Outlook primarily has two types of files: Personal Storage Table (PST) and Offline Storage Table (OST).
MS Outlook, when configured with IMAP, Exchange, Office 365, or Outlook.com accounts, creates an OST file to store mailbox data on the local system. The OST file allows you to work even when you’re offline.
However, the OST file may get corrupt or damaged due to various factors such as synchronization issues, faulty storage devices, etc. As a result, you may receive various errors while working with Outlook.
In such a situation, you need to find an immediate solution to fix the corrupt or damaged OST file.
Though Outlook provides an inbuilt utility - Scanpst.exe or Inbox Repair tool to fix issues with Outlook data file, it is not suggested to repair the OST file.
WHY YOU SHOULDN'T REPAIR OST FILE WITH SCANPST.EXE?
The Inbox Repair Tool or Scanpst.exe utility assists in fixing corruption in Outlook data files. However, many users who use ScanPST.exe to repair OST files reported that the issues are not completely resolved.
Therefore, it is suggested not to straightaway use Scanpset.exe to repair the corrupt OST file issues.
As OST simply contains the cached data, it is best to recreate the OST file instead of trying to fix it.
HOW TO SOLVE OST FILE ISSUES?
Below-mentioned is the methods that you can use to fix issues with OST files.
Recreate The OST File
To resolve issues with your OST file, just recreate the OST file by syncing the data from the server. Follow the steps provided below to recreate the OST file:
- Close your MS Outlook application.
- Navigate to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files > Open File Location to open your OST file located in the system.
- You can also find the OST file at the below locations based on the Operating System you’re using:
For Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\
- Once you find the OST file, rename it (ensure that MS Outlook is closed).
- Now, open your MS Outlook application. It will create a new OST file at the default location.
REPAIR OST FILE IF REBUILD DOESN’T SOLVE THE ISSUE
When you have a large mailbox and there’s an internet connectivity/speed issue, you may not be able to rebuild an OST file. In such a case, you can try using the ScanPST.exe. Follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Close your MS Outlook application.
- Now, navigate to the below-provided location to launch the Inbox Repair Utility tool:
MS Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14 or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14 (For Windows 64-bit)
MS Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15 (For Windows 32-bit and Outlook 64-bit) or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16 (Windows 64-bit)
MS Outlook 2019/2016/Office 365: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\office16\
- Now, search ScanPST and launch it.
- Use the Browse option to select your OST file.
- Once you choose your OST file, click the Start button to begin the scan process.
- The results will be displayed, if any errors are found in the OST file. Make sure to tick the checkbox for ‘Make a backup of scanned file before repairing. Click the Repair button to initiate the repair process.
CONVERT OST TO PST
- Supports Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and older versions
- Offers a detailed preview of the converted OST file before saving
- No file size limitation for OST file conversion
- Exports OST files directly to Office 365 and live Exchange (Technician version)
- Allows saving the OST data in different formats, like PST, MSG, HTML, RTF, PDF, and EML
