Outlook stores personal information in a so-called pst file, including the user’s data, calendar items and e-mail folders. Since Microsoft realizes that there are frequent problems with corrupted pst files, there is a tool in the system to repair them. Only the tool SCANPST is difficult to find. Here’s how to restore your inbox.
Step 1: Find SCANPST
Do you get the message Outlook PST cannot be opened, then you know that the file in which the mail program stores all your personal data is damaged. You don’t have to go straight to a commercial program for recovery. Unfortunately, the Microsoft repair tool is buried deep in the Office installation folder. Close Microsoft Outlook completely and open Windows Explorer. Depending on the Windows version you are using, navigate to the following folders to find the SCANPST tool. In Windows 64-bit you will find the tool SCANPS in the folder C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficerootOffice16, in Windows 32 bit go to C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16. These paths apply to Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019 and Outlook 365. If you work with an older version of Outlook, you will find the same tool with Office15 (Outlook 2013), Office14 (Outlook 2010) or Office12 (Outlook 2007).
Step 2: Locate PST File
Right click on the tool and choose the command Run as administrator. If SCANPST didn’t find the pst file right away, you still need to locate it. Use the button Browse to Outlook PST file select that you want to restore. Again, the location of this file depends on the version of Outlook, the version of Windows and how you have set up the account. You can find the PST file in one of the following locations:
C:users
C:users
And on older versions at C:Documents and Settings
Step 3: Restore
After entering the location of the PST file in the Microsoft Outlook Utility for Inbox, click the button Start. The tool will scan the file first. You can select the radio button next to Back up the checked file before recovery activate. The tool will notify you when problems are found and will prompt to repair the file. After that, restart the system and open Outlook to check if everything is working normally again.
