OST (Offline Storage Table) files include emails, contacts, calendar events, tasks, and other information stored in the user's mailbox on an Exchange server.
If an OST file becomes corrupt, it can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience for a user trying to regain access to their essential data. In these cases, it's important to fix the corrupted OST file as soon as possible.
So, how do you fix a corrupted OST file? Here are several effective methods you can try:
Inspect your internet connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection. If the OST file became corrupt while you were offline, establishing a link to the Exchange server may help to repair the file.
Use the Inbox Repair Tool: Outlook has a built-in tool called the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) that you can use to repair corrupt OST files. Browse the Scanpst.exe file in your local directory (it should be in the Outlook installation folder) and double-click to open it. Follow the prompts to select the OST file and start the repair process.
Repair the OST file using OST recovery software: If the Inbox Repair Tool cannot fix the corruption, you may need to use specialized OST recovery software. Several options are available on the market, ranging from free to paid options. It's essential to research and find reputable software with good reviews and a high success rate for repairing OST files.
Recreate the OST file: If none of the above methods are successful, you may need to recreate the OST file.
We recommend using any professional OST recovery tool among the four solutions. It can save both your time and effort.