How Exchange Server Crash Makes OST Files Orphaned and How to Fix It

There is no doubt that Exchange Server is the backbone of the email server. It helps or makes communication in any organization or individual. Sometimes, Exchange Server faces an issue when accessing the OST file. In such a case, the user makes the right decision to fix the error. The common issue with Exchange Server is Server crashes. The result of the Server crash is the OST file orphaned.
An OST file is a local copy of an Exchange server mailbox, and orphaned OST files occur when the OST files disconnect and are not synced with the Server. When that is happening, the user can't open the OST or read the OST files. It increases the risk of important data loss.
In this guide, we will discuss the reasons behind the Exchange Server crash and how to fix it.

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Reason Behind Orphaned Exchange Server or OST Files

First of all, you should know what mistake you made that caused the problem of the OST file getting orphaned on the Exchange server.
The reason behind the Exchange Server crash:

• Power Failure: Power problems are among the most common causes of an Exchange Server crash. Always check to make sure that the server's power cord is properly seated and has not come loose.
• Network Problem: Network problems are some of the most difficult problems to diagnose because you do not know if the problem is on your side, the client's side, or in between. Therefore, to try to prevent network problems from occurring, check all local network connections thoroughly. Make sure that every connection is connected properly and is not disconnected at any point.
• Hardware Problem: A failure in any of the server's hardware can cause the Exchange Server to crash or become unresponsive. Failure of the components that make up your server, such as hard drives, RAM, or the motherboard, can happen at any time. Perform routine checks of your hardware and monitor performance to make sure there is no physical damage to the hardware or degrading components that may impact the server's stability.
• Operating Server Crash: Occasionally, the OS becomes unstable or unresponsive, thus requiring the administrator to reboot the server to regain functionality. Rebooting the server may provide a quick fix, but simply rebooting the system may only mask the symptoms of underlying system corruption or even a potential virus that has attacked the system.

Smart Ways to Fix Orphaned Files

When the OST file is facing orphaned issues, don't panic. The user can recover OST in the right way. You have 2 smart ways to fix the OST file manually and with a professional tool.

Way 1: Manual method by using ScanPST.exe

Fix the OST file by using the ScanPST.exe manual method. It can recover the orphaned OST, but it consumes lots of time. It does not work efficiently with orphaned or corrupted OST files. This method is not for everyone because when you use this method, it is compulsory to have a technical skill to operate it; non-technical users cannot work efficiently. The manual method increases the chance of data loss or corrupted data.

Process to Fix  orphaned OSt file data

• Close Microsoft Outlook completely before starting the process.
• Locate the ScanPST.exe tool on your system.
• Double-click ScanPST.exe to open the Microsoft Inbox Repair Tool.
• Click Browse and select the OST file you want to repair.
• Click Start to begin scanning the selected OST file.
• Wait for the scan to complete; the tool will detect errors and inconsistencies in the OST data.
• Click Repair to start fixing the OST file.
• Once the repair process is finished, click OK to close the tool.
• Open Microsoft Outlook again and check if the OST file data is now accessible and synchronized properly.

This process is too long, which is why it takes time, and also, the time depends on the file size. If your OST file is oversized, it will take a lot of time.

Way 2: Expert Solution to Fix Orphaned Files

The manual way only fixes minor issues; for more issues, users go to an expert solution that can efficiently and flawlessly fix orphaned OST file data. The Expert solution, like FixVare OST Converter software, can easily fix orphaned OST file data with zero data loss. It ensures data integrity and provides a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to use. It is also capable of converting and saving recovered data into multiple formats, such as PST, MBOX, or other formats.

Steps to Fix orphaned OST file

Fixing your OST file is simple and can be done by anyone, even without technical knowledge. Just follow these steps:

1. Download the mentioned tool on your computer.
2. Load the OST files that you wish to fix into the software.
3. Select a destination folder where the fixed file will be saved.
4. Apply filters if you want to extract only specific emails, contacts, or folders.
5. Start the recovery process by clicking the Export/Convert button and waiting until the tool completes the process.

Why Choose FixVare OST Converter

On the internet, users can see lots of software, but why choose this tool? It provides a simple processor to recover OST file data. You can see the steps above. Not choose this software because of the steps; it has multiple steps, which make it easy, like the selective data feature, where the user can fix the required data instead of the entire OST file, and other features such as:

• Secure, fast, and reliable recovery process
• Allows recovery of multiple OST files at once.
• Let users preview mailbox items before recovery.
• Supports Outlook 2007 through the latest version.

Conclusion

Understanding how Exchange Server crashes makes OST files orphaned and how to fix it is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted access to mailbox data. While ScanPST.exe is a helpful first step for minor corruption, it has limitations for severely orphaned files. Using FixVare OST Converter provides a safe and efficient way to recover mailbox data and restore full Outlook functionality. By combining preventive measures with the right recovery approach, organizations and users can ensure that Exchange Server crashes do not result in permanent data loss.