How to Find Folders Disappeared in Outlook?

Written by Lucy John on February 20, 2023

MS Outlook is a proficient email client that indeed provides diverse handy functionalities with ease. In the beginning, Microsoft Office Outlook works well, but as years roll on it may get sluggish. Over time, Outlook data files i.e. PST file memory space will get filled up with plenty of emails, attachments, contacts, reminders, sent items, drafts, and to-do lists, notes, journals, and other elements.

In such situations, most of the users go for archiving Outlook PST file data, however when Outlook users proceed with improper steps to archive PST files, some of the personal folders may disappear. Also, an inaccurate method of un-archiving PST file contents may lead to the missing of a few Outlook folders.

Even by the time when the Outlook PST file is about to reach or exceed its fixed file size limit, the respective Outlook email accounts may show various abnormal behaviors. In such instances, Outlook may display partial data or not show a set of personal folders and make users get tense about their confidential personal information. Various personal folders may also disappear in Outlook due to other reasons like those mentioned below.

What are the Major Causes of Outlook Missing Folders?

Outlook folder can go missing due to various reasons, here are a few major reasons mentioned below:

1. Damage of the Personal Folder
2. If your Outlook is not syncing with the server
3. Deletion of Outlook Files by mistake
4. Some of your Outlook Folders are hidden

Where did my Folders go in Outlook?

There are two places where Outlook stores data: the personal storage folder on the computer's hardware and the mailbox on the server. When they disappear, they can be found in the "Deleted Items Folder" or "Recoverable Items Folder".

How Do I Find And Recover Missing Folders In Outlook?

If you are in a confusion that, is it possible to get back the deleted or disappeared outlook fles? Not to worry, By following the below-mentioned methods, you will be able to get back your disappeared Outlook files.

Method 1: Recover Outlook Folder Missing with Data File Properties

• Firstly, Open Outlook and click on the Foldertab.
• Select New Search Folder.
• Here you will be able to see the list of files under Select a Search Folder.
• Now, find the missing file and return it to its original location.

Method 2: Recover Lost or Missing Folder in Outlook from Deleted Items/Trash Bin

The missing folder in Outlook can be found in Deleted Items or Trash Bin if it's accidentally deleted.

• Open the Outlook application, go to your email folder list and click on Deleted Items/ Trash.

Note: In my case Leave calender folder was lost.

• To recover a deleted or missing folder, Right-click on it and select the Move Folder option.
• Select the desired location to restore the missing folder in Outlook and click OK.

Method 3: Find the Outlook Missing folders using Search and Browse

A folder search using advanced features is used to locate missing folders. Using this feature you will be able to find the missing files.

• Open Outlook, click on Search Tools to select the Advanced Find Option.
• Click on the Browse option to find the files.
• Now, go back to the main window, and move the file to its original position by drag and drop.

Method 4: Use Import and Export Options to Get Back Folders Missing in Outlook

Importing data is basically for retrieving folders back into Outlook after they have been moved to the PST data file through export.

• Open Outlook and select the File tab at the top left corner of Outlook window.
• Click on Open and Export and choose Import/Export.
• Click on Import from another program or file and select Next.
• You can import the .pst file by clicking File to import.

Method 5: Recover Disappeared Folders in Outlook Using Yodot

Yodot Outlook PST Repair is a significant tool that resolves various issues in Outlook and finds out disappeared Outlook folders on Windows computers. This program helps you recover all disappeared folders in Outlook such as the mailbox folder, contacts lists, journal folders, tasks, notes, calendar items, and others.

Step-by-step procedure to recover disappeared folders in Outlook:

• Download and install Yodot Outlook PST Repair software on a Windows computer.
• Launch installed software to start the disappeared Outlook folder recovery process.
• Select the “Open PST file” option if you know the exact Outlook PST file location.
• Use the “Find PST file” option to locate the PST file.
• Click on the “Select Outlook profile” option to open a particular PST file if you have multiple Outlook profiles.
• Later, select an appropriate scanning method such as “Normal Scan” or “Smart Scan” and browse for the destination path to save recovered Outlook folders and click “Repair”.
• After the application completes the repair process, you can view recovered Outlook folders.

Note: Along with disappeared Outlook personal folders, you can also recover deleted mail folders in Outlook 2003, 2000, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 Outlook versions.

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