These issues can arise due to a range of reasons from corrupted view settings and improper folder mapping to PST file corruption or even improper export processes. But in some situations the actual data is not displayed correctly. In this article, We will guide you through all possible ways to resolve PST file showing 0 KB.
When a user encounters the message or symptom that their Outlook PST file is empty, it typically means that the file opens in Microsoft Outlook, but no emails, contacts, calendars items appear inside. This can be particularly confusing when Outlook emails are not received due to storage issues.
Why Your PST File Appears Empty (Even with Large File Size)?
- Outlook may hide emails if custom view settings or filters are applied.
- If the folder type is set incorrectly, Outlook won’t display the content of the PST file.
- Corrupted PST file or damaged headers can prevent Outlook from loading the Outlook PST file and PST file showing 0 KB.
Quick Technique to Fix an Outlook Data File That Opens Empty
If you want to fix an Outlook data file that is empty then we recommend you to choose Jagware PST File Converter as this software can recover all damaged data and offers healthy Outlook files to easily access Outlook data without facing any limitations. To use this utility, you can freely install by clicking on download button and enjoys its trial version to convert first 25 items from each folder of Outlook and after satisfying with its performance you can buy license to enjoy its functionality completely free without facing any limitations.
Steps to Fix Outlook PST File Empty Error
- Download and open Recommended Wizard on your pc.

- Press on Configured Outlook Mailbox data and check on Use Recovery Mode or you also manually select file by using let me select feature.

- Choose Outlook mailbox folders as you wish to restore.

- Select PST File in the list of Saving options and choose PST filers as required.

- Browse destination path and select Advanced filter for specific mailbox recovery.

- Press Next to start fixing the Outlook data file.

Useful Features of Automated Approach
- This software can easily restore and convert damaged, corrupted, inaccessible and oversize Outlook files.
- It also offers you to convert PST to HTML, PDF, EML, MBOX, and 35+ saving options to make it more flexible to perform more operations.
- With this wizard, you can also use filter options such as date range, subject, exclude folder, skip empty folder and many more.
- It is specially designed with a simple intuitive interface to make it a reliable tool to perform for all individual and professional users.
- This wizard also offers Auto detect feature to locate Outlook file from default location and also offers dual mode to select Outlook files from any custom location.
How to Fix Outlook Data File Appears Empty Error?
Sometimes your emails appear in the PST file, but Outlook shows PST file empty so follow the techniques as we have shared in the upcoming section to resolve it:
Method1: Check and Change Outlook View Settings
- Open Outlook and navigate to a folder that looks empty.

- Click on the View Tab at the top and select View Settings and press on Reset View.
- Also check filter settings to make sure nothing is being hidden.
Method2: Correct Folder Properties Using MFCMAPI
- Download and open MFCMAPI Outlook App.
- Open your Outlook Profile and locate the folder as appears empty in Outlook.
- Check the folder PR Container_CLASS property.
- If it’s set incorrectly, change it to IPF.Note.
Method3: Repair the PST File Using Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe)
- Firstly, Locate SCANPST Location: C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SCANPST.exe.

- After that, Run Tool and click on browse to insert Outlook file.

- Now, Checked on Saved Copy of Scanned Files and press on Repair.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips
- If compacting a PST file doesn’t reduce its size significantly, create a new PST file and move the data into it. This often helps in reclaiming space and improving performance.
- A corrupted Outlook profile can lead to performance issues. Setting up a new profile can resolve problem related to mail delivery
- Some Add-ins may interfere with Outlook display, running in safe mode or disabling faulty Add-ins can resolve Outlook PST shows empty issues.
How to Verify Recovery: Ensure Outlook PST File Is No Longer Empty?
- After repair or import, check if your emails are not appearing in Outlook.
- Open each folder to check all messages appear correctly and not missing any.
- Make sure the PST file size matches the numbers of emails you can see.
Helpful Questions
Why does Outlook say my File is empty?
Outlook says file empty due to hidden view settings, wrong folder properties or file corruption. Even if the file size is under 50 GB, emails might not appear because Outlook can’t display it correctly.
How to Fix Outlook PST file not found?
If an Outlook file is not found then it may have been moved, renamed or deleted. Locate the file on your computer then navigate to Outlook file settings to re-add it or browse to the correct path.
Why are All My Outlook Mails Empty in the Folder?
Your Outlook folder may look empty if filters are hiding messages, the folder type is incorrect, or the other data file is damaged. Resetting view settings or repairing the PST file can help recover the emails.
Ending Remarks
Let’s sum up as explained all crucial information and all possible approaches to fix the Outlook PST file empty. As a manual approach will take lots of time and no assurance of data restoration. So, we recommend you to choose Quick Guide as it can easily handle any size of Outlook files and also support Recovery Mode to offer healthy PST files quickly.