Scanpst.exe is a file that is installed automatically alongside any default Microsoft Windows operating system setup. Windows will install this file (scanpst.exe) with the attribute “hidden”, so you won’t remove it accidentally. Even the most used email client, Outlook from Microsoft, will show problems with its user database (.pst files) once in a while. This file (scanpst) is the one behind all of functions offered by the MS Inbox Repair Tool. This program is the main one to analyze and fix any problems related to Outlook. The following site pst repair has all the infos needed about repairing PST file.

If yours PST or OST files get damaged, it might eventually damage others files (and folders) used by Outlook during its normal use. In order to recover such items using Scanpst.exe, it is first required to run the Inbox Repair Tool, also known as Scanpst.exe, in order to diagnose and repair errors. In order to have access to Scanpst.exe, it is required to make sure that hidden files and folders are visible on your computer, for the reason that Scanpst.exe is a hidden file present by the default Windows operating system install. You will find here how to repair corrupt pst file more infos about repairing damaged pst file while this website recover pst file has infos about recovering corrupt pst file.

Depending what version of Windows you are using, you can use the Find (or Search) tool to locate this file (scanpst.exe.), you can also find it manually. You can usually find this file in C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOFFICE12 . The default driver (c:) differs according to your own system setup.

Once Scanpst.exe has been located, it is required to double click the file in order to execute it. In order to find the pst file, click the Browse option the moment scanpst has started. After the PST file has been located using Scanpst.exe Browse function, it is required to click on Start in order to have Scanpst.exe diagnose and report if any errors have been found. Once done, simply click “OK” to end the whole process.

Once the program were used to find and fix problems within all the PST or OST files, you can use Outlook as usually. In the default folder list, it is possible that certain recovered folders will now be visible in the “Lost and Found” section. You should know that the listing found in the “Lost and Found’ section only contains fixed items. Any others ones not found there are simply not fixable by Scanpst.exe

For a more advanced attempt at recovering data which may be beyond the capabilities of Scanpst.exe, it is recommended to use Stellar Outlook PST Repair, a professional PST based data recovery product.

pst file repair

Having a corrupt pst file is about the same as having your whole computer go down.  At least for me.always incluide the pst file in the backup software you use and back on a regular bases.

A PST file stores almot all your data in just this one file including your contact and e-mails as well as attachments.  If you don’t know how to make a backup of this then we urge you to look over at this Outlook PST backup page.  It has a link to the free Microsoft backup plug-in that will help ensure you never suffer if your pst file goes down.

If your file is already damaged then the above link will help you out big time on trying to recover it.  Keep in mind that in the end if the free methods do not work then you will need to purchase some pst recovery software to get the job done.  While the software can be a hard hit on the wallet it’s nothing for the cost of all your e-mails back.
Of course the most important lesson to be learned here is to alwasy backup your data.  Not only on a regular basis but even after your file has gone bad.  The reason for this is you need to ensure you do not do more damage to the file.Making a backup is a must.  That way you can use multiple methods to try and get your data back without having to worry about doing more damage.

Outlook has a nice free tool called scanpst.exe that you should consider using first.  It is a very week tool but if your issue is just in the headers of the file it will resolve your issue.  If the file is more corrupt then it won't do much for you.  It should only take about 20-30 minutes for you to run this free tool so it's worth a try.

As far as I am aware this is the only free repair tool on the market at this time.Microsoft in my opinion has dropped the ball a little on this and I feel thet should provide a bettter recovery tool.

If you are having an issue with your old pst file being too big and over the 2g mark then there are a number of free and paid tools out there that can help you resolve this issue.