How to Recover PST File After Format
Personal Storage Table (PST) files are used in Microsoft Outlook to store personal file folders like contacts and messages. They are important because you cannot access some of the information on Microsoft Outlook without them. These files are located in your computer's hard drive. If they accidentally get deleted or if they get lost after formatting your computer's hard drive, you can restore the PST files using a data recovery program, which you can download for free on the Internet.
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Instructions
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Restore your deleted PST files using TOKIWA, a free data recovery program you can download on the Internet (see Resources). Start the program, and select the "C:/" drive when TOKIWA prompts you to choose a drive. Click on the "Scan Files" tab. TOKIWA will scan your hard drive for files, including PST files. A list of deleted items will be displayed. Choose whichever PST files you want to restore and click on "Recovery."
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Download the data recovery program Smart Recovery 4.5 for free online (see Resources). Run the program once it has finished installing. Pick your PC's hard drive from the drive selection menu. Smart Recovery 4.5 will search the hard drive for deleted files; the deleted items will be displayed in a list. Click on the PST files you want to retrieve. Once you are done, close out the program.
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Reclaim your deleted PST files using FileRestorePlus, a data recovery program. Download FileRestorePlus for free (see Resources) and open the program. From the drive selection box, choose your computer's hard drive. FileRestorePlus will scan the drive for deleted data. Choose the PST files you want to rejuvenate and they will be restored to your computer.
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Tips & Warnings
Make copies of your PST files and save them to another location so you will not accidentally delete the only copy of a file.
Turning off your PC while trying to restore data may cause file corruption.
