps to fix a Corrupt Outlook OST File

1. Download Recommended Wizard and run it on your system.
2. Click on Convert configured mailbox data and use Recovery Mode.
3. Now, Select OST data such as emails, addressbook, and other data to convert.
4. Browse PST file in the list of Saving features.
5. Choose an Advanced filter to select crucial data and also helps to avoid unwanted files.
6. Choose the destination path and press Convert to start fix OST file corruption.

Helpful Features of Recommended Tool

• This software can also import OST to Microsoft 365, Gmail, Thunderbird, Maldir and all IMAP Supported email servers.
• It is especially created with a simple initiative interface to easily perform by any professional or individual users.
• You can also filter features such as date range, from, to, subject, exclude folders, organizer, root folder, exclude empty folder, mails, calendars, contacts, create Exception log.
• It also offers to restore and convert damaged, corrupted, dismounted and inaccessible OST files.
• With this wizard, you can also use the auto-detect filter feature or let me select any specific OST file as per required.

Common Queries

Can a Corrupt OST file be Fixed?

Yes, a corrupt OST file can be fixed using SCANPST or by deleting and recreating an OST file. If manual repair fails then you can opt for an automated tool as it can restore your OST file.

How do I Delete a corrupt OST file?

Close Outlook, navigate to file location(usually in Outlook profile folder). Locate OST file and delete it. Relaunch Outlook and it will automatically create a new OST file and re sync your data from the server.

How to Rebuild your OST file?
To rebuild your OST file, close Outlook and delete existing OST file then relaunch Outlook. It will regenerate OST file and download mailbox data from Exchange Server if your account is properly configured.

Takeaway

Let’s summarize all information discussed in this post to fix corrupt Outlook OST file. We have covered the causes of OST file corruption and how it affects Outlook. In addition, we have also explained top six tried and tested approaches to resolve OST file corruption issues. While manual methods can sometimes work, they often carry a high risk of data loss. Due to this, we recommend you to opt for an automated tool as it offers full accurate results, the same as data contained in an source OST file with no risk of losing crucial information. One of the key benefits of this tool as it creates a separate output file without making any changes with the source OST file.