Why Your PST File Keeps Getting Corrupted & How to Fix It Permanently

If your PST file keeps getting corrupted, you are not the only one. Many Outlook users are confronted with this aggravating problem of lost emails, contacts that cannot be accessed, and interrupted work. Corruption in the Outlook data file (PST) may occur due to various reasons, namely, large file sizes, sudden crashes of the system, malware attacks, and hardware failures.

In this complete guide you will learn about,

• Why does your Outlook PST file keep getting corrupt?
• What to do now?
• Best ways to avoid future PST corruption

At the end, you will know the action plan to recover your data and keep your Outlook PST healthy.

Why Does Your Outlook PST File Keep Getting Corrupted?

Before taking corrective actions, it is important to comprehend the reasons behind the implication that your Outlook PST keeps getting corrupted regularly. The reasons are:

– Exceeding the Recommended Limits of the PST File Size: The PST file limit for older versions of Outlook is 2GB (2002 and earlier). Newer versions (2003-2019) can support the files up to 50GB but still the larger file is prone to corruption. The answer involves splitting the large PST files into smaller files.

– Improper Exit of Outlook or System

Closing Outlook forcefully (such as during a crash or power failure) can damage the PST file. Make sure to close Outlook properly and, for unforeseen power outages, install a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).

– Virus or Malware Infection

Malicious software may modify or destroy PST files. Solution is to regularly scan your system using updated antivirus software.

– Network or Syncing Issues

Any one of these conditions, if you have PST on network drives or synced with cloud services (such as OneDrive, Dropbox), can cause corruption. Solution is to avoid PSTs on external or network drives.

– Hard Disk Errors or Bad Sectors

Because of a bad hard disk, any file including PST files can get corrupted. Solution is to run CHKDSK to check and repair errors on the disk.

– Outlook Add-ins Create Conflict

Faulty or outdated add-ins (e.g. using third-party email tools) may interfere with PST integrity. Thus consistentently deactivate add-ins that are not needed, as well as update them regularly.

– PST Incompatibility with Version of Outlook

The PST file may crack when opened under an incompatible version of Outlook. Therefore, ensure you use the correct Outlook version for your PST file.

What to do When PST File Keeps Getting Corrupted?

Below are the methods to focus on when the Outlook data file keeps getting corrupted. Users can recover from a backup or repair corrupt PST files to take care of such issues.

Method 1: Recover from Backup (If Available)

If you’ve backed up your PST file:

1. Locate the backup (usually in Documents\Outlook Files).
2. Close Outlook and replace the corrupted PST with the backup.
3. Reopen Outlook and verify data recovery.

Tip: Enable AutoArchive or use Windows Backup to prevent future data loss.

This method is feasible if you have a backup of your PST file available.

1. Locate the backup (it is typically found in Documents\Outlook Files).
2. Exit the application and replace the corrupted PST with the backup.
3. Open the application again and check the restored data.

Hint: Use AutoArchive or Windows Backup to avoid loss of data in the future.

Method 2: Use Microsoft’s Built-In Tool (ScanPST.exe)

 

Microsoft Outlook includes a free utility called ScanPST.exe (Inbox Repair Tool). Here’s how to use it:

1. Locate ScanPST.exe
   • Path for Outlook 2019/365: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\
   • Path for Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\
   • If you can’t find it, search for “scanpst.exe” in File Explorer.
2. Double-click the file to open it.
3. Click Browse and select your corrupted PST file.
4. Click Start to scan for errors.
5. If errors are found, click Repair and wait for completion.
6. After that, open Outlook and check if the issue is resolved.

Note: If ScanPST.exe fails, your PST file may be severely corrupted. Proceed to Method 2.

Method 3: Use a Professional Tool

ScanPST.exe has a high chance of failure as it only for basic fixes. In situations where it fails, advanced tools like SysTools PST File Repair can recover severely corrupted files. We will first try the free demo version:

Download Now Purchase Software

1. Download, install and run the free demo version of the software from above.
2. Now, click on Add button and either browse the corrupt file or search for it.
3. Once done, select the Advanced scan mode for advanced Outlook PST recovery process.
4. Then, preview all the recovered data.
5. Export limited data to PST.
6. Once you are satisfied with the results, you can upgrade to the full version and export all recovered data without fail.

Pros: Recovers deeply corrupted files, supports large PSTs, and restores deleted items.
Cons: Paid tools may be expensive (but worth it for critical data).

How to Prevent PST File Corruption in the Future

If your PST file keeps getting corrupted, the first step is to repair it. Then, make sure to take these steps to prevent corruption in the future:

1. Reduce PST File Size to Prevent Corruption

Large PST files are more likely to get corrupted. Never let it exceed 20GB (even if Outlook supports 50GB). Here’s how to reduce their size:

A. Archive Old Emails

1. Go to File > Info > Cleanup Tools > Archive.
2. Select a date range (e.g., emails older than 1 year).
3. Choose a location to save the archived PST file.

B. Delete Unnecessary Attachments

• Use Outlook’s Search to find large attachments: hasattachment:yes size:>5MB
• Delete or save attachments externally to free up space.

C. Compact the PST File

1. Go to File > Account Settings > Data Files.
2. Select your PST file and click Settings.
3. Click Compact Now to reduce file size.

2. Regularly Back Up Your PST File

• Manually copy the PST file to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Use Outlook’s AutoArchive feature (File > Options > Advanced > AutoArchive Settings).

3. Avoid Storing PST Files on External Drives or Networks

• Keep PST files on your local C: drive for better stability.

4. Keep Outlook and Windows Updated

• Updates often include bug fixes for PST corruption issues.

5. Use Outlook in Safe Mode for Troubleshooting

• Press Win + R, type: outlook.exe /safe
• If PST works in Safe Mode, a faulty add-in is likely the culprit.

Final Thoughts

If your Outlook PST file keeps getting corrupted, follow these steps:

1. Restore from backup if available.
2. Run ScanPST.exe for minor repairs.
3. Use a professional PST repair tool for severe corruption.
4. Prevent future corruption with regular backups and maintenance.
5. Reduce file size by archiving or deleting large attachments.

By following these best practices, you can ensure your Outlook data remains safe and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why does my Outlook PST file keep getting corrupted?

• Common causes: Large file size, sudden shutdowns, malware, hard drive errors, or add-in conflicts.

Q2. Can I recover a permanently corrupted PST file?

• Yes, using professional PST repair tools like Stellar or Kernel.

Q3. How do I prevent PST corruption in Outlook?

• Regular backups, keeping PST files under 20GB, and avoiding network storage.

Q4. Is ScanPST.exe safe to use?

• Yes, it’s Microsoft’s official repair tool, but it has limitations with severe corruption.