PST Repair Tool: How It Repairs Corrupt PST Files and Restores Your Data

Personal Storage Table (PST) files are quite crucial for individuals using Microsoft Outlook, as the files contain email, contacts, calendars, etc. But somehow, these PST files get damaged due to technical issues, viruses, or having too large data. When one of the PST files gets corrupted, it would be difficult to access the desired data. The PST Repair Tool is helpful under such circumstances.

Understanding PST Corruption

PST file corruption can happen due to a number of reasons, including:

• File Size Limitations: Previous versions of Outlook have PST file size restrictions, and crossing these limits can result in corruption.

• Improper Shutdowns: Failure to properly shut down Outlook can result in file corruption.

• Malware or Virus Attacks: Malicious programs can infect and corrupt PST files.

• Hardware Issues: Issues such as bad sectors on a hard drive can cause file corruption.

• Software Conflicts: Compatibility issues with third-party add-ins or software lead to PST file errors.

PST files being corrupted can show error messages on Outlook like "Outlook cannot open the file" or "Errors have been detected in the file."

How a PST Repair Tool Works?

A PST Repair Tool is developed to scan, diagnose, and repair problems within corrupted PST files. Here's how it normally works:

1. Scanning the Corrupt PST File

The repair tool initially scans the PST file deeply to identify any inconsistencies, corruption, or missing information.

2. Data Recovery

After the detection of corruption, the tool extracts and recovers data such as emails, attachments, contacts, and calendar events.

3. PST File Rebuilding

Once recovered, the tool rebuilds a new healthy PST file which can be imported again to Outlook.

4. Data Integrity Assurance

Advanced repair software makes sure that all recovered emails and items are in their original structure and format.

Features of a Good PST Repair Tool

Not every PST repair tool is created equal. These are some of the features to watch out for:

• Deep Scanning Algorithm: The software should possess an advanced scanning mechanism to identify even slight corruption.

• Selective Recovery: Some software enables users to choose individual emails, contacts, or folders to recover.

• Large File Support: A good repair tool must support large PST files without any problem.

• Preview Option: Users must be able to preview recoverable data prior to restoration.

• Compatibility: Make sure the tool is compatible with all versions of Outlook.

• Export Options: Some tools provide the option to export recovered data in various formats such as PST, EML, or MSG.

Manual vs. Third-Party PST Repair Tools

Using Microsoft's Built-in ScanPST.exe

Microsoft also offers a built-in utility named ScanPST.exe to fix minor corruptions. Here's how to do it:

1. Close Outlook.

2. Find ScanPST.exe (typically located in the Office installation directory).

3. Open ScanPST and navigate to the damaged PST file.

4. Click Start to start the scan.

5. If errors are detected, click Repair to repair the file.

6. Restart Outlook and see if the problem disappears.

7. But ScanPST.exe has some limitations. It can't repair highly corrupted files or large PST files.

Third-Party PST Repair Tools

In the case of serious corruption, third-party PST repair tools provide a safer option. They offer more comprehensive scanning, enhanced recovery features, and improved large and encrypted PST file compatibility.

Preventing PST File Corruption

Avoid PST file corruption with these best practices:

• Regular Backups: Never go without a backup of your Outlook data.

• Reduce PST File Size: Archive older emails and remove redundant data to avoid file bloating.

• Use Reliable Storage: Store PST files on a reliable hard drive or cloud storage.

• Close Outlook Properly: Always exit Outlook properly to prevent file corruption.

• Update Outlook and System: Ensure you’re using the latest version to avoid software conflicts.

Conclusion

A PST Repair Tool is a vital solution to recover damaged PST files and restore lost Outlook information. Although Microsoft's ScanPST.exe resolves minor problems, professional third-party repair tools provide sophisticated recovery features for serious corruption. Users can protect their Outlook information efficiently by knowing how these tools function and taking preventive actions.