Over time, Outlook data files i.e. PST file memory space will get filled up with plenty of emails, attachments, and other elements.
In such situations, most of the users go for archiving Outlook PST file data. however some of the personal folders may disappear during the archiving process. Also, an inaccurate method of un-archiving PST file contents may lead to the missing of a few Outlook folders.
When the Outlook PST file is about to exceed its fixed file size limit, It may show abnormal behavior. Outlook may display partial data or not show a set of personal folders. 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:
- Damage of the Personal Folder
- If your Outlook is not syncing with the server
- Deletion of Outlook Files by mistake
- 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 Folder tab.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: In my case Leave calender folder was lost.
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
Missing Outlook folders like mailboxes, contacts, or calendars? Yodot Outlook PST Repair is your trusted solution for Windows users. This powerful tool resolves Outlook issues and recovers disappeared folders, including emails, contacts, tasks, notes, journal entries, calendar items, and more, in just a few clicks.
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”. 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.
Tips to Avoid Folders Disappearing from Outlook:
- Make use of a genuine and updated antivirus program to protect essential PST files from deadly viruses.
- Back up Outlook PST files regularly in order to overcome the above-discussed data loss scenarios.
- Do not exit the Outlook application improperly and make sure its PST file size doesn’t exceed its file size limit.
