Introduction: Outlook PST files play a vital role in storing our emails, contacts, calendars, and other crucial data. However, these files are not immune to corruption, and when they become damaged, accessing your valuable information can become a challenge. Fortunately, there are methods to rebuild or repair a corrupt PST file, and in this blog, we will explore these solutions step by step to help you regain access to your Outlook data.
When encountering issues with accessing your Outlook OST/PST files, alternative software can come to your aid. If you are hesitant about risking data loss or find the manual processes too complex, you might consider downloading specialized software i.e., Advik PST Repair Tool. This robust recovery tool is designed to efficiently repair PST file without scanpst that also minimizes data loss caused by file corruption.
Need to Repair Corrupt Outlook PST Files
Corruption of Outlook OST/PST files is a prevalent issue that cannot be overlooked when working with Outlook. This problem can render files unopenable, leading to various error messages such as ‘Outlook Windows cannot open,’ ‘Outlook data file is damaged,’ ‘Data file can’t be opened,’ ‘Microsoft Outlook cannot start,’ ‘The file is not an Outlook data file,’ and more.
These errors serve as indicators of file corruption, which can occur due to several reasons, some of which are outlined below.
- Virus attacks on your system can slow down program execution and damage Outlook data files.
- Using inappropriate software to compress PST files can lead to corruption.
- PST files exceeding their permissible size may result in inaccessibility issues.
- Changing back from a different Outlook version to 2016 can cause corruption in the previous version’s folders.
- Outlook files may become inaccessible if the hard disk contains bad segments.
- However, encountering file corruption does not signify the end, as there are methods to address and repair such issues. It is essential to know how to fix these problems when they arise. This guide provides detailed information on repairing corrupt Outlook OST/PST files.
How to Repair Damaged Outlook OST/PST Files? – Inbox Repair Tool SCANPST.EXE
Microsoft Office includes a built-in repair tool designed to recover damaged Outlook data files. Known as SCANPST.EXE, this tool is instrumental in resolving various issues and errors that may hinder MS Outlook’s proper functioning. It comes pre-installed with all MS Outlook versions and is automatically downloaded to your computer when you install MS Office or MS Outlook applications.
For instance, to locate this inbox repair tool in MS Outlook 2013, navigate to C:/Program files > Microsoft Office > Office 15.
Before proceeding with the repair, ensure that you close any open Outlook programs on your computer.
Follow these steps to use SCANPST.EXE:
- Locate the SCANPST.EXE file and double-click it.
- A window named ‘Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool’ will appear.
- Click the ‘Browse’ button to select your corrupt PST file.
- Once you have selected the file, its path will be displayed in the edit box. Click the ‘Start’ button to initiate the scanning process.
- The scanning process only takes a few seconds, and afterward, you will receive a report detailing all the issues and errors found, if any.
- Click on the ‘Repair’ button to fix the scanned PST file.
Within a few minutes, you will receive the message, “Repair Complete.”
It’s essential to note that while SCANPST.EXE can effectively repair files and fix minor issues, it may not be able to recover all your PST files if they are severely damaged. For more complex scenarios, you may need to consider using alternative repair tools.
Read Also: A Comprehensive Guide to Converting Outlook Emails to PDF
Identify PST File Corruption
The first step in addressing a corrupt PST file is to identify the issue. Common signs of PST file corruption include error messages when attempting to open Outlook, missing emails, or performance issues. If you suspect corruption, it’s crucial to act promptly to minimize data loss.
Use the Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE)
Microsoft Outlook provides a built-in repair tool called SCANPST.EXE, also known as the Inbox Repair Tool. It can help fix minor issues within the PST file. Here’s how to use it:
a) Close Outlook to ensure there are no active connections to the PST file.
b) Locate SCANPST.EXE on your system. Its default location is usually: C:/Program Files/Microsoft Office/OfficeXX, where “XX” represents the version of Office you have installed.
c) Double-click on SCANPST.EXE to open the Inbox Repair Tool.
d) Click the “Browse” button to select the corrupt PST file.
e) Click “Start” to initiate the scanning process.
f) If the tool finds any errors, click “Repair” to fix them.
Use Third-Party Repair Tools
While the Inbox Repair Tool is useful for minor issues, severely damaged PST files may require more advanced solutions. Consider using third-party PST repair tools such as Advik PST Repair Tool. These tools are specifically designed to handle complex corruption and can recover a higher percentage of your data.
Create a New PST File
If the PST file is beyond repair, you can create a new one and then import the data from the corrupt file. To do this:
a) Open Outlook and go to the “File” menu.
b) Click on “New” and select “Outlook Data File.”
c) Choose the file type (usually “Outlook Data File (.pst)”) and click “OK.”
d) Name the new PST file and select the desired location to save it.
e) Once the new PST file is created, go to the “File” menu again and click on “Open & Export” > “Import/Export.”
f) Choose “Import from another program or file” and click “Next.”
g) Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next.”
h) Browse and select the previously corrupted PST file.
i) Choose the folders you want to import and select “Finish.”
Regularly Backup Your PST Files
To prevent future headaches due to PST file corruption, make it a habit to regularly backup your Outlook data. You can use cloud storage, an external hard drive, or other backup solutions to safeguard your valuable emails and contacts.
Conclusion
Dealing with a corrupt PST file can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can rebuild or repair your Outlook data successfully. Start with the built-in Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE), and if necessary, explore third-party repair options for more severe cases. Remember to create backups regularly to ensure the safety of your valuable data. By following these steps, you can effectively recover from PST file corruption and continue using Outlook without any hindrance.
