If you want to fix PST files using this tool, make sure to have a proper backup of the Outlook PST before processing. This utility is not the professionals’ recommendation, as it comes with a lot of drawbacks. Before implementing this method to fix Outlook PST files, read its limitations for more insight.

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If it does not work, then unfortunately, you will be unable to recover any additional information. If you could open the file, the following procedure may help you recover additional items from your damaged Personal Folders (.pst) file. You can create a new Outlook Data File and drag the items in the Lost and Found folder into the Outlook Not Sending or Receiving Email new data file. After you've moved all the items, you can remove the Recovered Personal Folders (.pst) file, including the Lost and Found folder. To create a new Outlook Data File, go to Create an Outlook Data File.

Methods to Rebuild an Outlook PST File

With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms. He is an expert Tech Explainer, IoT enthusiast, and a passionate nerd with over 7 years of experience in technical writing. He writes about Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365, Email Migration, Linux, Windows, Mac, DIY Tech, and Smart Home. Ravi spends most of his weekends working with IoT (DIY Smart Home) devices and playing Overwatch. He is also a solo traveler who loves hiking and exploring new trails.

Manually start the Inbox Repair tool

Therefore, users should put some effective solutions into action to deal with inaccessible or damaged PST files as soon as they encounter Outlook issues. The Inbox Repair Tool can’t always recover a heavily corrupted .pst file. If you’re tried using it with no luck, the best fix might be a third-party tool. The Inbox Repair tool is built to diagnose and repair many potential errors with Outlook data files, but it isn’t always the best solution. For example, it can’t help if your file was permanently deleted or corrupted beyond its repair abilities. Like any type of data file, it’s possible for a .pst file to get corrupted.

Locating the Outlook Data Files

Although Outlook lets you recreate the file, doing so may result in the loss of any unsynced changes. If you’re dealing with a corrupt .pst file, the very first step you should take is using the Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE). You can usually repair a damaged .pst file using file repair software, but you might even be able to fix it using MS Outlook’s built-in capabilities. Each user can have particular reasons for corrupting their PST files. But, in some cases, a few common reasons are usually present behind Outlook data file corruption. However, the most common ones FixTechGuide email error solutions are virus infection, large file size, compatibility issues, improper termination of Outlook, etc.

Automatically start the Inbox Repair tool

• Yevgeniy Reznik is Laboratory Operations Manager at Secure Data Recovery Services in Cleveland, Ohio, and has more than a decade of experience as a data recovery engineer.
• Here, we will outline two approaches, both manual and professional, to fix corrupt Outlook PST Files.
• Optionally, you can try to recover additional repaired items from the backup personal folder.
• Using the software, you can repair and rebuild a PST file of any size, irrespective of the cause of corruption.
• Depending on your Office installation type (Click-to-run or MSI-based), you'll see the following options to proceed with the repair.

This might happen with a large .pst file that exceeds the size limit due to third-party add-ins or apps. It can also occur if you close Outlook abruptly, or if your file is copied and stored in a way that causes an error, such as on a network drive FixTechGuide Office 365 troubleshooting or cloud file location. Here, we will outline two approaches, both manual and professional, to fix corrupt Outlook PST Files. Let’s start by understanding the basics of the repair process. Users now should be mindful of the common causes why users need to fix Outlook data files (PST).



Although the repair process might recreate some of the folders, they may be empty. The Lost and Found folder contains any folders and items recovered by the repair tool that Outlook can't place in their original structure. This post explains how to repair Outlook .pst files using Microsoft’s Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE), as well as other solutions you can try. It’s saved on your computer, and contains data from your Microsoft Outlook account, like your email messages and other information. Typically, .pst files are used by POP accounts, a type of email account created when you add an email to Outlook from an internet service provider (ISP) like AT&T.