Outlook data files are prone to corruption due to PST file size limit. Various other reasons are also highly responsible for PST file corruption. Whenever you face corruption, you must try scanpst.exe to repair PST file. The Inbox Repair tool aka scanpst.exe can scan corrupt PST files for errors and repair them. Another solution is a professional PST Repair tool that can repair PST file and recover mailbox data from it.
Outlook Data Files
Microsoft Outlook stores all the email messages and other mailbox data in an Outlook data file, known as PST or personal storage table. In the earlier versions of Outlook, i.e. from 97 to 2002, Outlook creates PST file in ANSI format. In MS Outlook 2003 and later versions, PST files are saved in Unicode format. The major difference between these two formats is their size limitation. ANSI PST is an old format and can store mailbox data up to 2 GB, while Unicode PST has a maximum size limitation of 10 GB to 50 GB. If this specific mailbox size goes beyond the limitation, the Outlook data file may become prone to corruption. Compared to Unicode format, the chances for corruption in ANSI PST files are fairly high.
Corruption in Outlook
Having a large amount of mailbox data will definitely increase the size of your PST file. If it is not controlled, it may exceed the size limit and may result in corruption. To avoid corruption in PST files due to size limitation problem, you can reduce the file size by using Outlook’s Compact feature. This is an easy and effective way to reduce PST file size. Also, you can remove all the unwanted email messages, duplicate items, heavy attachments and other mailbox data from the PST files to get enough free space.
Unluckily, if your PST file is corrupted due to a size limitation problem or other reasons, you can try the Inbox Repair tool of Microsoft Outlook aka scanpst.exe to scan corrupt PST files for errors and to repair PST files. It is a built-in tool in MS Outlook that effectively works with corrupt Outlook data files.
Hassle-Free Solution
Download Free PST Repair Tool to Repair Corrupt PST File & Restore Outlook Emails from PST File
Use scanpst.exe to Repair PST File
To use scanpst.exe, first you need to locate its executable file, and then double-click it.
Now follow the steps shown below:
Step 1: The Microsoft Outlook Repair Tool dialog box will be appeared.
Click Browse and select PST file.
Step 2: The PST file will be shown in the edit box.
Now click Start to start the PST scanning process.
Step 3: The consistency of file is being checked. Wait until the process gets completed.
Step 4: The PST file is scanned successfully.
Click Details to check the file details.
Step 5: Check the detailed scan report for file.
Click OK and then click Repair to repair PST file.
Step 6: Repairing process is completed.
Click OK.
Professional PST Repair tool to repair PST file
If scanpst.exe fails to repair PST file or doesn’t work, Outlook users can try a professional PST Repair tool to repair PST file. Download free PST Recovery tool to check the preview of recovered mailbox data before saving them. It can restore each and every possible mailbox data which include emails, contacts, calendar entries, tasks, notes as well as the attachments from corrupt PST files, and save them into a new PST file.
