A corrupted Outlook mailbox can be a frustrating experience. Important emails might become inaccessible, hindering your workflow. But fear not, there are steps you can take to repair your mailbox and get your emails back on track. 

Diagnosing the Problem: Before diving into repairs, it's helpful to identify the type of Outlook mailbox you have. There are two main categories: Personal Folders (.pst files): These files store your emails, contacts, and calendar items on your computer. Offline Data Files (.ost files): Used with Exchange accounts, these files store a synchronized copy of your mailbox on your device. 

The Inbox Repair Tool: Your First Line of Defense Thankfully, Microsoft provides a built-in tool to repair corrupt PST files: the Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE). 

Here's how to use it: Close Outlook. Locate SCANPST.EXE. You can search for it using the Windows Start menu search bar. 

Browse for the PST file. The default location typically resides in your Documents folder. 

Click Start. The tool will scan your PST file for errors. If errors are found, choose Repair. It's recommended to create a backup of the file before proceeding with the repair process.

Additional Tips: Restart Outlook after the repair is complete. Run SCANPST.EXE multiple times in severe corruption cases. Consider professional data recovery services if the Inbox Repair tool fails. 

For OST files: Since OST files are synchronized with a server, repairing them is usually not necessary. However, you can try creating a new Outlook profile to refresh the connection. Preventing Corruption: 

Here are some practices to help prevent future mailbox corruption: 

Close Outlook properly. Avoid abrupt shutdowns. 

Compact your PST files regularly. This helps to optimize file size and reduce errors.

Back up your data frequently. This ensures you have a recent copy of your emails in case of corruption. 

By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively repair corrupted Outlook mailboxes and safeguard your valuable email data. If you encounter further issues, consult Microsoft support for additional troubleshooting assistance.

Read more: https://www.shoviv.com/blog/repair-corrupted-ost-file/