How to Recover Data from a 0KB Outlook PST File (2 Free Methods)

IT administrators often rely on Microsoft Outlook to store emails, contacts, and calendars in PST files. However, sometimes the PST file unexpectedly shows 0KB size, which makes the mailbox data inaccessible due to corruption, interrupted exports, or system crashes. This issue might increase gradually, and users might permanently lose their emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments stored in PST files. This article explains different manual methods & the use of the Aryson Outlook PST Repair Tool to recover data from 0KB Outlook PST file Download Now   Purchase Now

What is a 0KB Outlook PST File?

An Outlook data file of 0 kilobytes in size is termed a 0KB Outlook PST file, even though it contains emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox items. This 0KB file usually indicates that the PST file has become empty, corrupted, or was not properly created during the export or backup process.

Once a PST file turns into 0KB, MS Outlook will no longer be able to access any stored data because of a missing or damaged file structure. This issue may take place due to various reasons, such as interrupted exports, sudden system shutdowns, or faulty storage devices. To get more clarity on the actual root cause, refer to the upcoming section.

Common Reasons Behind 0KB PST File Issue

There are several reasons why an Outlook PST file becomes a 0KB file. Some of them are listed below.

• An interrupted PST export can create an incomplete file that shows 0KB.
• The PST file structure gets corrupted after a sudden system shutdown or power failure.
• Moreover, an improper file transfer to another location can cause the 0KB file issue.
• Furthermore, malware or virus infection may damage Outlook data files.
• Additionally, hard drive errors or bad sectors can damage the original data of the PST file.
• Also, the synchronization or profile issues in Outlook may lead to an incomplete PST.

If any of the above causes apply to your situation, choose a suitable recovery solution among the ones explained in the upcoming sections below.

Proven Methods to Recover Data from 0 KB Outlook PST File 

In this section of the blog, we will primarily focus on the most effective methods to recover data from a 0kb Outlook PST File.

• Use the Inbox Repair Tool
• Restore PST from Backup
• Use an Advanced Recovery Software

Read through the details of each and every method and choose one as per your convenience and expertise. If the manual methods do not work properly, refer to the advanced software for repairing pst files.

Method 1: Recover Data Using Outlook Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST)

The Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) is an in-built utility provided by Microsoft Outlook. This tool scans and repairs the corrupted PST files. Along with that, it checks the file structure for errors & tries to restore the essential mailbox items such as emails, contacts, and calendars. However, it works well; it can be commonly used to fix minor PST corruption issues.

Steps to Use Outlook Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST)

1. Firstly, close Microsoft Outlook completely on your existing system.
2. After that, go to the Outlook installation directory and locate SCANPST.exe.
3. Double-click SCANPST.exe to open the Inbox Repair Tool.
4. Next, click on the Browse option & select the 0KB PST file.
5. Click on the Start option to begin scanning the file for errors.
6. After scanning, click Repair to resolve the detected issues.
7. Once the process finishes, reopen Outlook and load the repaired PST file.

Method 2: Restore PST from Backup

An alternative way to recover Outlook mailbox data is to restore a PST file from a previous backup. If you have regularly created backups of your Outlook data file, you can simply replace the 0KB PST file with the backup copy. Through this method, you can restore emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox items stored in the backup PST file of Microsoft Outlook.

Steps to Restore PST from Backup

1. To begin, close Microsoft Outlook on your existing computer.
2. After that, search for and open the previously saved backup PST file on your system.
3. Now, copy the backup PST file to the Outlook data file location on your computer.
4. Run Microsoft Outlook and go to File >> Open & Export >> Open Outlook Data File.
5. Next, browse and select the required backup PST file you copied.
6. Then, click on the Open button to load the PST file in Outlook.

Now, you can successfully access your restored emails, contacts, and other mailbox data from the imported PST file.

Limitations of the Manual Methods 

• These methods only work well for minor corruption of PST files.
• The Inbox Repair Tool cannot recover data from an empty 0KB PST file.
• Moreover, you can restore a backup PST only if a previous PST backup exists.
• Furthermore, these methods may fail to recover attachments, contacts, or the calendar.
• The recovery process might affect the original folder hierarchy or mailbox structure.
• It can be time-consuming and technically challenging for non-technical users.

Note: If none of the above methods helped you, the issue might reside in the PST file. Therefore, you must use a PST recovery software to fix the 0KB PST file issue. To get more insights into the recovery software and process, continue reading.

Method 3: Advanced Solution to Recover Data from 0KB Outlook PST File

Aryson Outlook PST Repair Tool is an expert-recommended recovery software that can repair corrupted Outlook PST file. It can recover emails, contacts, calendars, notes, and attachments from Outlook PST files. Moreover, various organisations and enterprises rely on this software to scan for different levels of corruption. It supports severely corrupted, large-sized, and password-protected PST files, which makes it a suitable choice for both individual users and organizations. Additionally, it maintains the original folder hierarchy and formatting. This software can be used to rebuild PST Files. Also, the software allows users to preview the selected PST files before the recovery begins.

Simple Steps to Recover a 0KB PST File

1. Firstly, download and install the Aryson Outlook Repair Tool.
2. After that, click Open and load the required corrupt PST file from your PC.
3. Choose a required recovery mode- Standard, Advanced & Deep Mode.
4. After that, select between the 32-bit or 64-bit versions, and click OK to start.
5. Select items of the PST file & preview them with their properties.
6. Select the saving format and choose the Date filter if required.
7. At last, save the recovered PST file at a specified location on your system.

Conclusion

In this blog, we discussed various effective ways to recover data from 0KB Outlook PST file. However, both methods work well, based on some specific factors like time consumption, technical expertise, and data size; proceed with one of them. If the issue resides in the PST file only, it is advised to use the automated recovery software. Despite the simple interface, if you get stuck anywhere during the process, reach out to our tech support team.

FAQs

About The Author:

Rohan Wiese

Rohan Wiese is a Technical Content Writer at Aryson Technologies, specializing in databases, e-mail recovery, and e-mail migration solutions. He enjoys conducting research and generating information that assists database administrators, businesses, and novices in resolving issues with MS SQL Server, MySQL databases, Cloud Computing, and Microsoft Exchange.

Realted Post

How to Download All Emails from Office 365 – A Complete Guide

Quickly Export Apple Mail Emails to Outlook on Mac in Bulk

Reduce PST File Size Instantly Using Top Methods