PST files can easily become corrupted – especially if they’re not properly maintained.
Here are 20 tips to help keep your PST files in good shape and avoid corruption:
1. Keep your PST file small.
The larger the file, the greater the chance of corruption. Try to keep your PST file under 2GB in size.
2. Avoid using third-party software to compact your PST file.
Using a utility like this can actually increase the risk of corruption.
3. Run Scandisk or a similar utility on your hard drive regularly to check for bad sectors.
If any are found, they can cause data corruption, including PST files.
4. Defragment your hard drive regularly.
This helps keep the data on your hard drive organized and decreases the chances of corruption.
5. Don’t store your PST file on a network drive.
Doing so can result in corruption if the connection is lost or interrupted.
6. Disable Outlook’s “Auto Archive” feature.
This feature is known to cause problems with PST files, including corruption.
7. Back up your PST file regularly.
If it does become corrupted, you’ll be glad you have a backup to fall back on.
8. Use caution when sharing PST files over email.
Sending them as attachments can increase the risk of corruption.
9. Don’t delete items from your PST file – move them instead to an archive file or a different PST file.
Deleting items from the PST file can cause corruption.
10. Avoid using Outlook’s “Empty Deleted Items Folder” feature.
This feature can also cause corruption.
11. Use caution when synchronizing your PST file with a portable device.
If the synchronization is interrupted, it can lead to corruption.
12. Don’t compress your PST file.
Doing so can actually increase the risk of corruption.
13. Scan your computer regularly for viruses and other malware.
These can cause all sorts of problems, including data corruption.
14. Keep your computer’s operating system and all its software up to date with the latest patches and updates.
Outdated software can be a security risk and can also lead to data corruption.
15. Don’t open PST files from unknown or untrusted sources.
Doing so can introduce viruses or other malware that can corrupt your PST file.
16. Use caution when opening email attachments.
Some email attachments can contain viruses or other malware that can corrupt your PST file.
17. Avoid using Outlook’s “Repair” feature.
This feature is known to cause more problems than it solves and can actually lead to data loss.
18. If you do need to use the “Repair” feature, create a backup of your PST file first.
That way, if the repair process does cause problems, you’ll have a backup to fall back on.
19. Use a reliable anti-virus program and keep it up to date.
This is one of the best ways to protect your computer – and your PST file – from corruption.
20. If you suspect that your PST file is corrupted, don’t try to fix it yourself.
Leave it to the experts. Trying to fix it yourself can actually make the problem worse and lead to data loss.
FAQs:
1. What is a PST file?
A PST file is a personal storage table file used by Microsoft Outlook to store data.
2. How can I prevent my PST file from becoming corrupted?
There are several things you can do to help prevent your PST file from becoming corrupted, including keeping it small, backing it up regularly, and avoiding third-party compacting utilities. Additionally, make sure to scan your computer regularly for viruses and other malware that could cause corruption.
Conclusion:
PST files can become corrupted for a number of reasons, including viruses and other malware, interrupted synchronization, and hardware problems. If your PST file becomes corrupted, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it, but in most cases, it’s best to leave it to the experts. There are also a few things you can do to help prevent your PST file from becoming corrupted in the first place, such as backing it up regularly and avoiding third-party compacting utilities. Additionally, make sure to scan your computer regularly for viruses and other malware that could cause corruption.
