You’re operating into errors or glitches in Microsoft Outlook and suspect the difficulty could also be because of corruption in your private folder file, which homes all of your electronic mail and different content material. To assist observe down the reason for the issue, Microsoft gives the built-in Inbox Restore instrument, also called ScanPST.
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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 mechanically creates a backup. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll wish to have your individual backup as an extra 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.
On the Account Settings window, click on the tab for Information Recordsdata. Study 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. In the event you stumble upon an error in regards to the file being locked when making an attempt to again it up, guarantee Outlook and any purposes that use or combine with Outlook are closed. If mandatory, open Activity Supervisor to examine for any applications that must be shut down.
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In File Explorer, browse to the folder that accommodates scanpst.exe to launch the instrument. The situation 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 Recordsdata (x86)Microsoft Workplace. From there, drill all the way down to the next areas:
Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, and 2016 – ..rootOffice16.
Outlook 2013 – ..Office15
Outlook 2010 – ..Office14
Outlook 2007 – ..Office12
In the event you can’t find the file via 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 improper file, click on the Browse button and choose the proper file.
With the proper PST or OST file listed, click on the Begin button. The instrument goes via eight phases. Assuming the file is corrupt, the instrument will cease sooner or later and let you know that it discovered errors within the file. Clicking the Particulars button could or could not present extra info. Both manner, click on the Restore button.
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 extra errors are discovered, click on the Restore button once more.
In some unspecified time in the future, the instrument could point out that it has discovered solely minor inconsistencies within the file and that repairing it’s optionally available. As an alternative of repairing it once more, chances are you’ll wish to examine 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 identify as your mailbox. The log file accommodates plain textual content, so you may learn it in Notepad or the same textual content editor. Then, open Outlook and attempt to replicate the conduct that prompted the issues within the first place.
If Outlook is working correctly, then you definitely’re set. If not, chances are you’ll 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 embody:
- Error messages, resembling “the file [filename].pst can’t 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: Methods to Scan and Restore Corrupted System Recordsdata in Home windows 11
How can I stop future PST file corruption?
PST file corruption may be prevented with the next greatest practices:
- Maintain PST information as small as potential: Archive outdated emails, delete pointless gadgets, and cut up giant PST information into smaller ones.
- Shut Outlook appropriately: Click on File > Exit, and don’t shut down your laptop abruptly when it’s operating.
- Set up the most recent Outlook updates and antivirus software program: Preserving 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 embody exhausting drives or USB drives for storing PST information.
- Allow Auto-Archive: Auto-Archive reduces the dimensions of your lively PST file by transferring older gadgets to an archive.
- Don’t use PST information for processing giant quantities of knowledge: For instance, frequent import/exports and enormous 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 manner is to create a brand new PST file after which import the information.
- Go to File > Account Settings > Information Recordsdata > Add, then select “Outlook Information File (.pst)” and save the brand new file.
- Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export and choose “Import from one other program or file”. Then, select ‘Outlook Information File (.pst)’.
- Browse your corrupted PST and choose “Don’t import duplicates,” then full the wizard to maneuver any recoverable knowledge to the brand new PST file.
You would additionally restore from a current backup of the corrupted PST file when you’ve got one.
Generally, corruption is restricted to sure add-ins or settings, quite 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 for those who can entry your knowledge, think about disabling problematic add-ins.
Fiona Jackson up to date this text in January 2025.