Outlook PST files contain vital email, contact, calendar, and task data, which are crucial for Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft 365, or standalone Outlook usage. Yet, if your PST file becomes damaged or corrupted, it jeopardizes all your information.
While ScanPST is Microsoft’s default repair tool, it isn’t always practical or accessible. Therefore, understanding how to repair PST files with and without ScanPST is essential. Our guide facilitates learning this process efficiently.
Repair PST File Without ScanPST
The PST file is a local copy of your Outlook account, granting access to mailbox data offline or during mail server issues. Repairing the File with ScanPST can be time-consuming, so let’s explore alternative methods.
Create New PST
To create a new PST file and transfer data from the old one, follow these steps:
1. Open Outlook and navigate to File> Open > Outlook Data File. Choose the old PST file.
2. To create a new PST file:
- For Outlook 2010: Go to the Home tab > New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File.
- For Outlook 2007 and older: Go to File > New > Outlook Data File.
3. Copy the data from the old PST file and paste it into the new PST file.
4. After transferring the data, set the new PST file as the default:
- Go to File> Data File Management.
- Select your new PST file and click “Set as Default.”
5. Restart Outlook and disconnect the old PST file.
Note: Remember to backup your old PST file before proceeding with these steps.
Restore and Import
If your PST file is quarantined and cannot be repaired by ScanPST, follow these steps to restore it:
1. Access your security services and navigate to the antivirus settings. Locate the Quarantine section.
2. Identify the Outlook PST file in quarantine, select it, and choose the option to Restore.
3. If prompted to abort the process, select “No” and allow the restoration to complete.
4. Return to the antivirus program homepage and disable Real-Time Protection.
5. Open Outlook, go to File, and select Import and Export.
6. Choose “Import from another program or file” and proceed.
7. Locate the PST file and specify the import location.
8. Browse for the Outlook.pst file, select it, and complete the import process.
After importing, take these additional steps:
9. Delete the infected PST file.
Scan your emails, especially recent ones, for malware. Remove any suspicious emails, particularly those with attachments. Save attachments to a secure location for individual scanning.
10. Empty the junk folder.
11. Close Outlook and re-enable Real-Time Virus Protection.
Following these steps, you can restore and import a quarantined PST file while maintaining email security.
Use Outlook PST Repair
Instead of relying solely on ScanPST, consider using advanced inbox repair tools like Stellar Repair for Outlook to fix your corrupted PST file. This software offers enhanced capabilities and is compatible with Outlook versions from 2003 to 2021.
Here’s how to use Stellar Repair for Outlook:
1. Download and install Stellar Repair for Outlook.
2. Launch the tool, go to “List Profiles,” and choose the PST file requiring repair.
3. Initiate the repair process and allow the tool to scan the File thoroughly.
4. review the recovered data displayed on the left panel after completion. Ensure accuracy and integrity.
5. Select “Save Repaired File” and designate the location to store the mended PST file.
6. To set the repaired File as the default, navigate to “File” > “Account Settings” > “Account Settings” > “Data Files.”
7. Click “Add,” choose the repaired File from its location, and designate it as the default data file.
By utilizing Stellar Repair for Outlook, you can effectively address PST file issues confidently and efficiently.
How to Repair PST file using ScanPST
As you may be aware, ScanPST, also known as the Inbox Repair Tool, is a built-in utility in Outlook designed to repair corrupted PST files. Here are the steps to utilize it:
1. Close Outlook entirely and navigate to one of the following locations: the installation directory of Microsoft Office:
Windows 32-bit version
- Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
- Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
- Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12
Windows 64-bit version
- Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15
- Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14
- Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12
2. Launch the SCANPST.EXE tool.
3. Select “Browse” and locate the Outlook Data File (.pst). Then, click on “Start.”
4. If errors are detected, proceed by selecting “Repair.”
5. Once the repair process concludes, restart Outlook.
How to Repair OST File Outlook 365
Similar methods can be followed to repair OST files in Outlook 365, which store data associated with Exchange accounts. Refer to the sections above: “How to Repair PST File Without ScanPST” and “How to Repair PST File Using ScanPST.”
Alternatively, you can utilize the Repairit for Email tool:
1. Download and install Repairit for Email. Open the application and click on “Select Files.”
2. Use the “Find” option to upload the OST file. Then, click on “Repair” at the bottom.
3. Once the repair process is complete, click the “Save” button to preserve the repaired File.
Top 3 Online PST Repair Tools
Here are the top 3 online PST repair tools known for efficiently restoring corrupted Outlook data:
Aryson Outlook PST Repair
Aryson Outlook PST Repair is a specialized tool meticulously crafted to restore and recover corrupted or damaged PST files. Its robust features enable seamless recovery of essential Outlook data, including emails, contacts, calendars, etc. With Aryson Outlook PST Repair, users can trust in comprehensive restoration, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of their Outlook data.
Voimakas Outlook PST Recovery
Voimakas Outlook PST Recovery is a trusted solution renowned for the swift and efficient recovery of Outlook PST files. This tool focuses on speed and reliability and ensures that data integrity remains uncompromised throughout recovery. Whether for personal or professional use, Voimakas Outlook PST Recovery delivers high-quality results, enabling users to quickly regain access to their emails, contacts, calendars, and other essential Outlook data.
Recovery Toolbox for Outlook
Recovery Toolbox for Outlook is a versatile tool designed to repair both PST and OST files in Outlook. Whether for personal or business use, it offers comprehensive recovery solutions, allowing users to retrieve emails, attachments, and other data components effectively. With its user-friendly interface and advanced functionalities, Recovery Toolbox for Outlook provides a reliable means to restore Outlook data, ensuring seamless access to essential information.
Best Free OST Repair Tools
Here are some of the best free OST repair tools known for effectively recovering corrupted or damaged OST files in Outlook:
KDE Tools OST Recovery Tool
This tool stands out for its ability to recover various types of corrupted or damaged OST files, including password-protected ones. It ensures compatibility across different systems, alleviating concerns about system requirements.
SysTools OST Recovery
Known for its advanced features, SysTools OST Recovery excels in fixing corrupt OST files, regardless of size. It offers fast recovery solutions, ensuring efficient restoration of OST files.
Kernel OST Recovery Tool
Renowned for its versatility, the Kernel OST Recovery Tool can retrieve various data files and provide options to save them in different formats, ensuring compatibility across devices. Additionally, it can recover deleted items from OST files.
These free OST repair tools provide reliable solutions for repairing damaged or corrupted OST files, allowing users to access their essential Outlook data offline without network connectivity.
We trust that our guide has assisted you in successfully repairing PST files without ScanPST and ScanPST.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PST file?
A PST (Personal Storage Table) file is a data file used by Microsoft Outlook to store email messages, contacts, calendar events, and other mailbox data.
Why would I need to repair a PST file?
PST files can become corrupted for various reasons, such as improper shutdowns, hardware failures, or software issues. Repairing a PST file is necessary to restore access to your Outlook data if it becomes inaccessible or displays errors.
What is ScanPST?
ScanPST, also known as the Inbox Repair Tool, is a built-in utility provided by Microsoft Outlook to repair corrupted PST files.
Why repair PST files without ScanPST?
While ScanPST is helpful, it may not always effectively repair severely corrupted PST files. Exploring alternative methods can sometimes yield better results.
What are the alternatives to ScanPST for repairing PST files?
Some alternatives to ScanPST include using third-party PST repair tools, creating a new PST file, and importing the data from the old one.
Is it possible to repair PST files without ScanPST?
Several methods are available for repairing PST files without using ScanPST, such as third-party repair tools or manual methods like creating a new PST file.
How can I prevent PST file corruption in the future?
To prevent PST file corruption, it’s essential to regularly back up your Outlook data, avoid abrupt system shutdowns, and keep your Outlook application and system software up to date.
Conclusion
Repairing PST files without relying solely on ScanPST is crucial for effectively restoring access to Outlook data, especially in cases of severe corruption. While ScanPST is a valuable built-in tool, exploring alternative methods can sometimes yield better results. Various approaches are available to address PST file issues, whether using third-party repair tools or manual techniques like creating a new PST file.
By understanding these alternative methods and being proactive in data management practices, such as regular backups and system maintenance, users can minimize the risk of PST file corruption in the future. However, seeking professional assistance is essential if encountering severe issues or uncertainty during the repair process.
