Recover Data from a 0 KB Outlook PST File – Check & Restore Lost Data

A healthy and corruption-free PST file is necessary for the smooth performance of Outlook. That is why, whenever Outlook users often complain about getting various error messages, usually there is something wrong with the PST file. In this post, we will discuss one such Outlook error that is related to PST file and that is “0 KB PST Outlook file. Also, understand about the chances and possibility to recover data from a 0KB Outlook PST file”.

When PST file is checked upon getting trouble using Outlook, Users find that the size of the PST file is 0 KB. Now the next question that comes to their mind, is it possible to recover data from 0 KB PST file? The answer is “No” in almost every case. However, backup PST file can save you from losing complete Outlook data in case of this error.

If you have a backup, then you can recover the data by restoring the backup file using Outlook Data File Recovery Tool. Without backup, recovery of Outlook data is almost impossible. However, it is important to learn about the reasons behind this error and how you can stop this from happening again. Read on to know how you can protect your Outlook from encountering this 0KB error issue. And see the possibility to recover data from a 0KB Outlook PST file.

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What Causes Outlook PST File to Become 0 KB?

Numerous causes can be responsible for this Outlook PST file becoming 0KB error and Microsoft Outlook fails to recognize these PST files. Have a look at the causes as we have compiled them here:

1. PST File Corruption: The first and foremost cause of 0 KB or empty PST file is corruption. Now corruption can occur due to different technical or human errors. So, users must stay vigilant about issues that may cause PST file Error.

2. PST Located in Network: It is not recommended to save Outlook PST file in any Network location or in a cloud-sync enabled drive. Still, if someone stores the PST file and tries to access it with Outlook, they may get 0 KB error and end up as inability in accessing lost data from the PST data file.

3. Using Check Disk Tool: CHKDSK is a tool widely used for checking disk integrity or check the hard disk health. But this can also cause the problem of PST file becoming 0 KB.

4. Copy PST File While in Use: It is possible to copy your PST file which is already in use by Outlook. But the copied PST file will be of 0 KB and the main PST file will remain the same. If users mistakenly delete the original file without checking the file size, they will be left with the PST file of 0 KB.

5. Move PST from CD to Hard Drive: If users copy a PST file from CD to their local system, then the copied file may also display this error message and users will have trouble using Outlook.

How to Recover Data from a 0KB Outlook PST File?

Now that you know why PST file size can become 0KB, here are some commonly used techniques that can be used to get backup data in case of PST file becomes 0 KB while using Microsoft Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 etc.

Stop “PST File with 0 KB” Error Giving You Hard Time Ever Again

Set up AutoArchive Option for Outlook

Follow this instruction to enable automatic archiving feature of MS Outlook data periodically.

1. Open Outlook and click on File>> Options>> Advanced.
2. Click on AutoArchive Settings and then check the box beside AutoArchive Every. Enter number of days after which you need MS Outlook to archive emails in your account.
3. Add name for the file where archived files will be saved. Click OK to complete set up.

Set Up Restore Previous Version Feature

By enabling System Protection feature on Windows OS, users can get back their earlier version of Outlook if such situation occurs in future. Follow these steps to activate System Protection.

1. Open File Explorer and click on Computer>> Properties from the menu.
2. A new window will open from which select “System Protection.”
3. Click on Configure button and choose “Turn on system protection” radio button.
4. Click on OK and this setting will be applicable onwards for future.

Have These Settings Enabled? Try These Tricks

If you have these settings activated and want to use them to recover data from a 0KB Outlook PST file, any of the following methods can be used.

Access Archived PST File

1. Open MS Outlook and click on File > Info > Options.
2. From the left side, choose Advanced tab and click on “AutoArchive Settings” button.
3. A dialog box will appear on which, click on Browse to go to the location of archived PST file.

Restore Earlier Version of Outlook

1. Navigate to the Outlook folder where PST file is saved.
2. Select the folder and right-click to get context menu.
3. Choose “Restore previous versions”
4. Select which version you want to retrieve and click on Copy.
5. Choose destination location and Click on Copy.
6. PST file will get copied to chosen location and users can restore the file with the mentioned tool.

Conclusion

If you are getting trouble using Microsoft Outlook account and suddenly your PST file size becomes 0KB. Then it is possible that the PST file does not contain any data any more and you lost your Outlook data permanently. Therefore, it is not possible to recover data from a 0KB Outlook PST file. However, if users have a backup copy of your PST file, then it is possible to restore those Outlook data easily. The above explained methods will help you to retrieve PST data in case if you face Outlook PST file becoming 0KB due to corruption issues.