How to repair Outlook Data When ScanPST Fails

Every Outlook user should try to keep their PST files in a healthy state. Often touted as the nucleus of this email client, the Personal Storage Table (PST) files store mailbox folders like email messages, contact, etc. on the local device. These are also portable and great for archiving purpose. With time, these files become larger in size. The reason behind this scenario is inability to maintain the health of .pst files. If not checked at regular intervals, .pst files may get corrupted. What does a corrupt .pst means? This scenario not only creates operational issues like sudden crash, delay in searching emails, Outlook inbox emails disappeared, etc. but also threat to the stored sensitive data. 

Now the query crops up what to do if PST files get corrupted. In such a case, our priority must be to repair the damaged data file (.pst) using Scanpst.exe. Also known as an inbox repair tool, this utility comes built-in with MS Outlook. At first, it scans for inconsistencies. Then this utility diagnoses the bugs and lastly fixes the corruption. In certain circumstances, this utility fails to perform this task. It may not able to completely repair headers or file structure. Follow this guide to know about How to repair Outlook Data When ScanPST Fails. This post will also unearth a professional PST repair tool. 

Decoding ScanPST Functionality:

In this part of the post, we will discover how ScanPST works. Its process includes 3 stages. Firstly, it runs multiple scans (of file header & structure). In the second stage, it diagnoses the inconsistencies. In the third stage, it repairs. Let’s understand with the below instructions:

At first, the user needs to locate this utility. Its location varies in different Outlook versions. After shutting down Outlook and exiting from all allied processes, discover the utility on the following locations:

Now follow the below steps: 

Step 1: Close Outlook. Exit from other linked processes. Wait for some minutes.

Step 2: Explore ‘Run’ Dialogue box (press Windows + R keys).

Step 3: After this write %programfiles%/Microsoft Office/ in the Run Dialogue Box. Press the Enter key.

Step 4: Pick the .pst Outlook data file from the library.

Step 5: Initiate the scan.

Step 6: A window will showcase the scan results. The report contains errors as well as inconsistencies. Click ‘Repair’ to start the repair process.

Step 7: It is better to create the pre-repair file backup. Suggest path to export the backup file.

Step 8: Repair time varies from file to file. A large file takes more time. When the process is completed, you’ll see the results on screen. Investigate the outcome. Make sure all issues have been fixed.

Step 9: Re-launched the Outlook app. Inspect if all issues have been fixed. 

ScanPST is the best for resolving minor issues. The utility efficiently fixes issues like index mismatches, or corrupted headers. But in case of complex scenarios like an oversized data file or malware attack, it may fail. 

Why ScanPST Fails? 

This utility is created keeping in mind some common scenarios. It holds expertise in fixing minor to moderate issues. It can easily fix corrupted headers. The utility can resolve file structure inconsistencies. But ScanPST.exe may struggle in certain cases including the following:

• Too large data file: This Outlook utility is the best for resolving errors in small .pst files (up to 2 GB). It may fail to fix issues in larger .pst files. 
• Encrypted files: ScanPST struggles to fix issues in encrypted as well as password-protected PST files. The user first needs to unlock such files. 
• Fails in resolving complex issues: The utility is designed to fix minor issues. It focuses on solving only the header part. It may not be able to solve complex corruption scenarios like in case of a virus attack.

Tips for Recovering Outlook Data When ScanPST Fails: We can select any of the following methods to recover Outlook data:

1. Restore from Backup: If you strictly follow the practice of creating regular backups, then you can use the most recent .pst backup to recover the file. Follow the below guide to initiate the process.

• Browse Outlook.
• Navigate to the File menu.
• Then press Open & Export.
• After this choose Import/Export.

The above steps will take you to the Import and Export Wizard. Follow the below steps:

• Choose Import from another program or file. Press Next.
• Select Outlook Data File (.pst). Hit on the Next.
• Navigate to the position of your backup file and choose it.
• Select the folder you need to import into (or import the entire file).

• Click Finish to complete the restore process.

2. Use a Professional PST Recovery Tool: In case, if the above discussed method fails to deliver the desired results, then we can employ some third-party PST Recovery Tool to fix the issue. Such software is based on advanced algorithm. We can use tools like Stellar Repair for Outlook. It is extremely easy to use. It can efficiently recover mailbox folders like email messages, attachments, contacts, rules, tasks, etc. The software scans and extracts data. Then it performs repairs without compromising its integrity.

Salient features of Stellar Repair for Outlook:

• Extremely easy to use. With friendly GUI even a person with no technical knowledge can use it. 
• Capability to recover files larger than 2 GB.
• Ability to ensure selective mail recovery. 
• Can recover accidentally deleted email messages.
• Capability to recover data even from encrypted & password-protected data files (.pst).

Conclusion:

In the above guide titled ‘Tips for recovering Outlook data when ScanPST fails,’ we explained one manual way to restore data from a backup file using the Import and Export Wizard. But there is a high possibility that this method may fail to fully recover data. Such a case demands a specialized PST recovery tool. Such software can repair a corrupt PST file quickly. Tools like Stellar Repair for Outlook can recover all types of mailbox content from the corrupt PST file. It is capable of resolving the issue like Outlook inbox emails disappeared. The software is capable of recovering folders even from inaccessible .pst files.