Microsoft Inbox Repair tool proves helpful as the first-aid kit when there is corruption in the Outlook data storage file- PST. The need to use this tool arises when Outlook is not loading or creating issues in opening the PST file. Moreover, this tool comes handy to diagnose and identify problematic PST files. If you are getting errors while finding the path or launching the PST file, your data is crashing. In such cases, you need to use the scanPST tool.
How scanpst.exe works?
Scanpst.exe is the “inbox Repair tool” that is used to search for and diagnose problematic PST files. It provides the exact file location to the system so that it does not search through the entire mailbox and thus saving the time of the user. Also, it analyses the personal folder files to check if data has been corrupted or there is any other error.
Firstly, scanpst.exe evaluates the file structure. If it is not arranged in its appropriate structure, the inbox repair tool will correct the error with a reset and then it will recreate the right headers.
For most of the Outlook versions, this inbox repair tool stands useful. These contain Outlook 97-2002, Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007, and Outlook 2010.
Important Note: In case you aren’t having a stable internet connection but you find that your OST file is corrupted, avoid using the scan.exe tool as it will be a time-consuming process. Rather, you should try recreating the file.
Finding/Download Scanpst.exe on the Computer
The file location for the inbox repair depends on the version of Windows you are using. Look for the required PST file or run a search for pst files. You can use the browse button that will help in specific file identification. Furthermore, make sure you have closed the Outlook program before beginning with the repair process.
The PST repair tool will create a separate backup of the original pst file. This file has the same name but with an extension “bak” in the end. Also, it lies in the same folder with the pst file, and you can get a copy of the source material that is incorrupt.
To run the Inbox Repair Tool, apply the steps given below:
- Firstly, make sure that Outlook is closed.
- Next, check if ‘Show hidden files and folders’ is enabled in your Folder options. The scanpst file is a hidden file, so you need to enable this setting to locate it. To check this setting, follow the steps listed below:
- Click on the Start menu and then go to the Control panel.
- Under Folder or File Explorer Options switch to the View tab.
- Make sure the Show hidden files and folders option is selected under the Hidden files and folders and then click Ok.
- Now, go to the location of your Microsoft Office installation.
Important note: You may need to run the tool for 5-7 times as it takes time to remove all errors. So, keep repeating until you find the zero-error message on your screen.
If you cannot find the outlook repair tool using Search, try to locate the file manually. Check the following locations for the file as per the version of Windows you are using:
64-bit Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10
drive:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE16
drive:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE15
drive:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE14
drive:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE12
32-bit Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10
drive:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft Office\Office16
drive:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft Office\Office15
drive:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft Office\Office14
drive:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft Office\Office12
- Double-click on the scanpst.exe file to open the program.
- Next, hit Browse to locate the corrupted PST/OST file.
By default, the PST/OST files can be searched in the following folders:
drive:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
drive:\Users\<username>\Roaming\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
drive:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files
drive:\Users\<username>\My Documents\Outlook Files
drive:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
- Click on Start and the Inbox Repair Tool will scan the file and detect the errors if any. Click Repair if any errors were found and then click ‘Ok’.
Once the repair process is completed, a report will be available for you to provide a better understanding of the error. Click on the option ‘Details’ in order to access the additional information. Before you try to repair pst files, it is important to create a backup of the pst file. The file is created at the reporting stage. It is important to save and name the file properly to stay assured that the file can be located anytime without a hassle. After you have successfully created the backup, you can start the repair process straightaway.
If the repair was successful, click ‘Ok’ and re-launch the Outlook program. You can also restart the repair process in case it was not successful at first as sometimes the repairs need to be done more than once. On the other hand, you can restore the backup files to the main pst file using the copy and paste function. This may also help you to restore a functional inbox.
Why and when it fails?
Once you are done repairing the issue, you will get the message that the process has completed successfully. Click OK and start the program again for the error-free experience. But at many times ScanPST tool fails to deliver the best results. It is not totally a fool-proof tool, and this can be understood with below given scenarios:
- The ScanPST.exe can itself get damaged from the corrupted application, malware or unknown bugs.
- There are several errors which Inbox Repair tool fails to fix
- It cannot fix the severely corrupted or damaged files.
Alternatives to Inbox Repair Tool:
When the ScanPST tool fails, you are recommended to use the professional PST repair tool. This tool is designed to fix all general as well as complex issues with Outlook PST file in one go. So, this tool is fast and precise at the same time. It helps you recover your entire Inbox data such as email, calendars, contacts, tasks, notes, and journal into a new and executable PST file. Also, it works in three simple steps, so all you need is a few clicks of the mouse to get the desired results. There is no other alternative is as easy, effective, fast and accurate as this professional PST repair tool.
