How to Repair Outlook PST Files – Step By Step Guide

Repair Outlook PST Files

Summary: Corruption in the Outlook data files (PST) is a problem for users because they cannot access their data, which directly hampers their workflow. So there are several solutions to repair Outlook PST files, but users should know their pros and cons before approaching them. In this write-up, users will learn about the best solution and how to use them to repair their corrupted PSTs.

When users look to create a new Outlook profile, they have few options to configure it. Some of the options they will get are Office 365, IMAP, etc. If users select any of these, then later on, if they require a copy of their data, they can export them into a PST file. If the corruption occurs in PST file then it will be difficult for users to access the data of Outlook.

Also, different Outlook versions have a size limit for the PST, sometimes that limit gets crossed, which may cause corruption in PST. In order to regain access to the data user need to repair Outlook PST files at the earliest. 

Probable Reasons Behind Corruption in Outlook PST Files

Similar to other data files, the chances of corruption in PST are equivalent. It’s the user’s responsibility to secure their data which is stored in PST files. Before we get into the solution to repair Outlook 2016 PST file, kindly check some more reasons which make the PST file corrupted:

  • If the PST files are stored in the location where the bad sector is present, then the chances of corruption in Outlook PST become higher.
  • At various times the size of the PST file gets increases to that extent, which the Outlook edition doesn’t support. Large-sized PST files are the probable reason behind the corruption in the PST file.
  • Installation of a newer application from an un-trusted website can bring viruses to the user system, which can lead to corruption in the PST file.
  • Due to any issues when Outlook is running and the user shuts down the system, so in that scenario, many times the PST file goes into corruption.
  • Whenever PST is shared on the network location and in case the interruption comes, then the PST file can become corrupted.

These are some of the situations when and where the chance of corruption in PST becomes higher. Users cannot be able to access their data at this time, so it is important to look for a cure quickly. So this is all about the corruption reason, and now we will take you through the introduction of the PST repair utility to remove corruption from Outlook data files.

Manual Repair Utility to Solve PST File Corruption 

Microsoft provides a free inbox repair utility, often called ScanPST.exe, to repair Outlook PST files, and it is available on every Outlook system. However, the location of this utility will depend upon the Outlook version. 

Quickly find out the location of ScanPST.exe

This utility can be easily found in the installation directories where Outlook is installed. However, the location of ScanPST.exe also depends upon the Outlook version. So, kindly find out where the ScanPST.exe is located in your system using the given below data:

Outlook 2019 Edition

For 32-bit: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office19 

For 64-bit: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office19

Outlook 2016 Edition

32-bit

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\

64-bit

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\

Outlook 2013 Edition

32-bit Windows

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15\ 

64-bit Windows

 C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\

Outlook 2010 Edition

32-bit 

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft office\Office 14\ 

64-bit

 C:\Program Files\Microsoft office\Office 14\

Outlook 2007 Edition

32-bit

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft office\Office 12\

64-bit

 C:\Program Files\Microsoft office\Office 12\

How to use ScanPST.exe to Repair PST files?

Before starting ScanPST.exe, make sure that Outlook is closed.

  • After discovering the ScanPST.exe location, kindly double-click on it to start it.
  • Click on Browse to add the corrupted PST file which you are looking to repair. Click on the Start button to scan the file. 
  • Now this utility will share the report with whether the PST is facing minor or major corruption. Kindly check the backup of scanned files before repairing them. Use the browse button to save the resultant PST in the desired location. After that, click on the repair button.

Limitations of Inbox Repair Utility (ScanPST.exe)

  • This utility can only be able to remove the corruption from the PST file that is facing minor level corruption as it cannot repair Outlook PST files that are severely corrupted.
  • Users cannot add multiple PST files at a time because this utility only manages to cater to one PST at a time, making the overall repair process slower.
  • We cannot promise to recover complete data after eliminating the corruption from the PST file.
  • It can only repair PST files of up to 2 GB, meaning the user needs to break their large PST file.

By checking all downsides, you must feel that there is a need for an alternative solution that can beat the performance of ScanPST.exe. 

Make Use of Third-party PST Repair Utility to Remove Corruption from PST file

Most users would need an advanced solution to repair Outlook PST files quickly and effectively. So we have come up with a perfect solution that emphasizes efficiency, saves time, and offers much customization. Shoviv Outlook, a PST Repair tool, allows to repair several PSTs and ensures the sustainability of the data meta-properties. 

The look and feels of the software are much better due to its intuitive GUI, making it easier for the user to do their work quickly. Users can add multiple PST, and at the same time, the software starts repairing them. We have mentioned more functionality, and to know more, look below:

  • It provides a data filter option that user can employ, which help them to include as well to exclude the data from the PST file.
  • Interruption in any process is quite obvious, so to overcome the software provides incremental options. Users can apply it, and because of it, when the user resumes the interrupted repair process, the tool will start processing the remaining items.
  • This software has the inherent advancement that it also recovers the permanently deleted items from the PST file.
  • A folder mapping facility is also available in the software, where the user can map any source folder with the target.
  • Users can also create a new PST file or else can also export the data in the existing PST.
  • The software allows splitting of the added PST file according to the user’s requirement.
  • After recovering the PST file, the user can save the items into many file formats, such as MSG, EML, etc.
  • It also offers a free demo version wherein the users can examine the software’s functioning and capabilities. The trial version allows processing the 50 items in each PST file folder.
  • After completing the software, users can download the report in an HTML file. It makes easier for them to understand the success of any process.

Final Remarks

Corruption in PST files may hamper the workflow of Outlook users. In this blog, we have learned about different strategies to cope with the corruption in the PST files. However, the methods explained to you to repair Outlook PST files include the manual and the third-party tool. Before looking forward to any of the listed solutions, kindly examine their pros and cons. We only suggest making a decision after analyzing the performance of the solution, which would help you to choose the solution with the best capabilities.

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