Why Does Outlook OST File Keeps Getting Corrupted

Overview: Do you feel annoyed when you come across an Outlook error? It is a kind of error that creates problems even after repairing as it is encountered time and again. These kinds of problems occur all the times because of OST files in Outlook. Most of the users face the problem i.e., OST files are getting corrupted. There is a very common cause of the error. All users need to do is just know the core cause first to eradicate the error. The article will help you resolve the issue of corrupted OST file. Moreover, the content will even help the users to know using a utility how can they resolve the error of corrupted OST files.

Basic Causes Behind Repeated OST Corruption

There can be so many reasons by which Outlook OST file keeps getting corrupted. These errors are described under six broad categories:

1. Faults in Hardware

The OST files may face corruption because of some faults in Hardware. Few of them are listed below:

• Bad sectors development on hard drive where OST files are stored.
• Interruption while synchronizing OST files in server due to equipment failures.
• Abrupt shutdown of system because of power failure.

2. Problems with Software

If there is any problem with the software, it can lead to the problems related to software. All of them are jotted below:

• Improper recovery of the system may lead the OST files to get damaged, corrupted or overwritten.
• Problems caused due to virus/malware infection can also do severe damage to the data in OST files.
• Improper Outlook Termination also garbles the Offline Storage files, leading to problems that cause corruption.
• Failed synchronization of the Microsoft Outlook OST files with server.

3. Network connectivity issues

• If at any time while synchronizing with Exchange Server, the internet connection is unstable, frequently disconnecting, this can lead to corruption of the OST file.
• An interrupted or partial synchronization could lead to inconsistencies in the OST file structure as well.

4. Oversized OST Files

• Outlook has set the maximum limit for the size of the OST files. If that limit is breached, it can cause corruption issues.
• Frequent email-handling operations, big attachments, or persistent data growth can all lead to instability of the OST file. 

5. Conflicts with Third-Party Apps

• Some external applications interfere with Outlook processes and thereby cause corruption of an OST file.
• Another potential problem happens when a backup tool or a third-party synchronization app attempts to access or modify the OST file. 

6. Compatibility Issues with Outlook Versions

• If an OST file was created in an older MDG and incompatible with the newer Outlook version, then the file gets corrupted.
• Differences in the structure of files and encryption settings lead to corruption of files.

OST File Corruption Effects

If the problems stated above causes the Offline files get corrupted. MS Outlook profile and the Exchange account associated with the OST files become inaccessible. On opening these, the users face following errors:

• Default email folders cannot be opened. OST file is not an offline folder file.
• Users cannot expand the folders. Set of folders cannot be opened. Errors detected in the .ost files.
• Users cannot open an Outlook file. Encountered a large number of conflict items. While offline, cannot open a particular .ost file.

Why Does Outlook OST File Keeps Getting Corrupted – Manual Methods to Resolve

1. Using Outlook’s In-built Repair Tool (ScanOST.exe or ScanPST.exe)

Although ScanOST.exe cannot be found in new versions, ScanPST.exe (Inbox Repair Tool) can help fix some minor corruption problems with OST files.

Repairing OST with ScanPST.exe:

1. Close Outlook and go to:

• For Outlook 2016/2019: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\
• For Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\

2. After that, locate and run ScanPST.exe.
3. Click Browse and select your OST file.
4. Then, start scanning by Clicking Start.
5. If errors are found, click Repair.
6. Finally, restart Outlook and verify if the issue persists.

2. Recreate the OST File:
If the OST file is severely corrupted, deleting it would be ideal, allowing Outlook to re-create it from the Exchange Server.

1. First, close Outlook.
2. Locate the OST file:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
3.Delete the broken OST.
4. Now, restart Outlook which will automatically create an OST file by syncing data from the Exchange Server.

3. Disable Conflicting Add-ins:

1. To disable conflicting add-ins, start Outlook in Safe Mode by pressing Win + R, type outlook.exe /safe, and hit enter.
2. File > Options > Add-ins: Disable any unnecessary or recently installed add-ins.
3. Restart Outlook in the normal way and see whether the issue recurs.

4. Check for Hard Disk Errors:
Disk-related issues may corrupt files, hence running CHKDSK will be of aid.

Steps for Running CHKDSK:

1. Firstly, open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
2. Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
3. Now, restart your system and walk off, allowing windows to fix all disk-related problems.

5. Install or update your Outlook:

1. From the Control Panel, select Programs and Features.
2. Then, select Microsoft Office and right-click; select Change.
3. Now, select Repair and follow the instructions.

In lieu of it, if there are any software and hardware issues try the steps mentioned below;

Keep updating the hardware and for software issues like a virus and all use a good antivirus program in the system. But, if there is corruption already use OST Extract Tool for an easy and reliable solution.

The Bottom Line
From the above points, users must be imbibed with a lot of knowledge regarding the Outlook OST files keeps getting corrupted. In addition to it, the write-up will serve up with a reliable solution to overcome the problem created by corrupt Outlook OST files.