Users normally encounter issues in Microsoft Outlook as a result of PST file corruption (Personal Folders file). This email client keeps all items inside such files, i.e. notes, calendars, contacts and emails. As a result, the corruption of PST file causes an impossibility to access all information, stored in Microsoft Outlook. Fortunately, there is a number of ways to resolve the issue. Microsoft itself offers a free tool named Inbox Repair Tool (its executable is scanpst.exe), this program represents a part of Outlook email client, so it can be used to recover PST files.
In the same time, this way of email recovery is not for everyone, since it requires some advanced technical skills. As a result, Inbox Repair Tool can be inaccessible for a number of users. Fortunately, it is not the only way to protect Microsoft Outlook data from the damage of any reason, Recovery Toolbox for Outlook is easier for less experienced users. The developer agreed providing the full version of Recovery Toolbox for Outlook for testing, so we can suggest a review of this application.
Review of Recovery Toolbox for Outlook software
Recovery Toolbox represents a small application that allows recovering data from corrupted Outlook files in a couple of clicks. This program can analyze damaged data files of PST format and convert recovered data into clean documents. The tool supports the analysis of Microsoft Exchange files in OST format, it can convert data to PST format, accessible offline, without a connectivity with email server.
Microsoft Outlook data recovery using Recovery Toolbox implies several steps, should be performed one by one. Firstly, this tool opens a file of PST format that is not accessible from Microsoft Outlook. Secondly, it attempts analyzing and recovering data. Thirdly, Recovery Toolbox saves data into a newly created PST file.
Indeed, the speed of data recovery depends on the file size, so the processing of very large mailboxes should take more time. In the same time, Recovery Toolbox for Outlook seems to work pretty fast and does not require to configure additional parameters, navigation throughout the application is easy. After the first start of the software, users note a friendly interface, guiding throughout the process of email recovery.
After the testing of other applications it is clear that the execution of RAM consuming programs may affect a machine’s overall performance. That is why, Recovery Toolbox for Outlook was tested for CPU and RAM usage. However, it was found that it consumes a surprisingly minimal amount of system resources (RAM and CPU) as it is shown on the screenshot below. As a result, the execution of email recovery procedure does not slow computers and forbid the execution of other applications.
Note that the software did not crash, stall or show any error message.
Main features of Recovery Toolbox for Outlook
The program features a number of specs, look through the essentials:
- converter OST-PST
- converter OST-EML
- converter OST-MSG
- converter PST-EML
- converter PST-MSG
- analyzes and recovers encrypted OST and PST files
- analyzes and recovers even password-protected PST and OST files
- offers full compatibility with any version of Microsoft Windows (98-10)
- recovers damaged files of Exchange Server format
- allows repairing deleted objects (appointments, contacts, notes and emails)
- recovers PST files of Microsoft Outlook 97 format and later
- recovers data into separate files of the following formats: TXT/VCF/EML/MSG/PST
The software does not have limitations for file size. The tool can open and recover very large files of OST and PST formats, more than 2 GB.
Email recovery guidelines with Recovery Toolbox for Outlook
To get a better understanding of Recovery Toolbox for Outlook, let us test main functionalities of software, as follows: convert OST file into PST file and recover a corrupted file of PST format. First of all, need to download the tool from its official website. When done, install it and launch the program. Click the following button: “search for .pst & .ost files” to choose a file of PST format.
Users are able to select a damaged file of supported format either from a local HDD or from the Microsoft Mail service directly. As soon as a file name of PST format is captured, need to click the search for .pst & .ost files to start searching.
As soon as the required file is selected, click the Next button to continue.
At the next page, the recovery tool will ask what it should do with the file in question. Choose “Recovery Mode” in case a corrupted input file is selected and now it should be recovered. In case an undamaged OST file is selected, choose the “Converter Mode” to enable the conversion from OST to a new PST file. Click the Next button and follow instructions.
Note the option of OST-PST conversion is available online, without the need of installing Recovery Toolbox on a local computer. Follow the OST to PST converter to get more information about the service. This way can be easier for some users, moreover OST files can be uploaded from any device, either a local workstation or tablet, having any operating system, different from OS Windows.
As soon as it is done, Recovery Toolbox will start the process of restoration (or conversion). Users can track the progress of analysis and approximately evaluate the remaining time.
During the next stage the software displays a preview of data that can be recovered by this application. In the left pane, the list of categories can be seen. When expanded, all categories display a list of items to be restored. The screenshot below shows all calendar items, recovered within this category. For this specific example, Recovery Toolbox displayed a total of 94 calendar items, successfully restored during a session of email recovery.
During the next stage of the execution, the software allows selecting the target folder for saving recovered data.
By clicking the Next button, Recovery Toolbox shows a new page, where users should select, how to save recovered data: it can be done to a new file of PST format or to separate files. As soon as it is done, the Save button confirms the selection.
So, the process is now completed, Recovery Toolbox quits. A new PST file can be found in the location, preset earlier.
Note the installation of 3rd party applications can be disabled by system administrators, required permissions can be obtained with delays or not granted at all. Therefore, users may apply to Outlook online repair service of email recovery, provided by the same software developer. Users are asked to upload a file of Outlook format for recovery, in the very end they can download a clean file of PST format, without errors, that can be used in Microsoft Outlook. As against the local installation of Recovery Toolbox, this online service works from any device: macOS, iOS, Android and others and costs cheaper.
Conclusion
Since Microsoft Outlook represents one of the most popular email clients worldwide, the amount of data corruption threats can be very large. Recovery Toolbox for Outlook provides intelligent and efficient algorithms of data restoration regardless the nature of issue. This program is compatible with any version of Windows OS and Outlook email client. The software is easy to use and offers clear instructions and wizards with a possibility to see, how many items are really restored. It is recommended for all users of Microsoft Outlook email client.
