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The ScanPST instrument can scan a Private Storage Desk, PST, or Offline Storage Desk, OST, file to diagnose and restore errors within the file. These file codecs are utilized in Outlook to retailer knowledge domestically for private backups and offline entry, respectively. If the instrument finds any corruption, it gives to restore the errors. Right here’s the way it works.
Earlier than it makes an attempt to restore a file, the instrument robotically creates a backup. Nevertheless, you could wish to have your personal backup as a further security precaution. To seek out the placement of the PST or OST file, open Outlook and click on the File menu. Click on the button for Account Settings after which choose the command for Account Settings.
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On the Account Settings window, click on the tab for Information Information. Look at the trail for the file you want to scan and open it in File Explorer. Shut Outlook. Then, merely create a backup copy of the file. When you stumble upon an error concerning the file being locked when attempting to again it up, guarantee Outlook and any purposes that use or combine with Outlook are closed. If mandatory, open Process Supervisor to test for any applications that should be shut down.
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PINBOX: 96019
In File Explorer, browse to the folder that comprises scanpst.exe to launch the instrument. The placement varies barely based mostly in your taste of Outlook and whether or not it’s the 32-bit or 64-bit model. For the 64-bit model, begin by looking to C:Program FilesMicrosoft Workplace. For the 32-bit model, browse to C:Program Information (x86)Microsoft Workplace. From there, drill right down to the next areas:
Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, and 2016 – ..rootOffice16.
Outlook 2013 – ..Office15
Outlook 2010 – ..Office14
Outlook 2007 – ..Office12
When you can not find the file by means of a particular path in File Explorer, merely seek for scanpst.exe. Double-click the file. The window lists the trail for the PST or OST file. If it’s pointing to the mistaken file, click on the Browse button and choose the proper file.
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With the proper PST or OST file listed, click on the Begin button. The instrument goes by means of eight phases. Assuming the file is corrupt, the instrument will cease sooner or later and inform you that it discovered errors within the file. Clicking the Particulars button could or could not present extra data. Both means, click on the Restore button.
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The instrument will then show a discover telling you when the restore is full. Click on OK. Run the instrument once more to see in case your PST or OST file now passes the check. If further errors are discovered, click on the Restore button once more.
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Sooner or later, the instrument could point out that it has discovered solely minor inconsistencies within the file and that repairing it’s non-compulsory. As a substitute of repairing it once more, you could wish to test the app’s log file to view the scan outcomes.
To do that, go to the folder containing your PST or OST file. Double-click the log file that begins with the identical title as your mailbox. The log file comprises plain textual content, so you may learn it in Notepad or an analogous textual content editor. Then, open Outlook and attempt to replicate the conduct that brought about the issues within the first place.
If Outlook is working correctly, then you definately’re set. If not, you could wish to attempt one other restore or think about different causes for the glitches plaguing Outlook.
How can I inform if my PST file is corrupted?
Widespread indicators of corrupted PST information embrace:
Error messages, comparable to “the file [filename].pst cannot be opened.”
Outlook fails to open or crashes when accessing the PST file.
Emails, contacts, or calendar entries are lacking or can’t be accessed.
Delays when opening or navigating inside folders saved within the PST file.
Emails present unusual characters or incomplete knowledge.
SEE: How you can Scan and Restore Corrupted System Information in Home windows 11
How can I stop future PST file corruption?
PST file corruption might be prevented with the next greatest practices:
Hold PST information as small as attainable: Archive previous emails, delete pointless objects, and cut up massive PST information into smaller ones.
Shut Outlook appropriately: Click on File > Exit, and don’t shut down your pc abruptly when it’s working.
Set up the most recent Outlook updates and antivirus software program: Retaining software program up-to-date ensures bug fixes, whereas antivirus software program prevents malware that may corrupt PST information.
Improve defective or unreliable {hardware}: These embrace arduous drives or USB drives for storing PST information.
Allow Auto-Archive: Auto-Archive reduces the scale of your energetic PST file by shifting older objects to an archive.
Don’t use PST information for processing massive quantities of information: For instance, frequent import/exports and huge attachments.
How can I restore PST information with out ScanPST?
You don’t essentially want to make use of ScanPST to restore corrupted information. One different means is to create a brand new PST file after which import the info.
Go to File > Account Settings > Information Information > Add, then select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and save the brand new file.
Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export and choose “Import from another program or file”. Then, select ‘Outlook Data File (.pst)’.
Browse your corrupted PST and choose “Do not import duplicates,” then full the wizard to maneuver any recoverable knowledge to the brand new PST file.
You can additionally restore from a latest backup of the corrupted PST file in case you have one.
Generally, corruption is proscribed to sure add-ins or settings, relatively than the PST file itself. On this case, you may entry your non-corrupted file in Outlook’s Protected Mode, the place such settings are disabled. Press Home windows + R, sort outlook.exe /secure, and press Enter to launch it, and in case you can entry your knowledge, think about disabling problematic add-ins.
Fiona Jackson up to date this text in January 2025.
