Repair Corrupt PST File: Easy Fix Guide (2026)

Outlook PST file corruption occurs if the header becomes compromised, rendering the database unreadable. This “digital fracture” also happens typically when the massive database file is pushed beyond its size limits. This necessitates users to repair corrupt PST file to restore access to the communication. This blog will discuss various ways that will assist you in repairing corrupted Outlook PST files. Moreover, we will mention some possible reasons for the same. So just stay tuned to get your answer.

Adam Thompson from London asks: “I’m having an issue with my Microsoft Outlook account. Outlook either won’t open properly or shows errors like “Data file cannot be accessed.” I have important business emails stored in this PST file, so I’m really concerned about data loss. Can anyone suggest a reliable way to repair a corrupt Outlook PST file without losing emails or attachments?

Why PST Files Get Corrupted?

There are several instances due to which users face issues with the corrupted Outlook data file. The possible causes for the corruption of PST files are as follows:

• If the defective add-in is added, the Outlook application displays an error code that users need to use to repair the corrupt PST files.
• When the system shuts down abnormally while working with Outlook applications, your PST file may become damaged.
• The Outlook PST file was corrupted due to a virus attack on the computer. The entire system will be affected, including the Outlook PST files.
• In case of network failure, users may encounter the problem as much as PST files may get corrupted, as they become inaccessible upon fetching.
• By manually renaming the PST file while MS Outlook is running, accessing it will break the file handle, leading to corruption. 

How to Repair Corrupt PST File? Top 4 Methods to Fix It

Several ways are available here that can recover damaged PST files. We have listed some of the best possible ways in the sections below.

Method 01: Use the Inbox Repair Tool 

Microsoft offers a tool, the ScanPST Tool, that efficiently repair corrupt Outlook PST file. But keep in mind that it only repairs minor corruption. 

Use the step-by-step process to start recovering files:

1. First, navigate the ScanPST Tool on your Windows system. It is based on the location of the Outlook version:

Outlook Version	Location
Outlook 2019	C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\
Outlook 2016	C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
Outlook 2013	C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
Outlook 2010	C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
Outlook 2007	C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12

2. Launch SCANPST.EXE by double-clicking on it to start repairing the corrupt PST file.
3. Now, click on the Browse button to choose the corrupt Outlook PST file you want to repair.
4. Then, hold down the Start button. Here, the Inbox Repair Tool will start scanning the PST file to find any corruption or errors in the Outlook data file (.pst).
5. After the SCANPST tool detects any corruption in the PST file, take a backup of the scanned file before repairing the option to Create a backup copy. It will ensure the safety of the corrupt Outlook data file.
6. Next, click on the Repair button to start fixing PST file corruption.

Method 02: Retrieve Lost and Found Files 

It is a manual recovery method that moves the PST files from Lost and Found to a new PST file. But, it will work only if the ScanPST has recovered the readable items.  

The following are the steps to open corrupt Outlook PST file:

1. Launch the Home tab in the Outlook application and open the New Email, point to More items, and choose the Outlook data file.
2. Now, choose the Outlook Data File option and click the Ok button.
3. After that, specify a location on your computer and enter a name for the newly generated PST file. Click Ok.
4. Click on the More icon and choose folders to switch the Outlook sidebar to Folder List View.
5. Then, drag the contents within the Lost and Found or Recovered Personal Folder into the new data file.

Method 03: Recover Extra Items from Outlook PST

This approach is useful when some of the emails are missing after running the ScanPST tool. Also, it will work only if the .bak file exists to fix corrupt PST file. 

Look at the steps to recover the data from the PST file:

1. Copy the damaged PST file backup to your screen. 
2. Make sure to alter the extension of BAK at the end of the file and change it to PST.
3. After that, launch the File tab in the Microsoft Outlook application and choose the Open & Export button > Import/Export. 
4. Then, choose the Import from another program or file option > Next.
5. Further, pick the Outlook Data File (.pst) option > Next.
6. Afterwards, choose the Browse button and pick the backup copy of the damaged PST file.
7. In the end, choose the Do not import duplicates option > Next > Finish button. 

Method 04: Repair Corrupt PST File Without ScanPST Tool

Cigati Outlook PST Repair Tool is a well-known and trusted utility that helps users to recover corrupted or damaged PST files. The software recovers all the MS Outlook PST file items, including emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, etc. Also, users can recover emails even from the encrypted or password-protected PST file. Apart from that, it also facilitates the users in recovering the data from the locked or password-protected PST file. Now, we will learn the working of the software. It will definitely clear all your doubts.

Simple steps to fix corrupt PST file:

1. Download and run the Cigati Outlook PST Repair Tool on your local system. 
2. Afterwards, upload the PST File that is damaged, and you wish to repair.
3. Next, select the PST Recovery Mode. It depends on the level of corruption, such as Standard, Advanced, or Deep.
4. Here, users can preview all the targeted emails after the scanning process of a PST file.
5. Now, select the PST as a File Format and set the destination path to download it.
6. Lastly, click the Save Button.

Conclusion

The PST file corruption is an essential database that includes important emails, contact lists, and calendar schedules. Therefore, in the above post, we have discussed the best techniques to repair corrupt PST files using the manual and professional approaches. However, there are some issues with the manual method, due to which we recommend users opt for the professional method, the Cigati Outlook PST Repair Tool, to easily repair their corrupt PST files.

You May Also Read: Restore PST File in Outlook

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Post