In our last article, we have shared some of reasons why Outlook Data File (PST) crashes and how we can avoid this. Read Why Does Data File Crash/Corrupt? before moving ahead.
SCANPST is a free tool included in Microsoft Office suite by Microsoft. Microsoft likes to call it Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool. This application can be found in Installation folders of Microsoft Office and based on system architecture and Office version location may vary. Below are the some of default location if not customized.
| Office Version | Default Location (on 32bit Windows Operating System) |
| Outlook 2016 | C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16 |
| Outlook 2013 | C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice15 |
| Outlook 2010 | C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice14 |
| Outlook 2007 | C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice1 |
If you are using IMAP method to use Outlook, it is better recommended to remove the current data file and add new one. Because that will leave all mails intact on server and it will re-download. It will take your bandwidth but repairing may take more time in some cases.
If you are accessing mails on Outlook using POP3 protocol, then you have no other option to repair Outlook file.
Steps to Repair Corrupted PST/OST File with ScanPST Utility
Step 1: First locate your SCANPST utility using browsing above paths. If you have installed 64 bit version of Microsoft Office, look into Program Files folder. Application will browse default PST or OST File but you can change which file to repair by clicking browse button.
Step 2: This process starts when you click Start button. Then Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair tool will search for errors in file and display them before starting repairing. It will give you option to take backup of PST or OST File in current state and automatically creates a .BAK file.
Step 3: You have to click Repair button to proceed after making your decision regarding backup. It will repair the file and send a simple message once the repairing is complete.
There are some points to be noted during this process.
Precautions while using SCANPST Utility
- Do not click on Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repairing Tool. This may lead application to stop responding and finally make situation more worst.
- Try to repair PST/OST File on the most powerful system (by hardware resource). Because if sufficient RAM and computing power is not supplied, application may crash/hang.
- Try to leave system as much Idle as you can.
1 comment
Normally, the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) is all you need to repair and recover corrupt Outlook files. However, in the event that the corruptions are too severe or a file is permanently deleted, the Inbox Repair Tool is practically useless in repairing/recovering such files.
Basically, the most notorious cause of severe corruptions, which scanpst.exe cannot repair, is the issue of “large PST”. This is typically when the storage limit of a PST is overstretched, resulting in the compromise and disintegration of inherent files. Also, if an email, journal, attachment or calendar is accidentally deleted, the Inbox Repair Tool cannot be employed to recover such. Ultimately, to repair severe corruptions in PST and/or recover hard-deleted Outlook files, an advanced repair/recovery program is required.
And the best obtainable Outlook repair tool out there is Stellar Repair for Outlook.
You can download free trial version from here- https://www.stellarinfo.com/outlook-pst-repair.php