Before discussing how to fix a corrupted OST file, let’s first establish what an OST file is. Using Microsoft Outlook generates an OST file—an offline data file. Its purpose is to have a backup of the Exchange Server mailbox data. OST recovery files are local files that allow users to access their emails and other mailbox data even without an internet connection, helping users stay connected. In some circumstances, a user’s Exchange server mailbox could get corrupted or even erased from the server. There’s no need to worry about the deleted files since they are routinely stored on the local client system (MS Outlook); free data recovery solutions can help retrieve them.
Three Free Manual Techniques to Choose From for OST File Recovery
First Approach: Upload Folder to Fix an Outlook OST File
Users of this manual method can restore highly broken or destroyed OST files. This easy and intuitive tool can be quickly adopted by any user. Follow the steps below:
- First, right-click on the folder containing the OST file and choose the Properties mode.
- In the dialog box, select the Clear Offline Items option.
- Press the “OK” button.
- Now, refer to the Send/Receive option in the Outlook ribbon.
- Click the Update folder option to retain your modifications.
Check whether this approach helped retrieve and fix OST files. If not, proceed with the next approach.
Second Method: Generate a Fresh OST File to Fix a Corrupt OST File
This method involves rebuilding the corrupt OST file to solve some OST file issues, granting access to all of your Outlook data. This process works for versions of Microsoft Outlook below 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010.
- First, set up Microsoft Outlook on your PC.
- Choose the File tab, then move to the Info tab and select Account Settings.
- In the Account Settings box, click the E-mail option, then select Microsoft Exchange. The system will display the Change E-Mail Account option.
- Select More Settings.
- Choose the “Advanced” option in the window displaying Microsoft Exchange.
- Click the Offline Folder File Settings option.
- Enter the OST file path in the File field popup and click “OK”. The system-assessed name found in the OST file is “Outlook.ost”.
- Press the Finish button to complete the process.
The system will create a completely new OST file, including all the data from the corrupt OST file. If your OST file is non-functional, consider this method, though it may lead to data loss.
Third Approach: Fix an OST File with a Professional Tool
If the manual procedures discussed so far do not help restore your OST files, we recommend using the expert solution, the Regain OST Recovery tool. This is a reliable program with a straightforward UI for recovering corrupted OST files. One advantage is that even someone without prior field experience can use this tool to fix OST files.
Key Features of the Regain OST Recovery Tool:
- Allows whole data recovery from OST files, including emails, calendar, contacts, notes, and tasks.
- Converts OST into RTF and HTML formats, guaranteeing to fix any corrupt or inaccessible OST file within minutes.
- Supports both High-Level and Compressible Encryption for Outlook OST files.
- Enables users to preview the retrieved OST files before recovery begins.
- Does not impose any size restrictions on OST files during the restoring process.
- Provides a log file of the entire recovery process, recording every action point for quick review.
- Compatible with all previous Windows operating systems and Microsoft Outlook 2019 and Windows 10.
- Offers an easy-to-use interface, simple enough for someone without technical knowledge to operate without difficulty.
Last Words
While this piece aims to clarify the free manual techniques for recovering OST files, it’s important to note that these manual operations have some limitations. Keeping this in mind, we have also mentioned professional software for recovering OST files, which operates effectively and restores deleted files without any data loss. Any of the steps described will enable you to rebuild and retrieve missing OST files.
