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A Complete Guide to Recover Data From a 0 Kb Outlook PST File

  author
Nimisha Ramesh   
Published: Jun 18, 2021 • Outlook , Tips • 4 Min Read

Summary – We will be posting here different approaches through which Microsoft clients can recover data from a 0 Kb Outlook PST file. This will be useful in case a .pst file gets corrupted and displays 0kb size of the file.
Before starting with the solution to fix this file size error, it is important to be known with the reasons due to which error occurs. Following points are going to aware readers about the causes of ‘PST file showing 0kb’ error :

  • Large .pst could harm the header part of PST file because each of the Outlook version comprises of different size restriction.
  • Presence of bad sectors on a hard drive where .pst file is saved, can also cause file damage and result in data loss too.
  • Issues that occur at the execution time to compact the Outlook data could result in ‘PST file showing 0kb’ error.
  • Sharing files over an unprotected network, where any individual have the privilege to alter PST file content.
  • The sudden unexpected crash is one of the other error causes that may damage a PST file.

After reading the above points, we hope that people have learned about the causes due to which they have to look for the solution for “how to recover 0kb PST file”

recover data from a 0 Kb Outlook PST file

Try to Regain Back Data From Backup Files

  1. Manual Backup – If you have created daily backups for MS Outlook content, the initial approach is to retrieve data from the backup files. You can develop a new .pst file in MS Outlook profile and then, import backup files’ content into it. Also, you can directly utilize the backups as default data file. Well, you need to follow below-mentioned steps to import content from an Outlook backup file:
    • Launch MS Outlook program on your desktop and click on File button
    • Click on Open & Export option and then select, Open Outlook Data File option. This will help in recovering data from the backups.
  2. Auto-Archived – Another option also exists to recover data from a 0 kb Outlook PST file. This feature comprises of the use of auto-archived feature in PST file, if Microsoft clients have activated it previously. With the perspective of locating the file, below-mentioned are the steps to be followed:
    • Launch MS Outlook email client on your PC and click on File >> Options >> Advanced
    • Go towards the AutoArchive file, click on the button of AutoArchive Settings
    • This pop-ups a dialog box where you have to click on Browse button. It is required to open the target folder where you can save your source file.
  3. Older Versions – Users can utilize the Windows backup i.e., Previous Versions feature in case they has neither Outlook auto-archive option enabled nor created backup files. In such scenario, following steps are left to recover data from PST file showing 0kb:
    • Navigate towards the folder where an Outlook file is stored.
    • Right-click on the folder itself for launching a pop-up menu.
    • Choose the Restore Previous Versions option from the displayed menu to open the dialog box of ‘Outlook File Properties’.
    • Click on Previous Versions tab where you can have a look on several previous versions of the chosen folder
    • Now select the Outlook version, and hit on Copy button for recovering a version and then, save it to a location.

If Backup Solutions Don’t Work, Opt for Scanpst.exe

The possible backup solutions through which a person could recover data from a 0 kb Outlook PST file are listed above. If in case these approaches don’t work recover data from PST file showing 0kb file size, it means that PST file is suffering from corruption. Now, you have to repair PST file in order to fix the problem and bring back your work in the normal mode.

Now, for this, end users can choose scanpst.exe a free inbuilt utility provided by Microsoft to fix corruption at the minor level. Obviously, if the corruption is minor, scanpst.exe tool is enough to solve the issue.

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But if in case, scanpst.exe fails in fixing the error then, it completely means that your PST file is damaged or highly corrupted. The only solution left is to use automated PST recovery solutions. You can try the free trial version of the tool to repair the corruption of the Outlook file.

Conclusion

If you are seeking a solution to recover data from a 0 Kb Outlook PST file, then this guide is best for you. Here we have discussed all the possible techniques to recover data from 0kb PST file. SO go through the guide and solve the data recovery issue from Outlook.

By Nimisha Ramesh

Nimisha Ramesh is a professional with a keen focus on branding and technical content writing. With a deep understanding of how to craft and convey brand messages, Nimisha excels in the art of branding, ensuring businesses leave a lasting impact. Her talent for technical content writing ensures that complex concepts are presented in a way that's clear and accessible to a wide audience. Nimisha's dual expertise in branding and content writing makes her a vital asset in shaping brand narratives and engaging audiences effectively.