OST File Corrupted! During exporting to other formats

OST aka Offline Storage Table is an email file-saving format of Microsoft’s email managing client which is properly known as Outlook. Outlook was the new adaptation of Hotmail developed by Jack and Sabeer in 2013. In the latest Outlook365, there are not that many cases of ost file corrupted during exporting to other formats but the old office365 consumed versions like:- 2010, 2013, and  2016 face data corruption while a user extracts or migrates their ost data into the latest outlook version or other formats like:- Thunderbird, iCloud, Gmail, Webmail(including roundcube or horde mail), etc. 

In the under mentioned post we have to discuss noticeable queries like:- what is the reason behind Outlook OST file corruption, major precautions related to OST exportation regarding the ost file corruption, and Solutions to repair or fix the error of corrupted ost file by quick and reliable methods.

Actual Reason behind OST exportation & corruption 

Before starting the topic of the reason behind OST corruption during exportation we need to think about that point why a user needs to extract or migrate its OST data files from Microsoft Outlook Client. That’s Answers are uncountable but let me give you the top ones. 

  1. Software upgrade:- A user of the old Outlook version which would be Outlook 2010, Outlook 2013, etc. When bringing the new version on that case they export the ost data files.
  2. Data Backup:- Most of the users for personal and professional work contain duplicate copies of emails stored in the OST file in that case they export ost to other formats which they can exceed in the future when needed.
  3. Switching the Email client:- Some Windows users who switch to other operating systems like- Mac or Linux export their email files to a New OS supporting or best email managing client (E.g. Windows Outlook users use iCloud or OLM when they switch to Mac from Windows )

We got the reason exportation of an OST file into an updated version or another email managing cloud now is the time for discussion about the reason for OST file corruption during exporting into other formats or clients.

Most Probable Reason for OST Corruption

Basically when we highlight the issue of OST file corruption by considering two main forms of reasons: software-related problems and hardware-related problems which I under mentioned briefly.

(Hardware-Related Issues)

  1. Bad Sectors on Hard Drive: Another main contributing factor to the creation of OST files is the availability of bad sectors on the hard drive. In case OST data is stored in a certain sector, its failure results in data corruption and loss.
  • Sudden Power Loss: Erratic power supply is known to cause the OST file to get corrupted, especially if the file was open when the occurs. This abrupt termination of the process can interfere with data writing, and hence corrupt the same.
  • Network Connectivity Problems: Based on the findings of this research, OST files, if located on a network drive, conflicts from networks such as routers or cables can hinder synchronization processes thus causing corruption.
  • Faulty Storage Devices: Defective or sluggish storage devices are equally likely to be a cause behind OST file troubles. These devices maybe effected by bugs or some hardware failure which in turn causes data corruption.
  • Improper Shutdowns: Corrupt OST file: There can be times when the improper shutdown of the computer system while Outlook is in use presents a wide range of corruption in OST file because of unsettled data transactions.

(Software-Related Issues)

  1. Virus and Malware Infections: OST files can become infected with malicious software which will overwrite data or delete some crucial components of files. This risk is further amplified by having poor or rudimentary antivirus protection in place, and by not updating it as needed, where needed.
  • Improper Termination of Outlook: Linking problems occur when Outlook is shut down on the wrong or badly synchronized state and this results to OST file corruption.
  • Oversized OST Files: The OST file format is quite prohibitive in that when an OST file exceeds 10 GB generally due to emails and attachments it becomes vulnerable to corruption.
  • Conflicting Add-ins: Occasionally, add-ins which you have installed on Outlook might interfere with its normal functioning and cause OST files to corrupt.

Crucial Precautions related to OST file exportation

Main precautions whose highly noticeable on any chance because if a user can’t follow these precautions then there is a high chance of OST file corruption.

  • Backup the Original OST File: When performing the export operation, the first step is simply making a backup of the initial OST file. This is very useful in case something goes sour with your export you will have a copy to work with.
  • Close Outlook: That is why it is safer not to leave open Microsoft Outlook application before the actual exporting process is launched, as it does not allow any sort of conflict or data corruption. This saves on the OST file since its exportation is done without any changes being made to the file.
  • Check for Corruption: Of course, this should be checked earlier, but it is clear that the OST file can be damaged at the time of export. The Outlook program has a built-in tool called the Inbox Repair Tool which is in actuality scanpst.exe if you need to correct any issue with OST file.
  • Use the Correct Export Method: Ensure you use a native approach that is Export facilities where Outlook is to convert it from the OST file format to the PST file format. It is preferable to find File in the menu, proceed to Open and Export click on Import/Export and select Export to a file before choosing Outlook Data File(.pst).

That’s how users can fix corrupted OST file

For an efficient and Instant repair of Corrupted OST files use ost recovery tool or software like- WebbyAcad OST recovery software, when a user optimizes this method they get the OST corrupted files restore option into more than 30+ other formats like:- PST, MBOX, PDF, CSV, TGZ, HTML, ZDB, NSF, MHTML, EMLX, EML, MSG, TXT, etc. During the restoration of Corrupted ost files into these other formats this software quick scans the whole data files and repairs the file by removing the errors.

Steps to use OST recovery software | Proper guide step-by-step

  1. Download and open the software on your desktop.
  2. Add the OST file.
  3. Preview the file email data and its attachments.
  4. Select the file format or Email client to which you want to export the OST email files.
  5. Filter data as you need & set the file savings location.
  6. As a last step export the files.

Key features and benefits of using WebbyAcad OST recovery software:-

  • Multiple formats restoration options over 30+ different formats.
  • Effective Batch & Bulk converter.
  • Repair OST file error during exportation.
  • Free upgrades and Free download version.
  • Free 25 mail exportation as per folder.
  • Compatible for All kinds of Windows Operating Systems.

Conclusion

Gladly, there is an option to export OST files and as a user, you can face such a message: “ OST File Corrupted!” error common with hard disk sub-systems such as the bad sector on disks, power failure, and crashing among other random sub-system errors, software errors such as virus attacks and large file creation. To avoid corruption, the best approach is to copy the original OST file, export Outlook without opening it, and use scanpst.exe to detect existing OST corruption. In case of corruption, the WebbyAcad OST recovery software helps in the recovery of the data and even allows the conversion of the data in any desired format of email clients.

Read more:  How to Change OST File Format to PST?

Anil Kondla

Anil is an enthusiastic, self-motivated, reliable person who is a Technology evangelist. He's always been fascinated at work especially at innovation that causes benefit to the students, working professionals or the companies. Being unique and thinking Innovative is what he loves the most, supporting his thoughts he will be ahead for any change valuing social responsibility with a reprising innovation. His interest in various fields and the urge to explore, led him to find places to put himself to work and design things than just learning. Follow him on LinkedIn

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