Administrator Updated on October 11, 2022 Have you ever created a PST file by using Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013 or 2010? If yes then you probably know that Outlook is very good in creating PST records and then deleting them instantly. This gives the main idea for all Outlook users to create a single file for their emails. After some years, you will end up with all your old emails in your “Archive Folder” which could be problematic if you don't have enough space on your computer to save it. The ideal solution is to repair Outlook and remove orphaned PST files manually.
MS Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013 and 2010 allows users to seamlessly manage their messages, emails and other email accounts. Outlook stores information about emails, appointments, contacts and more in a PST file, which is found in the system drive location.
However, the PST file may get corrupted due to various reasons. This may cause the Outlook application not to launch, hang or take much time to complete.
Fortunately, Outlook has made it possible to repair damaged or corrupted PST file for Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013 and 2010 through a repair tool known as ScanPST.exe. Listed below are reasons why PST file can get corrupted and how to repair it manually.
Reasons for PST File Corruption
There are several reasons why Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013 and 2010 PST file can get damaged or corrupted.
- Virus Attack- In some cases, you can open an email attachment for MS Outlook that happens to be malware. This can corrupt PST file.
- Large PST File- Large files can hang or crash the application especially in earlier Outlook versions that have limited data.
- Faulty Networking Device- PST is found on the network server. Therefore, accessing PST files with networking devices that don’t work properly can make the corrupted or damaged.
- Abnormally Shutting Down Outlook- PST file can also get corruption errors when you abruptly shut down Outlook.
- Creation of New PST File- Shifting from a previous version of Outlook to Outlook 2016 can corrupt the older file.
Method 1: Using ScanPST
ScanPST is also referred to as Inbox Repair tool and it lets you repair damaged or corrupt files. This repair tool can be accessed from the computer drive. Use the steps below to proceed with the manual method.
- Exist Outlook and browse the following locations for Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013 and 2010.
* Outlook 2019: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16
* Outlook 2016: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16
* Ms Outlook 2013: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice15
* Outlook 2010: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice14 - The next step is to open Exe to open the Microsoft Outlook inbox repair tool. Alternatively, you can open this tool by double-clicking on the launcher.
- Now, click the Browse button to locate the PST file that you want to repair.
Alternatively, you can locate the file by going to Account Settings and then to Data Files. Navigate to the file you want to open and click Open File Location.
- After you have located the file, click on the Start button to initiate the scan process.
- Once the scan process is complete, click on the repair button that is located at the bottom of the page. Doing this will begin the repairing process.
Note: Before repairing, check the box that is next to Make a backup of scanned file before repairing to create backup for the PST file. This prevents any data loss that may occur during the repair process. - After clicking the repair button, the ScanPST tool will take several seconds to repair the PST tool, depending on the file size.
- After the repair is complete, import the file to outlook.
Method 2: Automated Method
At times, the inbox repair tool may not function properly and you may still experience issues with the PST files. When this happens, you may want to consider using automated software like the Outlook PST Repair Tool.
You can use this software to accurately and efficiently repair your PST files. This is because it comes with exceptional features that ensure fast scanning speed and recovery of PST files that are encrypted and password protected.
Summary: Repair Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013 and 2010 PST file manually
- Open Outlook and click on File. Then click on Open & Export. Double-click on “Open Outlook Data File”
- Select the corrupted PST file that you wish to repair and then click OK
- Once the PST file has been selected, navigate to Create a Backup tab
- In this step, save the backup of PST file at the destination location of your choice and then click OK
- Now, open Outlook and navigate to Open page. Click on Open & Export option then select Import/Export from the list.
- A dialog box will appear wherein you need to select Import from another program or file option and then click Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) in the dialog box that appears and then follow the steps as instructed. Once done, click Finish.
Conclusion
If you notice that your PST file is not launching or is taking too much time to launch. ScanPST can help you repair your PST files with ease even if you don’t know the reason for its corruption.
