OST File Corruption reasons and their solutions

One need not be surprised that the data files stored on your MS Outlook can blow up anytime. The emails are stored locally on the machines, including the offline storage folders.

Outlook uses an offline folder (OST FILE) to let the users work offline even if the Outlook program gets disconnected from the MS Exchange server. The OST file is a synchronized copy of the account saved on the machine.

OST file corruption is a common problem with Outlook data files and occurs due to varied reasons. To identify the OST health or check as to when and how your OST file is being corrupt:

1. Some of the mailbox items are missing during the offline mode.
2. Common issues with the Outlook, but then they disappear when the cache mode is disabled.
3. There are differences in messages during the online and offline methods.
4. There is an Error when OST is synchronized with Exchange.

Reasons behind the corruption of the OST file:

1. The intrusion of virus or malware
2. Deletion of file from the Exchange profile
3. Deficiencies in the Outlook program.
4. Abnormal System Shutdown during synchronization program
5. If the OST file is not managed for a long time, it can get corrupted.
6. During the sync process, if the connected network does not work, then corruption could occur.
7. Changes in the OST file structure could result in corruption
8. Bad sectors in the hard drive where OST files are stored
9. Installed plugins can affect Outlook performance and result in OST corruption.

Solutions to fix the OST corruption problems 

If you encounter corruption in the OST file, then it’s time to sort it and to do so, there are various solutions. Depending on your requirement and feasibility, any of the answers are used.

Solution 1: Update Folder

In this solution, the properties of the folder to repair inaccessible OST file issues. Use these steps are as follows:

1. Right-click the folder and click properties
2. The dialogue box will appear to select the ‘clear offline items.
3. Click OK
4. On Outlook 2010 ribbon, select the send or receive option.
5. Click the Update folder to save the changes.

Solution 2: use scanost.exe Tool

OST integrity checker or Inbox Repair Tool is the solution provided by Microsoft Outlook to fix minute issues of Exchange OST files. The tool helps the users scan and compare the problems of the mailbox items of OST files present on the Exchange Server and MS outlook. The inbuilt tool allows the users to fix the minor corruption issues in the OST files manually.

Unfortunately, the OST integrity checker tool does not support the MS Outlook 2010 and higher versions). However, you use the Inbox Repair tool to fix and repair OST files in the later versions of MS Outlook.

Limitation of Scanost.exe tool:

There are a few limitations with this free solution tool. It is not available in Outlook 2010 or higher versions. There is no safety assurance while recovering the data. Unable to recover missing emails from the OST file.

Solution 3: Recreate OST file

Microsoft Exchange Server uses an offline data file (OST), a copy of information stored in the email server. If there is an issue in the OST file, you can delete the existing one and re-create a download that could start from the server. However, the recreate OST file procedure properly only if your OST file is not usable in future.

Solution 4: compressing OST file

If an item is removed in the Outlook folder, it continues to remain in the deleted folder. After this, if you delete items from the deleted folder, it is permanently removed from the OST file. The OST files are stored so that they need additional space and are not meant for other purposes. By reducing the size of the OST file, the space is reduced. Large size OST files cause trouble as OST corruption; thus, deleting some items can prove to be a worthwhile solution.

Solution 5: Use MS Outlook in safe-mode

‘outlook.exe/safe’ is the common word that is used for cleaning. The main motive to start Outlook in safe mode is to disable any add-ons during the booting process. Thus it helps in the safe working without any further issue of being corrupt.

Solution 6; Disable anti-virus and firewall settings

Here anti-virus software and other firewall settings like Outlook are used to scan and detect problems for all incoming and outgoing emails. Enabled Antivirus settings could block the normal functioning of Outlook at times; thus, try to disable the settings and restart Outlook to see the changes.

Best Tool to Repair and Convert OST to PST

• We always suggest users try third party OST to PST Converter tool if they are not a technical person. The free manual method is not easy for all users; it can make a bigger problems such as email loss or data corruption. It makes sense to spend some money and convert OST to PST in just a few clicks. The tool will save you lots of time and effort.