How to Read all Content from Corrupt PST Files?

Today, file corruption is a common problem among users, and there can be many reasons behind this. But if you want to read all content from corrupt PST files, then what do you do? For this reason, we will provide you with a way to view data of corrupted Outlook files.

The PST file is one of the file formats in Outlook where it stores all the mailbox items of the program. It is only created for Outlook to save, import, or export data. The file format is a default file format, which means that when you save your data, it is automatically stored in a PST file. Also, accounts like POP use a PST file when you configure an account in Outlook.

Why is the Outlook PST File Corrupted?

A PST file is a well-secured file where you can protect the file with a password, and only those who know the password can access it. But, with all these benefits, there are chances that your file can be corrupted, and the reasons behind this are.

• Attack of a virus or malware.

• Hardware-related issues.

• The file has an unknown source code.

• Unexpectedly close the software during the work.

So these are the possible causes where your file becomes damaged or corrupted. Now, if you want to view data of corrupted Outlook files, then how can you do it?

Methods to Read All Content from Corrupt PST Files

There are times when users need to analyze the data, but you cannot do that because your file is corrupted. For this, there are some solutions available. The Inbox Repair Tool is a tool created by Microsoft to repair your damaged Outlook data file. It is also known as ScansPST.exe. Software is also another method you can use to corrupt the file. By using this method, we can directly view the data of the corrupt file. Therefore, there are two methods available.

• Manual Method: use ScansPST.exe to repair the corrupted PST file.

• Automated method: using the software to read the file.

Manual Way to View Data of Corrupted Outlook Files

Inbox Repair Tool, or ScansPST.exe, is a built-in tool for MS Outlook. This tool is located in your Outlook installation directory, where the location differs as per your Outlook and system versions. Also, before using the tool, you have to first close Outlook and other applications.

1. Locate ScansPST.exe and open it by double-clicking.

2. Now, click the Browse button and select the corrupted PST file you want to view.

3. After selecting the file, click on the Start button to begin the scanning process.

4. Press the Repair button when you find the errors. The tool then automatically repairs your file, and you can read all content from corrupt PST files easily.

Limitations of the Manual Method

This is one of the manual ways you can view your corrupt PST file; however, there are a lot of drawbacks.

• The major limitation is that this method is only used for minor errors. If there is a major error, then it is not able to solve it.

• If you have multiple or large files, sometimes the tool will stop responding.

• The tool does not support encrypted PST files whose size exceeds 2 GB.

Therefore, to read the Outlook files without facing these problems, you can use them professionally.

Automated Method to Read All Content from Corrupt PST Files

Before using the program you have to understand first that the above method is to repair your corrupt PST file, and then you can view it in the Outlook program. Therefore, if you don’t have the program or don't want to use the repair tool, then use the FreeViewer Outlook PST Viewer Tool. This tool allows users to view their files without using the program. It also helps you analyze your file and offers many great features.

Features of Software

• The software provides various preview modes like HEX, normal view, attachments, MIME, etc.

• Using this software, you can easily view contacts, calendars, events, notes, etc.

• You can read any type of Outlook file, whether it is encrypted, corrupted, or damaged.

• It has advanced search options to help you view particular data.

• For exporting the file in PDF or printing it, you can upgrade to Pro and Pro Plus.

Steps to Read All Content from Corrupt PST Files

1. Download and install the software.

2. Go to the Add File option and browse the corrupt files that you want to view.

3. Click on the Advance scan option to scan your corrupt file, and then click on Add File.

4. After scanning, all the content of the file is displayed on the screen. Now, click on the data one by one to analyze the file.

5. At the bottom of the list of data, preview your file in HEX, normal view, properties, and attachments. To view the properties, at the top, click on the list of data and click on the Subject, To, and From buttons.

6. To view the contacts, calendar, folder list, etc., click the buttons at the bottom left.

7. You can view the files horizontally or vertically by clicking the Switch User option. To export the file and other advanced options, click the Upgrade to Pro option.

Conclusion

In this article, we discuss how you can read all content from corrupt PST files. You can view the file by repairing it using ScansPST.exe and then reading it. But it is only used to repair the file, not to view it. That’s why this is not an appropriate option to do it. For this reason, software is a great way to view your data from corrupt PST files, as experts also recommend it, and it is a very easy way to read the files.