Top 7 Best Free Methods To Repair Corrupted OST File

If you searching for the 7 best free methods to repair corrupted OST file data then you are at the right blog post. As we know, Microsoft Outlook is the most widely used email client in the world for sharing important information and other communication purposes.

When using (.OST) file for saving mailbox data in the MS Outlook email applications. Then it may come across situations – corruption issues, inaccessible or orphaned OST files. 

In this post, we will explain – Benefits of OST file, How OST file gets corrupted and the solution to resolve corruption issues through different manual workarounds.  

Benefits of (.OST) file format

There are various factors behind why users save their mailboxes into OST file formats. OST file stands for Offline Storage Table which permits the users to access or send/receive email items without internet connectivity. All the changes made by the users are gets updated on the mail server when the internet connection is re-established. 

One of the major demerits or drawbacks of the OST file is – it can’t be imported into any other Outlook profiles that why It is also known as a machine-dependent file. 

How OST file gets corrupted 

OST file corruption error is a common issue which is encountered by most of Outlook users. There are some reasons behind this corruption issues are listed below –

·        Improper termination of Outlook or System.

·        Oversized OST data files may lead to corruption errors.

·        Virus or Malware Infection.

·        Due to failure of Storage Media.

·        Incompatible Outlook Add-ins.

·        Abrupt or weak internet connectivity.

·        Sudden power outage.

Free Method to repair corrupted OST file

For repairing corrupted OST file data, There are 7 free methods available that will help you to easily repair corruption issues and recover your corrupted data from Outlook OST file, the following methods are mentioned below - 

Method 1 – Start Microsoft Outlook in Safe Mode  

The reason behind starting Outlook in safe mode is to disable add-ins that may cause errors while the boot process. This method enables you to work safely without facing any errors & corrupted files. For opening MS Outlook in safe mode just use the “outlook.exe / safe” command.

Method 2 – Disable Firewall settings

The user can disable the antivirus applications and other firewall settings. These applications scan and detect every outgoing/incoming email item. But due to reasons, Sometimes these applications block the normal functioning of Microsoft Outlook. That’s why I would like to recommend you disable the firewall settings and restart your computer/device.

Method 3 – Compact OST file

Oversized or Large size OST files may cause various errors such as – effect on the performance of Outlook application, OST file corruption issues, etc. To avoid these problems just delete unimportant mailbox data/items.

After the deletion of data/items, it still exists in the deleted folder. So, we need to delete the items From Deleted Items folder. After compressing the OST files, it reduces the size of large OST files.

Method 4 – Upload Folder

It is one of the easiest free methods for repairing damaged OST files, the following steps of this method are mentioned below –   

1.     Firstly, right-click on the OST file folder and then select Properties.

2.     A new dialog will display >> click on the Clear Offline Items option.

3.     Now, hit on the OK button to proceed with the process.

4.     After that, On the Outlook ribbon >> select Send/Receive option.

5.     Finally, click on the Update Folder to save the changes.

Method 5 – View Corrupted OST File by Recreating OST file

When your important OST file data gets corrupted, the users are unable to view corrupted mailbox data from OST files. Sometimes, the users need to view corrupted OST file data in Offline mode when the server is down. A scanost.exe tool is an inbuilt tool of MS Outlook that helps the user to view the corrupted OST file without any trouble. 

By recreating OST files the users can easily access OST files from any version of MS Outlook. Firstly, we need to find out the location of an OST file from the local system. The location of the OST file available in the local machine is listed below –

For Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7, and Vista C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\

For Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\

Method 6 – Repair OST file by using Scanost.exe Tool

The following steps of these methods are as listed below –

1.     Firstly, Open the MS Outlook application on your system and Select the Outlook Data File from the menu New button.

2.     Then, click on the OST file >> Ok button.

3.     Now, provide a name to the .OST folder in the Name box section >> OK tab.

4.     After that, select Tools >> Account settings >> click on the OST file and set it as default.

5.     At last, remove your old OST files and close the window. 

Method 7 – Freeware Stellar Converter for OST 

Stellar OST to PST Converter is a third-party utility but the Trial Version of this software enables the user to export the first 25 email items from each folder is completely free of any charges/costs. This toolkit is eligible to repair highly corrupted or encrypted OST file data and recovers into multiple file formats such as – PST, HTML, MSG, EML, RTF, PDF files, and cloud applications - Live Exchange Server, Office365, accounts without altering any single mailbox items.    

The Final-Words

In this blog post, we have discussed the 7 best free methods to repair corrupted OST file. You can utilize any all these manual workarounds according to your comfort. All these methods are workable that are mentioned in this blog.

If you looking for a third-party Tool then just read this blog post – Top 5 Affordable OST to PST Converter. This OST Converter Tool is eligible to repair highly corrupted OST file data and convert it into various file types without any trouble.