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How to Repair Outlook PST Files from Shutdown-Related Issues

Mizrahi
How to Repair Outlook PST Files from Shutdown-Related Issues

Introduction:

Outlook data files (.pst) store business-critical data. But these crucial data files are prone to corruption. Even an unexpected shutdown, like a sudden power outage can damage this data file. Issues like hardware failure can also interrupt data writing processes, leading to corruption in the .pst file. Such shutdowns cause inconsistencies in the .pst file structure as the changes may not been saved properly. This scenario may lead to multiple operational issues like missing email messages, contacts, sync issues, etc. In some cases, the user may not be able to launch the Outlook.

It may also lead to slow performance. If you are wondering why is Outlook so slow, it could be due to an unexpected shutdown. This post will shed light on how to repair Outlook PST files from shutdown-related issues. Additionally, we will also explore when to use a PST repair software.

How Shutdown-Related Issues Can Lead to PST File Corruption?

Some common reasons why a shutdown can lead to PST file corruption are discussed below:

  • Sudden power failure: An unexpected power failure while Outlook is active can lead to irreparable damage to the PST (Personal Storage Table) file.
  • Sudden system shutdown: A sudden system shutdown when the Outlook is actively modifying the data can damage .pst file.
  • Inappropriate Outlook closure: A sudden closure of the email client without following a proper process can lead to inconsistencies in .pst file structure. This happens because Outlook doesn’t get a chance to save the changes made to the PST file.
  • Hardware issues: Problems like a bad sector or hard drive failure prevents reading/writing process of Outlook, causing damage to the .pst file. It may make email messages, contacts and other mailbox folders inaccessible

How to Repair Outlook PST Files from Shutdown-Related Issues:

In this part of the section, we will explore methods to repair Outlook data files (.pst). Some of them are listed below:

1. Restore from a Backup: If the user has created a backup of the .pst file then the data file can be restored following below steps:

Step 1: Locating the PST Backup File:

  • Launch File Explorer.
  • Navigate to the folder where the .pst backup file is saved.

Step 2: Browse the Outlook App & Access Import Feature:

  • Open Outlook.
  • Browse “File.”
  • Then Explore “Open & Export.”
  • Then hit on the “Import/Export” tab.

Step 3: Import the Backup PST File:

  • Select Import from another program or file. Hit on the “Next” tab.
  • Select Outlook Data File (.pst) option from the dropdown and then press Next.
Select PST file
  • Select the file folder you need to export and click Next. You can include the subfolders as well.
Select the folder to export
  • Specify the location where you require to save the file. You can check the ‘Replace duplicates with items exported’ option to avoid duplicate content.
  • Press ‘Finish’ to complete the process.

2. PST Repair Using ScanPST.exe: This built-in utility is also known as the Inbox Repair Tool. It runs multiple scans to discover error in the header or file structure. Then it diagnoses and fixes the issue. The step-by-step guide is mentioned below:

Step 1: Exit from the Outlook and discover the ScanPST on the below locations:

Version

Location

Office 365\2019\2016:

–For 64-bit Outlook C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16

–For 64-bit Outlook C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16

–For 32-bit Outlook C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16

–For 32-bit Windows C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16

Office 2013:

–For 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\office15

–For 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\office15

Step 2: After finding this built-in utility, double click on it to initiate the process.

Step 3: After this select the PST file you need to scan/ repair.

Step 4: Click on the chosen data file, then click Open:

Scanpst file selection

Step 5: After this the targeted data file (.pst) started featuring on Window, press ‘Start’ to initiate the scan process.

Scanpst start scan

Step 6: Scan time depends on the file size. A large data file will take longer time. After scanning, a progress report will be displayed.

Scanpst progress

Step 7: Analyse the scan report and check icon to create a pre-repair backup.

Step 8: After the backup file creation, click the ‘Repair’ button to start the procedure.

Shows results of scanned Outlook .pst data file using the Microsoft Inbox Repair tool, SCANPST.EXE

Step 9: Press the ‘OK’ tab once the procedure is over.

Scanpst completed

Step 10: Restart Outlook and reopen the repaired.pst file.

Limitation of Scanpst.exe:

The Inbox Repair Tool is the best for repairing small .pst files (upto 2 GB). This built-in utility struggles to repair a large file or a file infected with a virus attack. Some of its shortcomings are discussed below:

  • Lengthy Repair Process: The process of ScanPST is divided in multiple phases that takes lot of time. It first scans the header. Then it examines the internal data structures for inconsistencies like table error, folder count error, etc. Additionally, it can consume multiple productive if a large .pst file is involved.
  • Encrypted/ Inaccessible File: The Inbox Repair Tool may struggle or even fail to diagnose and repair encrypted, inaccessible data file. It may crash in the middle of the repair process, posing threat to business-sensitive data.
  • Large Mailbox Data Files: The utility may freeze while repairing an oversized Outlook data file (.pst).

3: Repairing Using PST Repair Software: Another smart and relatively easy way to repair a damaged .pst file is utilising professional Outlook PST repair tool. Such tools are based on advanced algorithms and can promptly repair even the severely-corrupted, oversized .pst files. Stellar Repair for Outlook an acclaimed PST repair software. This software supports Office 365 and Microsoft 365. It is known for its quick repair speed. This repair tool is also compatible with all Outlook versions like 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, etc.

What makes Stellar Repair for Outlook different?

  • Capable of repairing even an oversized PST file.
  • Efficiently recovers mailbox data like email messages, attachments, etc. from the corrupt .pst data file.
  • Advanced filters to include/exclude emails.
  • It allows export of the repaired data file in different formats like PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF.

Conclusion:

A healthy PST (Personal Storage Table) file means flawless Outlook operations. But an unexpected power cut or a system shutdown can corrupt this crucial data file. This shutdown-related scenario hampers the data writing processes of the .pst file, leading to corruption. In the above post, we have learned how to repair Outlook PST files from shutdown-related issues. We have explored three methods for the same. Additionally, we have also learned if none of the methods work, we can use any PST recovery software like Stellar Repair for Outlook. Powered with advanced features, this software is recommended by IT experts for its abilities. Unlike Scanpst, which has a file size restriction, this tool can repair files of any size.

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