Repair corrupt .PST & .OST files

Question

What methods exist to repair corrupt Outlook 2003 PST & OST files besides using the scanpst and scanost utilities? An Outlook 2003 user frequently gets messages when he launches Outlook 2003 that the data file is corrupt. There is then a delay of 30 seconds to several minutes while Outlook checks the data file for errors. I have used both the scanpst.exe and the scanost.exe utilities to scan and fix the user's two Outlook data files. I have also moved his .ost file to an alternate location and have then allowed the OST file to recreate itself.

However, after several days the user continues to start getting these error messages again and using the scanpst and scanost utilities don't fix the problem.

I've heard that there are other methods available such as the Inbox Repair Tool. However, I don't know how to access or use these other repair methods.

So what other methods exist that I can use to repair the user's corrupted Outlook OST file and Outlook PST file?

Answer 1

Yes, there is Inbox Repair Tool available, but it also requires an extensive process to finish the procedure. The Microsoft Support team have compiled all the necessary information on a Support page that can be accessed using the URL listed below.

There is also a video tutorial available for this procedure that can be accessed from the same page.

Support page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/287497

Answer 2

There are numerous free tools that can easily repair corrupted OST and PST files. All you have to download the tool and select the corrupted file to repair.

https://www.sysinfotools.com/recovery/ost-file-recovery.php
https://www.sysinfotools.com/recovery/pst-recovery.php