There is no denying of the fact that Microsoft Outlook is the most preferred email client for businesses. What makes Outlook distinctive is its comprehensive suite of features, user-friendly interface, robust security measures, and extensive customization options. But it is also prone to corruption.
Corruption in the PST (Personal Storage Table) is one of the most frequent issues faced by users. PST files are used when Outlook is configured for POP3 accounts. These files store emails, calendar items, contacts, tasks, and other Outlook data on your local machine.
If you are wondering how to open Microsoft Outlook-infected item folders, then this resource is just for you. This post revolves around PST files, PST file corruption reasons, and how to repair a PST file that gets corrupted in Outlook.
What is a PST File?
PST (Personal Storage Table) files are used by Microsoft Outlook for storing and archiving data locally. Such files are used to store email messages, contacts, calendar events, tasks, and other mailbox items locally on a user’s computer.
There are two types of PST files: ANSI and Unicode. ANSI PST files have a maximum size limit of 2 GB, while Unicode PST files, introduced in newer versions of Outlook, support larger sizes up to 20 GB (Outlook 2003 and 2007) or 50 GB (Outlook 2010 and later).
What are the main reasons for PST file corruption?
There are many factors responsible for the PST data file corruption. Some of the common reasons for PST file damage are listed below:
- File Size Limit Exceeded: When the file size exceeds the prescribed limit (e.g., 2 GB for ANSI format), it can lead to corruption. Although the latest Outlook versions in Unicode format have larger size limits, they are also prone to file corruption issues.
- System Crashes: Factors like system crashes, instant power outages, and forced shutdowns while Outlook is accessing the PST file can lead to data corruption.
- Network Errors: PST file corruption may be caused by a network connectivity issue during data synchronisation.
- Virus Attack: Malware or virus infection may infect and corrupt PST files.
- Faulty Hardware: PST file corruption can be caused by hardware issues like disk failures, bad sectors on the storage drive, or problems with the RAM.
- Outlook Add-ins: There are instances when third-party Outlook add-inns conflict with the normal Outlook operation and lead to PST file damage or corruption. It is better to regularly update such add-inns.
- Software Bugs: Glitches or bugs in the Outlook application or Microsoft Office suite can sometimes result in PST file corruption.
- Disk Errors: Data corruption in the PST file can be caused by disk errors like file system corruption, or issues with the storage drive where the PST file is located.
- Forceful Termination of Outlook: When we forcefully close the MS Outlook, it can result in incomplete or corrupted transactions and affect the integrity of the PST file.
How to open Microsoft Outlook infected items folders?
Opening Microsoft Outlook Infected Items folder is a crucial task as any error may lead to the loss of crucial business data. That’s why we must perform this task with utmost care and precision.
If the user is using Endpoint Security anti-malware software, then it filters out harmful emails in the ‘Infected Items’ folder. In some cases, users accidently open those emails in Microsoft Outlook Infected Items Folder. As a result, the complete data files get corrupted.
How to repair a PST file that gets corrupted in Outlook?
We can use the Inbox Repair tool (Scanpst.Exe) to diagnose and repair errors in the PST data file. Scanpst.Exe is a built-in utility tool provided by Microsoft Outlook to fix issues with a damaged PST file. It is effective in resolving common problems such as header corruption, , and other structural issues within the PST file. Besides this, we can also use third-party t outlook pst file repair software to repair a PST file that gets corrupted in Outlook.
What are the Limitations of the Inbox Repair tool (Scanpst.Exe)?
Even though the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.Exe) is the first-line solution for users facing common PST file issues within the Microsoft Outlook environment, it has some limitations. This tool, sometimes, may not be able to address severe or complex PST corruption issues. Some of the limitations of the Scanpst.Exe are discussed below:
- Unable to address complex corruption issues: The inbox repair tool has limited capabilities and is designed to repair structural issues like header or table corruption. It is not effective for addressing severe corruption issues involving complex data files.
- No data recovery: The Inbox Repair tool primarily focuses on repairing the file structure. It will not bring back permanently deleted emails or attachments.
- Risk of data loss: As discussed earlier, Scanpst has limited capabilities. It may not be able to fix PST file corruption issue involving severe or complex corruption. It may lead to the loss of important data.
- Not user-friendly: The interface is basic, and it doesn’t provide progress updates, which makes it tough for non-technical users.
- Not suitable for all PST formats: It might not work effectively with older ANSI-formatted PST files or newer Unicode formats, depending on your Outlook version.
What are PST File Repair Tools?
These are specialized third-party PST file repair tools that are developed and designed to repair, recover, and restore complex PST file corruption issues with convenience. These tools offer comprehensive PST file repair solution, which is not possible in case of the inbox repair tool. Featuring a user-friendly interface, these tools are capable of efficiently recovering emails, attachments, contacts, and other mailbox items. Their ability to handle large-sized PST files provides them a leading edge over the Scanpst.Exe.
What are the Benefits of using Stellar Repair for Outlook?
It is an award-winning, third-party software tool developed to repair, recover, and restore corrupted or damaged Microsoft Outlook PST (Personal Storage Table) files. It supports MS Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and earlier versions. Here are some advantages of Stellar Repair for Outlook:
- Complete Data Recovery: The software ensures the complete recovery of mailbox items, including emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and attachments, preserving the integrity and structure of the original data.
- Repairs Large PST Files: The PST repair software can easily repair large PST files and restore all the mailbox contents in their original form. It can even repair PST files that are password-protected.
- Offers a Detailed Preview: This repair tool provides a preview of the recovered PST items before saving them. The user can check individual items, such as emails, attachments, etc., and select specific items that they want to save.
- Recovers Deleted Mailbox Items: The software can recover Outlook mailbox items that are deleted from Inbox, Deleted Items, and other folders. This feature is highly beneficial in cases where emails and attachments are accidentally deleted.
- User-Friendly Process: It features a user-friendly interface so that people of all levels of technical expertise can use this software with greater ease. It offers a user-friendly interface, intuitive controls, and a three-step procedure to repair Outlook PST.
- Free Trial: Business organizations can use the free trial version of Stellar Repair for Outlook to check whether the software is compatible with their business needs.
Conclusion:
The Inbox Repair Tool, also known as scanpst.exe, is a built-in utility provided by Microsoft Outlook to address issues pertaining to PST file corruption. It is readily available to Outlook users as it comes bundled with the Outlook application, thus paving the way to repair without the need for third-party software. But, it has some limitations. Scanpst is effective in resolving issues like header corruption, file oversizing, and other structural issues within the PST file. It may not be able to handle severe or complex PST file corruption.
On the other hand, the third-party tools are specifically designed to address complex or severe PST corruption issues. Advanced features like ability to recover mailbox items like emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and attachments, further provide PST recovery software a leading edge over the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool.
