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 e mail and different content material. To assist observe down the reason for the issue, Microsoft presents the built-in Inbox Restore software, also referred to as ScanPST.
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The ScanPST software 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 regionally for private backups and offline entry, respectively. If the software finds any corruption, it presents to restore the errors. Right here’s the way it works.
Earlier than it makes an attempt to restore a file, the software routinely creates a backup. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll wish to have your personal backup as a further security precaution. To seek out the situation 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 Information. 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 attempting to again it up, guarantee Outlook and any purposes that use or combine with Outlook are closed. If obligatory, open Activity Supervisor to examine for any applications that have to be shut down.
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In File Explorer, browse to the folder that incorporates scanpst.exe to launch the software. The situation varies barely primarily based 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 searching to C:Program FilesMicrosoft Workplace. For the 32-bit model, browse to C:Program Information (x86)Microsoft Workplace. From there, drill all the way down to the next places:
Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, and 2016 – ..rootOffice16.
Outlook 2013 – ..Office15
Outlook 2010 – ..Office14
Outlook 2007 – ..Office12
In the event you can not find the file by way 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 unsuitable 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 software goes by way of eight phases. Assuming the file is corrupt, the software 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 manner, click on the Restore button.
The software will then show a discover telling you when the restore is full. Click on OK. Run the software once more to see in case your PST or OST file now passes the take a look at. If extra errors are discovered, click on the Restore button once more.
In some unspecified time in the future, the software could point out that it has discovered solely minor inconsistencies within the file and that repairing it’s elective. 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 incorporates plain textual content, so you may learn it in Notepad or an identical textual content editor. Then, open Outlook and attempt to replicate the habits that brought about the issues within the first place.
If Outlook is working correctly, then you definitely’re set. If not, chances are you’ll wish to strive one other restore or think about different causes for the glitches plaguing Outlook.
How can I inform if my PST file is corrupted?
Frequent indicators of corrupted PST recordsdata embrace:
- Error messages, similar 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: The way to Scan and Restore Corrupted System Information in Home windows 11
How can I stop future PST file corruption?
PST file corruption will be prevented with the next greatest practices:
- Preserve PST recordsdata as small as potential: Archive outdated emails, delete pointless objects, and break up giant PST recordsdata into smaller ones.
- Shut Outlook accurately: Click on File > Exit, and don’t shut down your pc abruptly when it’s operating.
- Set up the newest Outlook updates and antivirus software program: Maintaining software program up-to-date ensures bug fixes, whereas antivirus software program prevents malware that may corrupt PST recordsdata.
- Improve defective or unreliable {hardware}: These embrace onerous drives or USB drives for storing PST recordsdata.
- Allow Auto-Archive: Auto-Archive reduces the scale of your energetic PST file by transferring older objects to an archive.
- Don’t use PST recordsdata for processing giant quantities of information: For instance, frequent import/exports and huge attachments.
How can I restore PST recordsdata with out ScanPST?
You don’t essentially want to make use of ScanPST to restore corrupted recordsdata. One different manner 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 would additionally restore from a current backup of the corrupted PST file when you’ve got one.
Typically, corruption is proscribed to sure add-ins or settings, moderately 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, kind outlook.exe /secure, and press Enter to launch it, and if you happen to can entry your knowledge, think about disabling problematic add-ins.
Fiona Jackson up to date this text in January 2025.
