Deletion of .pst file is a serious issue. Every Outlook user must follow some standard practices, such as creating a backup of mailbox data, space optimization, etc., to recover deleted mailbox items. Are you seriously seeking information regarding how to Prevent Data Loss Due to PST File Deletion? Follow the instructions given in the post to prevent such a loss. We will also discuss how to repair a damaged Outlook data file (.pst) using the built-in ScanPST.exe utility. This utility is the best remedy for repairing small files (up to 2 GB) with minor corruption issues. In case, the corruption falls in the category of more severe or complex, the user needs to employ any advanced PST Recovery Software.
Consequences of PST File Deletion:
Some of the consequences of the accidental deletion of the Outlook data file (.pst) are discussed below:
- Loss of sensitive data: In case of such deletion, the Outlook user may loose crucial mailbox data stored in email messages, attachments, notes, etc.
- Irretrievable data loss: If the user is not backing up the .pst file, any such deletion may lead to the permanent loss of data stored in the deleted file. It is because .pst files are stored on the local device and are not synchronized with the Exchange server (which is the case with .ost files).
- Workflow disruption: In case of PST file deletion, the user may miss deadlines, important emails, contacts, etc. It will create chaos in all work-related communication.
Understanding the Error:
In this part of the guide, we will explore factors responsible for PST file deletion. Some of such factors include the following:
- Accidental deletion: An Outlook user can accidentally delete the .pst file while performing a data cleanup exercise. Other scenarios that may lead to accidental deletion include system optimization tools, virus attack or using the Shift + Delete command.
- Corruption causing file disappearance: Sometimes corruption in the Outlook data file (.pst) may lead to its disappearance. Factors that may damage the .pst file comprise:
- An unexpected power failure occurs while Outlook is active.
- A sudden system shutdown when the email client is writing or modifying the data.
- Inappropriate closure of the application can also cause .pst file corruption.
- Issues like a bad sector or hard drive failure may damage the .pst file.
- A malware attack: Any malicious software can also accidently delete the .pst file.
- File relocation errors: Any miscalculation while relocating the portable .pst file may also cause deletion of the data file.
Best Practices to Prevent PST File Deletion:
Looking for information regarding how to prevent data loss due to PST file deletion? It is always better to follow some standard practices to nullify the probability of facing such situation. Follow the guide below:
I. Create a Backup: It is a crucial and basic step. The user can use AutoArchive’s feature of the app to automatically move mailbox folders, including email messages, contacts, events, etc. Such archived data files (.pst) can be used later by importing them into Outlook. Follow the process below:
- Browse the “File” tab.
- After this explore Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select ‘Export to a file’ and then click ‘Next.’
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) option. Then Click “Next.”
- Now select the mailbox folders. Press “Next” to proceed.
- Provide the location to save the backup file.
- Give name to the folder. Click “Finish” to conclude the process.
- Give password for enhanced security.
II. Avoid Storing PST Files on System Drive: IT experts have recommended not to save .pst files on the system drive (C:). Instead, save these .pst files in other locations like:
- Separate Partition: Create multiple partitions in your device and save the .pst file on a partition other than the system drive (C:).
- External or Network Drive: Other than the C Drive, the Outlook user can also store .pst file on an external hard drive or USB drive. In case a network drive is available, the user can also store PST files there.
III. Enable Outlook’s Built-in Protection Features: Outlook has provided certain built-in features for enhanced security. The user can set passwords to restrict access. Besides this, the user can utilize the encryption feature. For example, users can protect outgoing emails by using S/MIME or Microsoft Purview encryption. This option provides an additional security layer to the crucial business information.
IV. Utilizing PST Recovery Software: First and foremost, try to repair a damaged Outlook data file (.pst) using built-in ScanPST.exe (Inbox Repair tool). Try to repair the damaged file using this utility instead of deleting it. In case, this utility fails or crashes during the repair process, the user can employ an advanced PST recovery software like Stellar Repair for Outlook. The USP’s of such repair tools is their fast repair speed. Based on advanced algorithm, such tools can repair even severely corrupt, large-sized, and/or encrypted PST files.
How to Recover Deleted PST Files?
After exploring reasons and standard practices, let’s explore some methods to recover deleted Outlook data file (.pst). Some of them are listed below:
A: Recover from the Recycle Bin: Find the deleted .pst file in the ‘Recycle Bin.’ Follow these steps:
- Browse the Recycle Bin.
- Discover the data file (.pst) you need to recover.
- Hover the cursor on the File and right click on it. Then press “Restore.”
B: Restore from a Backup: Follow the below steps:
Step 1: Discover the PST Backup File:
- Browse File Explorer and go to the targeted folder with the targeted .pst backup file is saved.
Step 2: Browse the Outlook App & Access Import Feature:
- Open the Outlook app
- Go to the “File” tab.
- Browse “Open & Export.”
- Then hit on the “Import/Export” tab.
Step 3: Import the Backup PST File:
- Select the option to import from another program or file
- Then Click on the “Next” tab.
- From the dropdown, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) option. Click “Next” to proceed.
- Choose the file folder you require to export. Then press “Next.” You can include the subfolders as well.
- Provide the location to save the file. You can opt for the check the ‘Replace duplicates with items exported’ option to avoid duplicate content.
- Press ‘Finish’ to conclude.
C: Use a PST Recovery Software: In case, ScanPST.exe fails to repair a damaged .pst file, then the smart option is to use any advanced repair tool like Stellar Repair for Outlook. This software is easy-to-use, quick and reliable. It is advanced enough to repair even an oversized or encrypted PST files that SCANPST may fail to fix. The software saves the recovered mailbox data in a healthy PST file, which can be imported to any profile. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to save the recovered mailbox content in different formats like EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF.
Conclusion:
Deleting an Outlook PST file, whether intentionally or accidently, has severe consequences. This scenario will lead to the permanent loss of crucial email messages, contacts, attachments, etc. stored in the data file. In the above post, we have explored reasons as well as standard practices to prevent accidental deletion of the .pst file. In case, if you came across a situation where the Outlook data file (.pst) become inaccessible, then we can try to repair it using ScanPST.exe. In case, this built-in utility fails to address the issue, then we can use an advanced Outlook PST repair tool, such as Stellar Repair for Outlook.