Are you an avid user of Outlook 2016 and facing a nightmare situation where your OST (offline storage table) file has been corrupted or lost? Fret not, as we've got you covered! In this blog post, we will delve into the ins and outs of recovering OST files in Outlook 2016.

Whether it's due to a sudden power outage, a hardware failure, or a software glitch, losing access to your OST file is stressful. But fear not, as we'll walk you through step-by-step instructions to recover your OST file in Outlook 2016 like a pro. So, let's dive in and get your Outlook back on track!

How do OST files corrupt or get lost?

OST files in Outlook 2016 can get corrupted or lost due to various reasons, ranging from technical glitches to human errors. Here are some common scenarios that can result in OST file corruption or loss:

Sudden power outage: If your computer experiences an unexpected power outage while Outlook is in the process of synchronizing data with the Exchange server, it can lead to OST file corruption.

Hardware failure: Any hardware failure, such as a malfunctioning hard drive or faulty RAM, can result in data corruption, including the OST file. This can happen if the computer abruptly shuts down or crashes.

Virus or malware attack: Viruses or malware can infect your Outlook 2016 application and corrupt the OST file. This can occur if you open an infected email attachment or click on a malicious link.

Software issues: Errors or bugs in the Outlook 2016 application itself can cause OST file corruption. This can happen during an update, installation, or while performing other operations within Outlook.

Improper shutdown: If you forcefully shut down your computer or close Outlook without properly closing the application, it can result in OST file corruption.

Accidental deletion: Human error, such as accidentally deleting the OST file or a folder containing the OST file, can result in data loss.

Disk space issues: If your computer's hard drive runs out of space while Outlook is running, it can cause OST file corruption.

It's essential to be aware of these potential causes of OST file corruption and take preventive measures, such as regular backups and proper shutdown procedures, to avoid such situations.

How to recover OST files in Outlook 2016 effectively?

Method 1: Use the "Scanpst.exe" tool

Close Outlook and locate the "Scanpst.exe" tool. The default location of this tool is usually "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16" on a Windows PC.
Double-click on "Scanpst.exe" to launch the tool.
Click on the "Browse" button and select the OST file that you want to repair. The OST file is typically located in the following path: "C:\Users\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook".
Click on the "Start" button to initiate the scanning process.
The tool will scan the OST file for any errors or corruption. If any errors are detected, you will be prompted to repair them.
Click on the "Repair" button to initiate the repair process.

Once the repair process is complete, the tool will display a message indicating the successful repair.

Method 2: Utilize the "OST Integrity Check" utility.

Close Outlook and locate the "OST Integrity Check" utility (scanost.exe). The default location of this tool is usually "C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice16" on a Windows PC.
Double-click on "scanost.exe" to launch the utility.
Click on the "Connect" button and select the OST file that you want to diagnose and repair.
Click on the "Settings" button to configure the scan settings, such as specifying the repair mode and logging options.
Click on the "Begin Scan" button to initiate the scanning process.
The utility will scan the OST file for any errors or corruption. If any errors are detected, you will be prompted to repair them.
Click on the "Repair" button to initiate the repair process.

That’s it. Whenever the repair process is complete, the utility will display a message indicating the successful repair.

Method 3: Use the "Export to a New Outlook Data File" feature.

Open Outlook 2016 and go to the "File" tab.
Click on "Options" and then select "Advanced."
Under the "Export" category, click on the "Export" button.
Choose "Outlook Data File (.pst)" as the export file type and click on the "Next" button.
Select the folder(s) from the OST file that you want to export to a new PST file and click on the "Next" button.
Choose a location to save the new PST file and provide a name for it. Click on the "Finish" button to initiate the export process.

It's important to note that these methods may not always be successful in recovering OST files in all situations. In some cases, you may need to seek help from a professional or use third-party OST recovery tools.
It's always recommended to take proper precautions, such as regular backups, to prevent OST file corruption or loss in the first place.

Conclusion

Remember to always exercise caution and follow proper procedures when attempting to recover OST files to avoid further data loss or damage. With the right approach and tools, you can effectively recover OST files in Outlook 2016 and safeguard your valuable data.

Source: https://www.regainsoftware.com/how-to/open-ost-files-in-outlook2016.html