OST File Keeps Getting Corrupted – Error Solved
There are numerous reasons for OST file corruption. In this post, I will explain all possible solutions to fix the OST file keeps getting corrupted and restrict access.
OST which is known as Offline Storage Table allows the user to work offline and synchronize the changes when it gets reconnected with the Exchange Server. In some cases, the OST file gets corrupted and becomes inaccessible. This problem is faced by most Outlook users.
Microsoft Outlook which is used by a number of organizations sometimes suffers from such sort of problem. Now, to get the data back in the normal situation, one needs to resolve the OST file that keeps getting corrupted issue in Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019. This article will tell you how to get rid of this OST file problem in an efficient manner.
Users Queries:
“Hi, I need help. Whenever I am starting Outlook I am getting the same error message. It is taking place when I am trying to access my OST file. Tried many methods in resolving the issue but still, it is not being resolved and it is showing the same message again and again. I do not understand why OST files repeatedly become corrupted. I have to finish one urgent task due to which I need help quickly. Please anyone can suggest to me some method to overcome my problem.”
“Please help me I am in a horrible situation. I am tired of fixing the OST file in Outlook 2016. But, my OST file always gets corrupted. I am constantly getting the error message in the OST file even though I rectified the error numerous times. Don’t know how to handle it. I am getting frustrated as I am unable to access data. Please guide how to get rid of this situation.”
Get Best Solution to Fix OST File Corruption
SysTools Outlook OST File Recovery Tool is a software with which one can repair the corruption issues of the file. It recovers deleted emails from OST file and other mailbox items such as calendars, contacts, and tasks. In addition, it converts OST file into multiple file formats. It also permits users to restore data from selected item/folders. Also, provides an option to splits the exported file into a small size to avoid file corruption. Lastly, it recovers OST file of both compressible and high-level encryption. Further, the tool does not impose any file size limitation on the OST file.
Hardware Reasons for Outlook OST File Keeps Getting Corrupted
There can be some hardware-related issues also for corruption, which are discussed below:
- Storage Device: Failure of the storage device is a reason why the OST file gets corrupted as there may be a bad sector where the OST file is situated.
- Network Connection: Failure of the network connection during synchronization of OST. If there is an issue with the router or any other device, the synchronization process gets interrupted and results in OST file corruption.
- Failure of Power: Sometimes during the power failure, the Outlook OST file gets damaged.
Software Reasons for Outlook OST Files Repeatedly Corrupted
- Improper Recovery: Improper file recovery may bring corruption to the OST file.
- Virus Attack: Due to growing technology, viruses make the files inaccessible. To prevent this, an anti-virus has to be downloaded for Outlook.
- Outlook Termination: Due to the termination of Outlook abruptly or improper shut down of Outlook, the OST file can get damaged.
- Synchronization: The error in synchronization between the server and offline folder can also result in corruption in the OST file.
Other Reasons
- Difficulty in the opening default email folder
- The problem in expanding the folder
- Met with a large number of conflict items
- The problem in opening Outlook items when offline
- Many errors while synchronization of Exchange Server with OST data file
Solve OST File Getting Corrupted Issue Manually
There are various free methods to prevent OST files from getting corrupted. Apart from this, you can give a try professional tool to repair corrupt OST files.
Method-1: Folder Update and Fix Error
This method allows for changing the properties of the folder to access the OST file. The steps to be followed are:
- Right-click the folder and click Properties
- With the appearance of the dialog box, click “clear offline items” under the dialog box
- Then, click the OK button
- At Outlook 2010 ribbon, select Send and Receive option
- Click the Update folder to save the changes
Method-2: Using SCANPST.EXE
It is an Inbox Repair Tool to diagnose and repair the error in the Outlook OST file. It basically scans the file and tries to fix the issues with the file. An inbuilt application offered by Microsoft for Outlook users to deal with any issue in PST or OST files. But, the major disadvantage of this tool is that it can deal with the minor level of corruption only.
Method-3: Recreation of OST file
If a user encounters any problem in the OST file, then simply delete the existing one. After that, a user can recreate the OST file by downloading it from the server again.
Method-4: OST File Size Too Large
There can be trouble in handling large OST files as it may lead to corruption or sluggish Outlook performance. Thus, to avoid OST files keeps getting corrupted, a user can compact OST files as it reduces the extra space taken by OST.
Method-5: Safety mode for MS Outlook
The best way to start MS Outlook is to disable add-ins as it may lead to OST files repeatedly becoming corrupted in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007. It works safely without any files being corrupt. A simple command has to be used to open MS Outlook in safe mode which is “outlook.exe/safe”.
Method-6: Turn-off Anti-Virus
Turning off anti-virus software is required for the proper functioning of MS Outlook. The user can disable settings and restart Outlook to see changes.
Conclusion
The above article explains how OST files can be prevented from getting corrupted. There are two methods that can prevent corruption of OST files that is manual and the other one is with professional tools. This articles also mention the reasons why OST file keeps getting corrupted and how to fix damaged OST file in an efficient manner.