OST file is an Outlook data file created when you set up Outlook with an IMAP account, Exchange, Office 365, and Outlook.com. Keeps a synced copy of mailbox data to your local system. You can perform various actions such as reading emails, deleting emails, composing new emails, etc., even when there is no internet connection or server access. When the connection to the server is restarted, Outlook syncs all changes made offline to the OST file with the server.
Sometimes, though, you encounter a situation where the OST file is corrupted. Other signs of OST corruption are error messages during OST file syncing, items not in the OST file, etc. There are a variety of factors that can lead to OST malfunctions such as bad sectors on the hard drive, incompatible Outlook extensions, large OST files, and many more such kinds of reasons.
Now, let us get the solution for repairing OST files, but before that let us know how the OST files get corrupted.
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What is the reason for corruption?
There are many reasons why the Outlook OST file is corrupt. When this happens, OST files may not be readable at all. Some of the reasons software and hardware may damage OST files. Before proceeding with the OST repair solution. Let us first list all possible reasons for OST corruption.
- When an offline OST file is about to reach its limit, it becomes corrupted or inaccessible.
- Unnecessary termination of the MS Outlook program may corrupt Outlook. ost file.
- Incorrectly adding Microsoft Outlook can lead to OST file corruption.
- Unexpected operation of the fence may be due to malfunction of any object or due to disturbances and infections.
- The malfunction of network cards, cables, routers, and other similar devices directly affects the performance of Outlook OST files.
- A sudden power failure can lead to OST file corruption if, this event occurs when the user is working with the OST file.
These can be reasons for the corruption of the OST files and thus to repair the OST files users have to go through several steps, let us look at these steps.
What is the procedure to repair?
Users who want to repair the OST file can follow the procedure. There are various methods to repair the OST files. These methods include:
Method 1: Edit Outlook OST File Using the Upload Folder
Method 2: Edit OST File with Built-in Tool Scanost.exe
Method 3: Repair Corrupt OST File by Renewing New OST
Method 4: Disable Firewall & Anti-virus settings to Fix OST File
Method 5: Launch Outlook in Safe Mode to Repair Corrupt OST
Method 6: – Repair Corrupt OST File without Losing Data
Method 1: Edit Outlook OST File Using the Upload Folder
It is an easy way to fix OST files and fix the corruption problem. Just take steps:
- First, right-click on the OST file folder, then select Properties.
- When the dialog box appears, click on the ?Clear Offline Items? option under this dialog box.
- After that, select the “OK” option to proceed
- Now, in the Outlook ribbon, select the Send / Receive option
- Lastly, click “Update Folder” to save the changes.
Method 2: Edit OST File with Built-in Tool Scanost.exe
Microsoft Outlook contains a built-in tool namely scanost.exe, try this application, and edit the OST file easily. Follow the steps listed below:
- Initially, Stop the MS Outlook application before starting the configuration process.
- Now, start Scanost.exe by double-clicking it, the default drive location: \ Program Files \ Microsoft Office \ OFFICE12 (the destination folder may vary depending on your Outlook version).
- In this step, if you have several Outlook accounts, a tool will appear to select the OST file you want to edit. Just select the corrupted OST file and proceed.
- When you are asked to Work Offline, press “Connect” and select the option according to your preferences.
- Lastly, select the debug checkbox to automatically fix errors while scanning the OST file. After that, click the Scan button.
Method 3: Repair Corrupt OST File by Renewing New OST
MS Exchange Server uses an offline OST file, which is a copy of information stored on an email server. If you experience problems with the OST data file, you can delete the existing OST file and re-create the OST file. The process applies to Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and the versions below. You should do this process wisely, only if your OST file is no longer usable. It will help you to fix the OST file but data loss is possible.
Method 4: Disable Firewall & Anti-virus settings to Fix OST File
The user can disable the virus protection program, and other security system settings, as other applications (such as Outlook), are designed to scan and detect problems for all incoming and outgoing emails. Enabled anti-virus settings may occasionally block the normal operation of MS Outlook, so you may need to disable settings and restart the system to view changes. Sometimes this strategy works to repair damaged OST files.
Method 5: Launch Outlook in Safe Mode to Repair Corrupt OST
The main purpose of starting MS Outlook in safe mode is to disable any additional errors that may occur during the restart process. Allows you to work safely without any files or extensions. This command will not fix the OST file but grant access to an OST file that is not accessible. Just use this command to unlock Outlook in safe mode:
Method 6: – Repair Corrupt OST File without Losing Data
The user can go the other way to edit the OST file. As we know the solution to the manual mentioned above contains some obstacles. So, we came up with a good way to fix corrupted OST Files like Softaken OST Repair Software. With the help of this tool, the user can easily repair damaged and damaged OST files. The software makes it easy to understand user interaction even if the beginner user also uses it. The tool is capable of repairing a badly damaged Outlook OST file within a few minutes.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have provided information on repairing the exchange of the OST files. To overcome the issue of repairing users can use the Softaken OST repair tool, the tool provides a free demo version is provided by the tool.
