The Top 10 Best PST Repair Tools to Salvage Your Outlook Data

Outlook, the popular email and personal information manager, is an essential tool for countless individuals and businesses worldwide. However, it’s not without its share of issues, with corrupted or damaged PST (Personal Storage Table) files being a common concern. Fortunately, there are numerous PST repair tools available that can salvage your valuable data and restore smooth functionality. In this blog, we will delve into the top 10 PST repair tool, their features, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Outlook users can safeguard their valuable data from corruption and loss with the assistance of reliable PST repair tools.

Outlook data corruption can be a frustrating experience, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can successfully repair and recover your emails. In this guide, we explored various methods, including using the built-in Outlook Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst) and third-party PST repair software like SysTools and BitRecover Repair for Outlook. Additionally, we highlighted the importance of regular backups and preventive measures to safeguard your valuable email data. By following our step-by-step guide, you can ensure a smooth email communication experience with Outlook once again.

Table of Contents

Common Signs of Outlook Data Corruption

Let’s discuss the common signs of Outlook data corruption…

Frequent crashes or freezes of the Outlook application

One of the telltale signs of Outlook data corruption is when the application crashes or freezes frequently. If you find that Outlook becomes unresponsive or unexpectedly shuts down, it could indicate problems with the underlying data files.

Missing emails, contacts, or calendar entries

Another clear indication of data corruption is when you notice missing emails, contacts, or calendar entries in your Outlook account. If important data seems to have disappeared or cannot be found, it might be a result of PST file corruption.

Error messages when trying to access specific folders or items

Outlook may display error messages when attempting to access specific folders or items within the application. These errors can include messages like “Outlook.pst cannot be accessed” or “Unable to display the folder.”

Difficulty in sending or receiving emails

Outlook data corruption can affect the proper functioning of email sending and receiving. If you encounter issues with sending or receiving emails, such as prolonged delays or failed delivery attempts, it could be a sign of PST file problems.

It is important to address these signs promptly to prevent further data loss and potential damage to your Outlook data. Using appropriate repair methods, like the built-in Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst) or reliable third-party PST repair tools, can help you restore your Outlook data and resume normal email operations. Regularly backing up your Outlook data is also a crucial precautionary measure to mitigate the impact of data corruption incidents.

Best PST Repair Tools!

With the abundance of PST repair tools available, you can now salvage your Outlook data and maintain productivity effortlessly. Embrace the power of these tools to recover your emails, contacts, calendars, and other vital information, ensuring a seamless Outlook experience. From SysTools PST Repair Tool’s user-friendly interface to Advik PST Repair Tool’s high success rate, there’s a perfect match for your needs.

List of 10 Best Outlook PST Repair Tools:

SysTools PST Repair Tool
BitRecover PST Repair Wizard
Advik PST Repair Tool
Scanpst Repair Tool
Stellar Repair for Outlook
Kernel for Outlook PST Repair
DataNumen Outlook Repair
Wondershare Repairit for Email
Remo Repair Outlook PST
Shoviv Outlook PST Repair Tool

Let’s know more about each tools…

1. SysTools PST Repair Tool

The SysTools PST Repair Tool has earned a stellar reputation for its effectiveness in resolving various PST-related problems. Its user-friendly interface, advanced recovery algorithms, and support for both ANSI and UNICODE PST files make it a favorite among users.

Major Features:

Repair and recover emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and attachments.
Option to split and compact large PST files.
Support for password-protected and encrypted PSTs.
Preview PST file recovered data before saving.

2. BitRecover PST Repair Wizard

The BitRecover PST Repair Wizard is a versatile tool designed to tackle PST corruption issues effortlessly. With its ability to recover data from severely damaged PST files, it stands out as a reliable option for individuals and IT professionals alike.

Major Features:

Restore emails, contacts, notes, and journals from corrupted PSTs.
Option to save data in various formats like PST, MSG, EML, and more.
Batch recovery for multiple PST files simultaneously.
Maintains folder hierarchy during the recovery process.

3. Advik PST Repair Tool

The Advik PST Repair Tool is renowned for its simplicity and efficiency in handling PST file problems. Its straightforward approach to data recovery and compatibility with various Outlook versions make it a top contender in the PST repair market.

Major Features:

Recover emails, attachments, contacts, and other items swiftly.
Option to save the repaired data in PST or other common formats.
Preview recoverable items before saving.
User-friendly and suitable for all levels of users.

4. Scanpst Repair Tool

The Scanpst Repair Tool, also known as the Inbox Repair Tool, comes built-in with Outlook. It serves as a first-aid kit for minor PST issues and is readily available when you need it.

Major Features:

Repair and recover minor PST file corruption issues.
Scan and identify problems in PST files automatically.
Fix issues like header corruption and broken file structures.

Note: Due to limitations, it may not handle complex or severely corrupted PSTs.

5. Stellar Repair for Outlook

The Stellar Repair for Outlook is a feature-rich software designed to restore your Outlook data to its original state. Its ability to handle extensive data loss scenarios and provide precise results has gained it significant popularity.

Major Features:

Repair severely corrupted PST files with high accuracy.
Retrieve emails, attachments, contacts, and other items efficiently.
Support for password-protected PST files.
Option to save data in PST, MSG, EML, and more.

6. Kernel for Outlook PST Repair

The Kernel for Outlook PST Repair is a robust tool known for its ability to handle large-sized PST files and recover data with minimal data loss. It is suitable for personal and professional use.

Major Features:

Repair and recover emails, calendars, journals, and more.
Preserve email properties and formatting during recovery.
Option to export data to various formats or cloud platforms.
Compatible with all Outlook versions.

7. DataNumen Outlook Repair

The DataNumen Outlook Repair is a specialized tool designed to restore data from severely corrupted PST files. Its advanced algorithms and high recovery rate make it a reliable choice for critical situations.

Major Features:

Repair PST files of any size with high success rates.
Retrieve emails, folders, and other Outlook elements accurately.
Option to split and compress repaired PST files.
Support for batch recovery and selective item repair.

8. Wondershare Repairit for Email

The Wondershare Repairit for Email is a comprehensive tool that offers a seamless recovery process for Outlook PST files. It is known for its efficiency in handling complex data loss scenarios.

Major Features:

Repair PST files and recover emails, attachments, and more.
Simple and intuitive user interface.
Save repaired data in PST or other accessible formats.
Option to repair multiple PST files at once.

9. Remo Repair Outlook PST

The Remo Repair Outlook PST is a user-friendly tool that caters to the needs of both novices and professionals. With its straightforward approach, it ensures a hassle-free recovery experience.

Major Features:

Repair PST files and retrieve emails, contacts, and other items.
Preview recoverable data before saving.
Simple three-step repair process.
Option to find and locate PST files on the system.

10. Shoviv Outlook PST Repair Tool

The Shoviv Outlook PST Repair Tool is a reliable option for users facing Outlook corruption issues. Its efficient recovery process and interactive interface make it a valuable addition to any Outlook user’s toolkit.

Major Features:

Repair and recover PST files without compromising data integrity.
Option to split and compact PST files.
Recover deleted emails and other items.
Generate a complete recovery report.

Also Read: Top 10 Best PST Converter Tool

How to Choose the Best PST Repair Tool?

Compatibility: Ensure that the tool is compatible with your Outlook version and operating system.
Recovery Capabilities: Look for tools that can handle both minor and major PST corruption issues.
User-Friendly Interface: Opt for tools with intuitive interfaces to simplify the recovery process.
Preview Option: A preview feature helps verify the recoverable data before saving.
File Format Options: Choose tools that allow saving recovered data in various formats.
Customer Support: Reliable customer support ensures prompt assistance if issues arise.
User Reviews: Read user reviews to gauge the tool’s performance and reliability.
Trial Version: Test the trial version to assess its performance and features before making a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions Asked by User

Following are Frequently Asked Questions Asked by Users:

How to Repair Outlook using CMD?

Repairing Outlook using Command Prompt (CMD) is possible through the built-in “scanpst” utility, also known as the Inbox Repair Tool. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Before running the Inbox Repair Tool, ensure that Microsoft Outlook is completely closed to avoid any conflicts during the repair process.
Open File Explorer and go to the location where Microsoft Office is installed. Typically, the default path is “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX,” where “XX” represents the version number (e.g., “16” for Office 2016, “17” for Office 2019).
In the Office folder, look for the file named “scanpst.exe.” This utility is responsible for repairing corrupt PST files.
Double-click on “scanpst.exe” to launch the Inbox Repair Tool.
Click the “Browse” button and navigate to the location of your corrupted PST file. By default, the PST file is usually stored in the “Documents\Outlook Files” folder.
After selecting the PST file, click the “Start” button to initiate the repair process.
The Inbox Repair Tool will start scanning and analyzing the selected PST file for any errors or corruption. If any issues are found, you will be prompted to repair them. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair.
Once the repair process is complete, it is advisable to create a backup of the repaired PST file to avoid any potential data loss.

Where is the Inbox Repair Tool in Outlook 365?

In Outlook 365, locating the Inbox Repair Tool is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Make sure Microsoft Outlook is closed before proceeding.
Open File Explorer and go to the location where Microsoft Office is installed. The default path is usually “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16” for Office 365.
Look for the file named “scanpst.exe” in the Office folder.
Double-click on “scanpst.exe” to launch the Inbox Repair Tool.
After the tool opens, click the “Browse” button to select the corrupted PST file.
Click the “Start” button to start the scanning and repair process for the selected PST file.
If any errors are found during the scan, follow the on-screen instructions to repair them.
After the repair is complete, create a backup of the repaired PST file to ensure data safety.

How Long Does the Outlook Repair Tool Take?

The repair time of the Outlook Repair Tool can vary based on several factors:

Size of the Corrupted PST File: Larger PST files will take more time to scan and repair than smaller ones.
Level of Corruption: Severe corruption may require more time to fix compared to minor issues.
System Performance: The speed of your computer’s processor and the amount of available RAM can influence the repair time.

Generally, the repair process can take from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the complexity of the corruption and the factors mentioned above.

Why Does the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool Keep Coming Up?

The recurrence of the Inbox Repair Tool appearing may indicate persistent issues with the PST file or other data files. Here are some troubleshooting steps:

Ensure that all other Outlook data files, particularly the OST file (Offline Storage Table), are in good condition.
Before running the Inbox Repair Tool again, make sure to create backups of the PST files to prevent any data loss during the repair process.
If the issue persists, it might be due to more complex corruption. In such cases, consider using reputable third-party PST repair tools that can handle advanced repair tasks effectively.

How Do I Start Outlook Repair?

Starting the Outlook repair process depends on the specific repair tool being used. However, in general, the steps are as follows:

Visit the official website of the best PST repair tool you have chosen and download the software. Install it following the on-screen instructions.
Launch the repair tool and select the corrupted PST file that needs repair.
Start the repair process according to the tool’s instructions. Depending on the software, this step may vary.
If any errors are detected during the scan, follow the on-screen instructions to repair the issues.

How Do I Repair Outlook or Reinstall It?

Repairing Outlook and reinstalling it are two distinct processes with different purposes.

Repairing Outlook:

For minor file corruptions, use the built-in Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) as mentioned in the previous sections.
For more complex or severe corruption issues, consider using reliable third-party PST repair tools mentioned in this article.

Reinstalling Outlook:

To reinstall Outlook, first, uninstall the existing installation from your computer. You can do this by going to “Control Panel” > “Programs” > “Programs and Features” (or “Add or Remove Programs” on older Windows versions). Locate Microsoft Office in the list of installed programs, right-click it, and select “Uninstall.”
After uninstalling, go to the official Microsoft Office website or your Office 365 account and re-download the latest version of Outlook. Install it following the provided instructions.

By following these steps, you can successfully repair and restore Outlook functionality or reinstall it for a fresh start. Always back up your important data before performing any repair or reinstall procedures to avoid data loss.

Conclusion

PST corruption can be a frustrating experience, but with the right PST repair tool, you can recover your valuable data and restore Outlook to its optimal functionality. In this blog, we explored the top 10 PST repair tools, their features, and guidelines to choose the best one for your specific needs. Evaluate your requirements, consider the factors mentioned, and make an informed decision to ensure a seamless Outlook recovery experience.

Remember that while PST repair tools can handle many issues, it’s essential to maintain regular backups of your Outlook data to avoid future data loss incidents.