How To Fix Large PST File With No Emails Issue? Updated Guide

Do you also have a large PST but no emails in it? Worry not! In this guide, we will share how to eradicate the issue and claim the space back. We will share top-rated manual solutions and an expert-favourite PST Repair Tool to handle the issue securely. SO, without further ado, let’s get started with the article.

There are numerous users that have also noticed that they have a large PST but no emails in it and they have mentioned this on various relevant forums. Here is one such user scenario.

The above user query is asked the Outlook users that face this issue, and if you are also getting the same type of issue with your Outlook, then here in this write-up we are going to discuss the right approach to fix large PST files but no emails.

But before going towards the solution part let’s understand the reasons behind this error so that you can when we talk about the troubleshooting techniques, then you will easily relate it.

Reasons for Large PST But No Emails Issue in Outlook

Corruption in PST File: Outlook data file corruption one of the major causes of this error.

Incomplete Compact Process: If any user performed the compact function on that Outlook PST file, the file may have been harmed as a result of the incomplete function.

Oversize File: If the Outlook PST file size has grown significantly and there is corruption in the file headers, the PST file size may be reduced to empty.

System Termination or Breakdown: If you forcefully or accidentally shut down your system while running the Outlook program, you will encounter this error with your Outlook PST file.

Bad Hard Drive Sectors: It will also occur if there is corruption in the Hard Drive sectors and partitions where the Outlook data is stored.

Manual Error: Unwanted or accidental deletion of an Outlook PST file from its default location, or unintentional movement of an Outlook PST file to an external device or drive, can also result in this vexing error.

Network Shared PST: Many users have saved their PST files on a network sharing service. However, it is not completely safe because vulnerable modifications such as file deletion or copied files can result this error.

Well, we know the responsible reasons that are responsible for the above large PST file no emails. Now, the question is how you can fix it without any hassle.

How to Fix Issue of Large PST But No Emails?

Here in this section, we are going to elaborate on a manual approach on resolving the issue and then, we will move on to the expert-recommended advanced solution as it is a more reliable option. Moreover, further in the article, we will also share a manual approach to repairing your damanged data file in MS Outlook.

Update Outlook Program – Manual Method

If you are facing this issue, then the first thing you can do is update your Outlook application. Because there is a chance that you will be facing this issue due to some bugs. So when you will update the Outlook application then, the bugs will be removed from the Outlook application and you will get rid of the issue. Now, to update an Outlook, follow the below steps:

1. First, open the Outlook application and click on the File option.
2. Go to the Account or Office Account option.
3. Now, under the Product Information section choose the Update option.
4. At the last click on the Update Now option to update Outlook.

After the update restarts your Outlook application to check if the error is gone or not. If the issue still exists, then simply move toward the next solution.

As we said earlier that Outlook data file or PST corruption is also one of the major reasons for this large PST but no emails. So, after updating Outlook if you are still getting the issue, then you have to fix the corruption of the Outlook PST file.

Fix the Damaged Outlook PST File

Outlook has its own repair tool, but if you are looking for an instant solution, that easily fix the corruption of Outlook PST file, then you can try SysTools Outlook Recovery Software.

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Many professionals use this tool because it offers many advanced features such as the ability to repair encrypted PST files. And it is one of the solution that repair Outlook PST file without ScanPST the ability to recover permanently deleted data files, the ability to export recovered data in other file formats, and many more.

Quick Steps to Fix Large PST But No Email

1. Download and install the tool first.

2. After this, click on the Add Files to add the PST file.

3. Now, choose the Advanced or Quick scan option.

4. After scanning, select the PST option.

5. Click on the Export option to complete the task.

Is There A Way to Manually Fix the Corruption of the Outlook Data File?

As we said, Outlook comes with the utility that is known as ScanPST. It is the tool that is capable to fix the corruption of the Outlook PST file. But before using this you have to first find out where is ScanPST located because the location of ScanPST varies according to the Outlook version.

Location of Outlook ScanPST.exe

For Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16

For Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16

For Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15

For Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14

For Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12

Step to Use ScanPST.exe

1. Once you’ve located the ScanPST, double-click it to open it.

2. To add the PST file, click the Browse button.

3. Following that, click the Start button to begin the scanning process.

4. When the scanning process is finished, click the Repair button to repair the Outlook PST corruption.

Note: Users can only resolve minor corruptions or small-size PSTs with the help of this utility. In contrast, we know that corruption occurs as a result of oversized PST files. As a result, this built-in utility cannot always repair the PST file. This demonstrates that the manual repair solution is not always reliable.

Conclusion

There are numerous reasons why you might be facing the “large PST but no emails” issue. Fortunately, you can resolve the error using both manual and automated solutions. While manual approach may be free of cost, it is highly risky and does not promise satisfying resuts. Therefore, technical professionals highly recommend users go for the above-mentioned automated utility.