There are four types of PST files: ANSI, Unicode, Outlook 97-2002 and Compressed Unicode.
Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, but all can become corrupted under the right circumstances.
- ANSI PST files have a maximum size of 2 GB and do not support international character sets. They are the most common type of PST file, but also the most vulnerable to corruption.
- Unicode PST files were introduced in Outlook 2003 and have a maximum size of 20 GB. They support international character sets and are less likely to become corrupted than ANSI PST files.
- Outlook 97-2002 PST files have a maximum size of 4 GB and do not support international character sets. They are only used by older versions of Outlook and are not compatible with the Unicode format.
- Compressed Unicode PST files were introduced in Outlook 2007 and have a maximum size of 50 GB. They support international character sets and are compressed to save space. They are less likely to become corrupted than other types of PST files, but more likely to become corrupted if they are not properly backed up.
Any of these types of PST files can become corrupted if they are not properly maintained or if they are damaged by a virus. When a PST file becomes corrupt, it is often impossible to recover the data from it. In some cases, however, it may be possible to repair the file using a utility such as Microsoft Scanpst.exe.
Microsoft Scanpst.exe is a free utility that can be used to repair corrupted PST files. It is important to note, however, that this utility is not always successful in repairing corrupt files. In some cases, it may even make the problem worse. If Microsoft Scanpst.exe is not able to repair your PST file, you may need to use a commercial PST repair tool.
PST repair tools
There are a number of commercial PST repair tools on the market. Some of these tools are designed for general users, while others are designed for IT professionals. It is important to choose a tool that is compatible with your version of Outlook and that has a good reputation.
When choosing a PST repair tool, you should also consider the cost. Some tools are very expensive, while others are quite reasonable. You should also consider the features that each tool offers. Some tools offer more features than others, so you will need to decide which features are most important to you.
Once you have chosen a PST repair Toolkit, you will need to download and install it. Most of these tools come with a step-by-step wizard that will guide you through the process of repairing your PST file.
Process
When the repair process is complete, you should back up your PST file to prevent it from becoming corrupted again. You can do this by using a utility such as Microsoft Outlook Backup.
Microsoft Outlook Backup is a free utility that allows you to create a backup of your PST file. This backup can be used to restore your PST file if it becomes corrupt again.
You can also use a commercial backup program such as Symantec’s Norton Ghost to create a backup of your PST file. Norton Ghost is a paid program, but it offers a number of features that make it worth the cost.
Backup of your PST file
Once you have created a backup of your PST file, you should store it in a safe place. You should also create a backup of your Outlook profile. This will allow you to restore your Outlook settings if your computer crashes or if you need to reinstall Windows.
You can create a backup of your Outlook profile by going to the File menu and choosing Import and Export. In the Import and Export Wizard, choose Export to a file and then click Next. Choose Personal Folder File (.pst) and then click Next. Choose the location where you want to save the file and then click Finish.
Once you have created a backup of your PST file and your Outlook profile, you are ready to repair your PST file. To do this, you will need to use a utility such as Microsoft Scanpst.exe.
Conclusion:
There are a number of different ways to repair a corrupt PST file. You can use a free utility such as Microsoft Scanpst.exe, or you can use a paid program such as Symantec’s Norton Ghost. It is important to create a backup of your PST file and your Outlook profile before you begin the repair process.
