Best Way to Repair Outlook PST Files      

Corruption in the .pst file is a serious scenario as it poses a grave threat to the business-sensitive data. Outlook is equipped with a built-in utility –ScanPST.exe, to address corruption issues in the .pst file. This utility is the best for addressing errors in small files (upto 2 GB) with cases like a header corruption, or damaged indexes, etc. But, in some scenarios like in the case of an oversized data file (.pst), or a virus attack, this built-in ScanPST fails to repair. The utility crashes and is not able to rebuild the file’s structure. It fails to remove the problematic elements in the file.

Now the question arises what to do when ScanPST fails. Well, in such a situation the user needs to employ some professional Outlook PST repair tool. Based on advanced algorithm, such software can fix errors in severely-corrupted data files (.pst) irrespective of their size. Stay tuned to this guide to explore the Best Way to Repair Outlook PST Files.

What are the Signs of PST File Corruption?

Some common signs of PST file corruption include the following:

• Inability to shoot email messages: The user struggles to perform basic functions like shooting an email, or face issues like missing emails or difficulties in searching for important emails, etc.
• App freeze: A corrupt .pst file also leads to operational interruption. It can result in app freeze or crash. In some cases, the app doesn’t work even after restarting.
• Missing data file (.pst): Outlook data file (.pst) may become inaccessible due to corruption.
• Sync issues: A damaged file also prevents the email client from connecting with the server.
• Frequent error messages: The user faces error messages like ‘Cannot open the Outlook data file’ or ‘The operation cannot be completed,’ while working on the email client.

What Causes PST File Corruption?

Some of such prominent factors that can cause corruption in Outlook data file (.pst) are listed below:

• An Oversized File: If the file size is not checked, it can damage the .pst file. As the time passes by, the email data and meta build up, makes the .pst file bigger in size. It surpasses the file size limit set by the Outlook version (e.g., 20GB for Outlook 2010 and later). This scenario ultimately leads to .pst file corruption.
• Power Shutdown: Any sudden power breakdown while Outlook is accessing the PST file, can cause corruption issues in the PST file. Such shutdown disturbs the data processing in the file, which leads to corruption.
• Malware Attacks: Any email attachment carrying a malware or virus can also cause corruption in the outlook data file (.pst).
• Forced Shutdown: PST file corruption may occur when the user suddenly shut down the Outlook application without following the proper procedure. It hampers the data writing process that leads to the error.   
• Software Issues: Any sort of compatibility issue between Outlook and third-party add-ins may cause damage to the .pst file.

How to Repair Damaged PST Files?

In this part of the guide, we will explore how to fix corruption issues in .pst file using ScanPST.exe. Follow the below guide:

Repair Using ScanPST.exe: It is a built-in utility by Microsoft to fix all sort of corruption issues in the .pst file. The Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST) runs multiple scans to detect issues in the file header and structure. Then it fixes the damaged data file (.pst). Follow the below guide:

First trace ScanPST on the following locations:

• Step 1: Close the Outlook and other active processes and wait. No forced shutdown.
• Step 2: Explore the ‘Run’ Dialogue box by pressing “Windows + R” keys.
• Step 3: Type “%programfiles%/Microsoft Office/” in the space provided in the Run Dialogue Box. Then click Enter.
• Step 4: Now select the targeted PST file.

• Step 5: Start the file scan process.
• Step 6: After multiple scans a report of the procedure with errors and inconsistencies will be displayed. Hit on the ‘Repair’ tab to start the process.

• Step 7: Check icon to create a pre-repair backup. After this provide the location path to store the backup file.
• Step 8: Once the procedure is finished, ScanPST will display a summary. Evaluate the findings.
• (Note: The procedure time will depend on the file size. A smaller file will take less time as compared to the large file.)

• Step 9: Restart the Outlook and check if the issues have been fixed.

Limitations of ScanPST.exe:

Following are the main limitations of the Inbox Repair Tool:

• Manual Process: It is a multi-stage, manual process. Any mistake or miscalculation during the procedure may cause irreversible data loss.
• Password Protection: It may fail to deal to fix corruption issues in a password-protected .pst file.
• Data Loss Risk: In some cases, this utility may remove unread emails, attachments or other data containing crucial information. It poses a risk to data.
• Preview Option: It doesn’t provide a full preview of the email messages and other mailbox data.
• Data Integrity: It may fail to maintain the integrity of the original file.

When ScanPST Fails to Repair?

We have discussed that ScanPST fails to fix issues in some cases. Some of such cases include the following:

• Encrypted/ Inaccessible File: The utility may struggle or even fail to diagnose and repair encrypted, inaccessible data file. It may crash in the middle of the repair process, posing threat to business-sensitive data.
• Large Mailbox Data Files: The Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST) may freeze while dealing with an oversized Outlook data file (.pst).
• Complex Corruption: ScanPST.exe is developed to handle minor to moderate corruption issues. But if the corruption level falls in the bracket of ‘severe’ or ‘complex,’ this utility may fail or even crash during the repair process.

What is the Best Way to Repair Outlook PST Files?

Well, it is better to analyze the level of corruption. Minor corruption issues like slow performance, search issues or folder access problems, can be fixed using built-in ScanPST. In case, the corruption level is severe and the application is witnessing problems like Outlook not starting, frequent error messages, or data accessibility, then the user can utilize some Outlook PST repair tool like Stellar Repair for Outlook. This tool is known for its quick repair speed. Its GUI is also awesome. What more? It is capable of repairing even an oversized, or encrypted data file.

Conclusion:

ScanPST.exe is the best solution for repairing minor corruption issues in a small .pst file (upto 2 GB). But sometimes, it fails to fix issues in the damaged data file like in case of an oversized file, or a malware attack. When ScanPST fails to repair, we need to rely on some professional tool to fix the damaged file. We can employ any Outlook PST repair tool for the task. Stellar Repair for Outlook is a reliable tool that quickly scans and fixes issues in the PST file. It is better than ScanPST on several fronts. It can fix issues in severely corrupted or large PST files that ScanPST cannot handle. This tool also maintains the original structure as well as formatting of the data. Additionally, it can recover data from orphaned PST files as well.

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