Fix the "Exported PST File Empty" Problem in a Few Steps

Summary: If you work with Microsoft Outlook quite often, you might need to export your emails, contacts, and other data into a PST file from time to time. This is an everyday process, and the exported PST file will be empty most of the time; that is when users get into frustration and worry about their lost data. If such a situation has occurred, do not worry as it can be resolved with a reliable solution like DRS PST Recovery and some simple steps.

In this tutorial, we will dive into the most common causes of this problem and display how you can fix the exported PST file empty issue in an easy-to-follow way.

Why Is the Exported Outlook PST File Empty?

The exported PST file empty problem can occur for a variety of reasons. First, you need to know the cause of the issue. Here are some potential causes for this problem:

• At times, the export process may not involve all the needed settings, such as selecting the correct folders to be included in the PST file.
• A corrupted or damaged profile for Outlook may trigger the failure in the export process with an empty PST file.
• When an older version of Outlook is used to handle the export process, it may create incomplete or failed PST files.
• Using another third-party tool or MS Outlook export feature incorrectly may cause problems with the exported PST file.
• A corrupted PST file during the export procedure may make your exported PST file appear as empty.

How to Fix - Exported PST is Empty

Multiple fixes are available to resolve the issue if you have faced this annoying problem of an empty exported PST file. Below, let's find some practical solutions for common problems and regain your access to Outlook data.

Method 1: Check and Change View Settings

Sometimes, the folders might appear as exported PST empty in? Outlook due to inappropriate View settings. To resolve this issue, check and change these settings as given below:

1. Open Outlook and go to the View tab.
2. Click on Change View from the menu
3. Click on Compact on the drop-down list
4. Choose the Apply Current View to Other Mail Folders option so all folders accept the view change.
5. Close Outlook and reopen it to see if the folder details appear

This simple tweak would most likely solve the problem if this were some issues with the view settings

Method 2: Change Folder Properties via MFCMAPI

When folder properties are misconfigured, some folders may end up looking empty. You can use the MFCMAPI tool, issued by Microsoft, to fix this configuration:

1. Download and Install MFCMAPI
2. To download the tool, follow these steps: get it from the Microsoft official website, then install it.
3. Log In to Your Outlook Profile
4. Run MFCMAPI, click Session, then Logon
5. Choose the Outlook profile you want to log in with, then click OK
6. Navigate to the Folder with the Problem
7. Go to the folder hierarchy under IPM_Subtree using the selected profile.
8. Select the problematic folder and double-click on it.
9. Edit Folder Properties
10. Find the property PR_CONTAINER_CLASS, and double-click on it to open the editor.
11. Change the value from IPF.Imap to IPF.Note, click OK.
12. Do It for Other Folders
13. If multiple folders are problematic, repeat the above steps for each folder.
14. Restart Outlook

Note: This approach is applicable only with the active Outlook account and cannot be used in respect of PST files that have been archived or exported.

Method 3: Fix the Exported PST File Empty

If the PST file itself has been infected, the PST would appear as empty. It can also be repaired by making use of the tool inbox repair tool called SCANPST.exe. Locate SCANPST.exe

The tool is usually located in your Outlook installation directory. If you’re unsure of its location, search online for detailed instructions.

1. Run the Tool
2. Close Outlook and double-click SCANPST.exe to open it.
3. Click Browse to select the corrupted PST file.
4. Initiate the Scan
5. Click Start to begin scanning the file. The time required depends on the file size and extent of corruption.
6. Repair the File
7. Once the scan is complete, the tool will display detected issues.
8. Ensure that a backup of the scanned file before repair is checked.
9. Click Repair to repair the file.
10. Restart Outlook
11. Open Outlook after repair and check whether the PST file is accessible

Limitations of SCANPST.exe

The Inbox Repair Tool can fail with large, severely damaged, or even encrypted files. If the built-in tools such as SCANPST.exe are not sufficient to overcome the problem, DRS Repair for Outlook is a professional solution to fix corrupted PST files. Here's why it's a top choice:

• Handles Severe Corruption: Quickly repairs heavily damaged PST files.
• No Size Limitations: Supports files of any size.
• User-Friendly Interface: For the user with limited technical knowledge.
• There are Various export options: It allows saving data in multiple formats such as PDF, MSG, HTML, EML, and RTF.

You can retrieve your Outlook data easily and without any hassle using this tool.

Conclusion

An empty exported PST file is alarming, but the right methods enable solving this problem. Regardless of whether an issue lies in setting up the view, changing folder properties with MFCMAPI, or repairing a damaged PST file, all these steps have proved successful in solving problems.

Professional tools, like DRS Repair for Outlook, provide expertise when you have exported PST File empty and more serious or complex problems to recover and possibly restore Outlook PST files fluidly. Knowing the possible causes and their resolutions ensures that your Outlook data is safe and accessible