The Personal Storage Table (.pst) files are critical for the seamless functioning of Outlook. These files can enhance the performance of this email client by reducing data stored on email servers. Also touted as the personal folder, these files store mailbox content like email messages, calendars, events, etc. on the local device or an external hard disk. The PST files are portable and are used for archiving and backup. This feature makes .pst files more prone to corruption. Once these crucial files get corrupted, the user experiences delay in normal functions like email search, sending messages, and even frequent crashes of the application. Most importantly, any corruption means the threat of losing business-sensitive data.
Microsoft has provided Outlook users with a built-in utility called ScanPST. Also known as the Inbox Repair Tool, this utility runs multiple scans of the file header as well as structure to diagnose and fix the issue. But this utility is best for handling issues involving minor corruption. If the corruption level falls in the category of severe, like in the case of a virus attack, it may not be able to fix the issue. In the event of a ScanPST failure, the user can utilize any third-party PST repair software. This post sheds light on Scanpst vs. third-party PST Repair Tool. This study will help users select the best method to fix damaged Outlook PST files.
Common Indicators of PST File Corruption:
Some signs of corruption issues in Outlook data file (.pst) are listed below:
⦁ App Crashes: If the user encounter frequent freezes or crashes during the usage.
⦁ Missing Mailbox Content: Another sign of corruption issue in .pst file is that of missing mailbox data like email messages, contacts, etc.
⦁ Lengthy Processes: If the email client takes relatively longer time to executive normal functions like searching a contact or email message, it is a clear sign of a damaged .pst file.
⦁ App Fails to Start: If the Outlook application struggles to boot may be a case of .pst file corruption.
⦁ Error Messages: The email client shoots error messages like “Errors have been detected in the file” or “The set of folders cannot be opened.” This is a sure-shot sign of data file corruption.
An Introduction to ScanPST:
ScanPST.exe is a built-in utility. Also referred as the Inbox Repair Tool, it is the first-aid available to the Outlook users to address all kinds of errors related to Outlook’s data storage file (.pst). It runs multiple scans to detect the error. First it reads the header for any inconsistency. Then it examines the file structure and look for issues like missing or corrupted data blocks. After diagnosing the issue, it rebuilds the header file if required. The utility also restores file structure if it is in a distorted format. It then rebuilds the file to make sure that all data file items are accessible.
ScanPST Location: The location of this utility depends on the versions of Outlook and Windows. Usually, you can find the utility at the following locations:
MS Outlook Version: Scanpst Location
2016 and 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12
How ScanPST Works?
After locating this built-in utility on the system, follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Close the Outlook application and other associated processes. Forced shutdown is strictly prohibited. Let the app takes its own time.
Step 2: Press Windows + R keys to browse the ‘Run’ Dialogue box.
Step 3: Type %programfiles%/Microsoft Office/ in the Run Dialogue Box. Click the Enter key to proceed.
Step 4: Now select the targeted .pst file that needs to be scanned.
Step 5: Initiate the scan procedure.
Step 6: After the completion of the file scan procedure, the utility will display a report highlighting errors and inconsistencies in the PST file. Press the ‘Repair’ tab to start the resolve the errors.
Step 7: Backup the PST file by clicking the checkbox option.
Step 8: The Repair process solely depends on the size of the .pst data file. The result summary of findings will be displayed once the process is over. Evaluate the findings to make sure that all errors are resolved.
Step 9: Restart Outlook to validate if the errors have been fixed.
Limitations of ScanPST:
It is true that this utility has its limitations. Some of them are listed below:
⦁ Possibility of Data Loss: Repairing a damaged .pst file using ScanPST is a purely manual process, which makes it risky. It demands a level of technical expertise. Any miscalculation during the process may lead to irreversible data loss.
⦁ An Oversized PST File: The utility is best for repairing a small file (upto 2 GB) with minor corruption issues. If the file size is large then the utility may fail to repair the damaged file.
⦁ Inaccessible or Orphaned Files: The Inbox repair Tool may struggle to repair encrypted, or password-protected PST files.
⦁ Time Consuming Procedure: Repairing a corrupt file using ScanPST involves multiple steps. First it runs multiple scans to identify errors in file header and structure. Secondly, it only repairs one PST file at a time. Lot of productive hours will go on the toss if multiple files are involved.
⦁ Basic Issues: The utility only examines basic errors like corruption in the header, and other minor issues. Its algorithm is not developed to handle complex corruption scenarios like in case of a malware attack.
An Overview to a PST Repair Software:
After discussing limitations associated with ScanPST one query that crops up in the mind of an Outlook user is what’s next after this utility fails to fix the error. The answer to this query is yes, there is something beyond the Inbox Repair Tool. We can employ any third-party PST repair software to address such limitations. One of such tools for .pst repair is Stellar Repair for Outlook. This reliable software is trusted by IT admins for its quick repair speed. Unlike ScanPST where an expert level of technical knowledge is required, this tool is equipped with a friendly GUI that can be understand by a user with limited technical knowledge. It can fix even a large-sized .pst file (up to 50 GB). Additionally, it can fix even password-protected PST files.
ScanPST vs. Third-Party PST Repair Tools:
Characteristics ScanPST (Inbox Repair Tool) PST Repair Software
Capability Ideal for fixing minor issues in a small data file (upto 2 GB). It may struggle in fixing severely-corrupted data files. Developed after analyzing limitations of ScanPST, a PST repair software can fix severely corrupt PST files irrespective of their sizes.
Encrypted PST Files It may struggle to fix password-protected or encrypted PST files. It is capable of repairing password-protect or encrypted PST files.
Preview Option This built-in utility does not offer a preview option after scanning. The option of previewing mailbox data is there. It features a three-pane preview window.
Export to Office 365 or live Exchange: No option to export PST file to Office 365 or live Exchange. The Technician and Toolkit versions of Stellar Repair for Outlook let you export PST files directly to Office 365, live Exchange Server, or an existing PST file.
Conclusion:
Outlook’s .pst files are the backbone of this email client. These files contain business-sensitive data, including crucial email messages, contacts, and other files. Any corruption issue means the risk of losing vital information. ScanPST is a built-in utility to address all types of issues in .pst files. But there are some limitations associated with the Inbox Repair Tool. It struggles and fails to repair issues in an oversized, encrypted, or severely-corrupt Outlook data file (.pst). Fixing such complex files demands a PST repair software like Stellar Repair for Outlook. This tool is reliable, fast and efficient. In fact, it is more advanced than ScanPST. It can fix corruption issues even in an oversized PST file (up to 50 GB). It not only offers a preview of the recovered mailbox items but also facilitates users to save the repaired PST file on any internal or external storage device.
