How to Repair PST Files After Outlook Crash or Power Failure

Unexpected Outlook crashes or power failures can sometimes lead to serious PST file corruption. When this happens, Outlook may fail to open or display error messages like “Errors have been detected in the file Outlook.pst.” This usually means that your PST file — the database storing all your emails, contacts, and calendar data — is damaged or partially unreadable.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to repair PST files after an Outlook crash or sudden shutdown using both manual and automated methods.

Why PST Files Get Corrupted After a Crash

When Outlook closes abruptly (due to a power cut or system crash), it may not have time to save ongoing processes correctly. This can damage the PST file structure and cause:

• Outlook startup errors

• Missing or inaccessible emails

• Slow performance or freezing

• Incomplete data synchronization

To regain access to your mailbox, repairing the PST file becomes essential.

Method 1: Use Microsoft’s ScanPST.exe (Inbox Repair Tool)

Microsoft provides a built-in repair utility called ScanPST.exe for fixing minor PST issues.

Steps to use ScanPST.exe:

1. Close Outlook completely.

2. Locate ScanPST.exe in your Outlook installation folder.
   (Example: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\)

3. Run the tool and browse your PST file.

4. Click Start to scan for errors.

5. Once the scan completes, click Repair to fix the file.

Note: ScanPST.exe is helpful for minor corruption. However, if the PST file is heavily damaged or very large, this method may fail to recover all data.

Method 2: Restore Data from a Backup File

If you have a recent backup of your Outlook data, you can easily restore it:

1. Locate your PST backup file (.bak or .pst).

2. Open Outlook and go to File → Open & Export → Open Outlook Data File.

3. Select your backup file and access your emails.

This works only if you maintain regular backups — which most users don’t. If you don’t have a backup or your backup is outdated, proceed with a professional recovery tool.

Method 3: Repair Using Automated Tool (Recommended)

If Outlook crashes caused severe PST corruption, the Advik PST Repair Tool offers the most reliable and safe recovery process.
This tool repairs damaged or inaccessible PST files and restores all your mailbox data — including emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments — without requiring Outlook.

Steps to repair PST using Advik PST Repair Tool:

1. Download and install Advik PST Repair Tool on your system.

2. Launch the software and click Add File to import the corrupted PST.

3. The tool automatically scans and repairs the file.

4. After repair, you can preview recovered mailbox items.

5. Click Save Repaired File to export the recovered data into a new PST file.

You can then re-import this PST into Outlook and access your emails safely.

Key Benefits:

• Repairs severely corrupted PST files after Outlook crash or system failure.

• Recovers deleted or missing emails, attachments, and contacts.

• Works without Outlook installation.

• Maintains folder hierarchy and metadata integrity.

• Compatible with Outlook 2003–2021 on Windows 11/10 and below.

Conclusion

A sudden Outlook crash or power failure can easily corrupt PST files, putting your important emails and business data at risk. While Microsoft’s ScanPST tool can fix minor issues, it may not handle severe corruption effectively.
To ensure complete and secure recovery, Advik PST Repair Tool is the best choice. It restores all your Outlook data accurately, even from heavily damaged PST files, and helps you get back to work without losing any important information.