How to Repair Corrupt Outlook PST and Import it to Live Exchange?

PST is a file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store emails, contacts, calendar items, and other mailbox data. Sometimes, PST file gets corrupt due to factors, such as hardware issues, sudden power loss, virus attacks, or oversized file size.

However, you can repair the corrupt PST file using built-in tool in Outlook, like Scanpst.exe or using a third-party software like Stellar Repair for Outlook. Once repaired, you can import the PST file into Outlook or live Exchange Server.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to repair corrupt Outlook PST and import it into live Exchange Server.

Repairing Corrupt PST File using Scanpst.exe

Scanpst.exe or Inbox Repair Tool is a free utility provided by Microsoft to repair corrupt PST files. The steps to use the Inbox Repair Tool are:

1. Locate the Scanpst.exe file on the computer. Check the scanpst.exe location as per your Outlook version.
2. Double-click Scanpst.exe to open it.
3. Select the PST file you need to repair and click Start.
4. The tool scans the file for errors and prompts to repair it if errors are found.
5. Click Repair to start the repair process.

• The tool prompts you to save the repaired file or create a new PST file.
• Choose the option and save the repaired file.

Importing Repaired PST File into Live Exchange Manually

For importing PST files into live Exchange manually, create Mailbox Import request using Exchange Admin Center (EAC) or Exchange Management Shell.

Steps to use the EAC to create mailbox import request

1. Open EAC. In EAC, click on ‘recipients’, click on mailboxes, and then click on more options (…).

• Click on ‘Import PST’ from the dropdown menu. The Import from a .pst file wizard will open. Enter the path of the PST file, along with the PST file name. Then, click on ‘Next’.

• Browse the mailbox where you want to save the file. Select the option ‘Import to this mailbox’ or ‘Import to this mailbox’s archive’ as per your requirement and click on ‘Next’.

• If you want to receive notification regarding the import process, check the box ‘Send email to the mailbox below when the .pst file has been exported’ and click on Finish.

• You’ll receive the notification when the PST file is successfully imported.

Steps to use Exchange Management Shell to create mailbox import request

1. Connect to Exchange PowerShell.
2. Use the New-MailboxImportRequest cmdlet to start the import. Check the syntax of command on Microsoft website.
3. You can check the import status using the Get-MailboxImportRequest cmdlet.

Repair PST File and Import it into Live Exchange Directly

To save time and efforts required to perform the above manual method, you can use Stellar Repair for Outlook Technician version. It is a popular third-party PST repair software that can help you repair corrupt PST file and directly import the repaired file into Live Exchange. The steps to use Stellar Repair for Outlook Technician are:

1. Download, install, and launch the software.

• It will show all the available profiles in the system. Select the PST file from the profile list. You may also browse the PST file using the ‘Choose Profile Manually’ option.

• Click on the ‘Repair’ button. The software will start scanning and repairing the PST file.

• Once the PST file is repaired, it will show the mailbox items in a tree-like structure.

• Click on ‘Save Repaired File’ under the Home tab.

• Click on ‘Export to Live Exchange Server’ and then ‘Next’.

• Select ‘Administrator’ or ‘user’ account based on your account authorization and enter your server name.

• Enter the ‘Exchange Admin’ credentials (Email ID, Admin Name, Password) and ‘Mailbox Email Id’ of the mailbox in which you want to import the PST file.

• Once you enter the credentials, it will start saving the data to live Exchange. After the data is saved, it will show a dialog box. Click on ‘OK’.

Tips for Keeping PST file Healthy

Here are some useful tips to help you keep your PST file healthy and in working condition:

1. Regularly backup your PST file to avoid data loss in case of corruption.
2. Use the Inbox Repair Tool or a third-party PST repair software as soon as you suspect that your PST file is corrupt.
3. Do not open the PST file while it is being repaired.
4. Split or compact large PST file to prevent corruption.

Conclusion

To repair corrupted PST file and importing it into Live Exchange, you can follow the methods mentioned above. However, the best option is to use an advanced Outlook repair software, like Stellar Repair for Outlook Technician. This software can repair corrupt Outlook data file (.pst) and directly import it to live Exchange Server in just a few clicks.

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About The Author

Eric Simson

Eric Simson is an Email Platform Consultant and is associated with Stellar Data Recovery from last 6 years. He writes about the latest technology tips and provides custom solutions related to MS Outlook, MS Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.