Having a bad pst file is about the same as having your whole computer go down.  At least for me.always incluide the pst file in the backup software you use and back on a regular bases.

The PST file should be consider as the grand daddy of all Outlook files because it stores all you info in this one big file.  If you don’t know how to make a backup of this then we urge you to look over at this Outlook PST backup page.  It has a link to the free Microsoft backup plug-in that will help ensure you never suffer if your pst file goes down.

If you are currently suffering from a corrupt pst file then use the link above to learn the exact steps you can take to recover your data.  Keep in mind that in the end if the free methods do not work then you will need to purchase some pst recovery software to get the job done.Even though the software costs a bundle it’s nothing compared to you loosing all your e-mails.
Of course the most important lesson to be learned here is to alwasy backup your data.Not only when the file is in good condition but alwasy before you attempt any repair.  The reason for this is you need to ensure you do not do more damage to the file.  so making a backup if the corrupt file is a good thing.  That way you can use multiple methods to try and get your data back without having to worry about doing more damage.

Outlook has a nice free tool called scanpst.exe that you can try first for free.  It is a very week tool but if your issue is just in the headers of the file it will resolve your issue.  If the file is more corrupt then it won’t do much for you.It will only take you around twenty minutes or so to run the free tool so it’s well worth a look and it’s free so it should be your first option.

As far as I am aware this is the only free repair tool on the market at this time.Microsoft in my opinion has dropped the ball a little on this and I feel thet should provide a bettter recovery tool.

If you are having an issue with your old pst file being too big and over the 2g mark then there are a number of free and paid tools out there that can help you resolve this issue.