How do I deal with a corrupted OST file?

[John Scott]

Dealing with a corrupted OST file in Outlook can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to fix it:

1. Use the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe): This built-in tool scans and repairs minor corruption in OST files. Run it by navigating to the tool’s location and selecting the corrupted OST file.
2. Create a New Profile: If the repair tool doesn’t work, create a new Outlook profile. This rebuilds the OST file, potentially resolving the issue by syncing fresh data with the server.
3. Rebuild the OST File: You can manually delete the corrupted OST file from the local directory, and Outlook will automatically recreate it when you reopen the application.
4. Use Third-Party Software: If the corruption is severe, consider using tools like Regain OST Recovery tool to recover lost or inaccessible data from the corrupted OST file.

By following these steps, you can usually restore your Outlook data and avoid long-term issues.