How to Use ScanPST.exe
ScanPST.exe is the primary executable file for Microsoft Outlook's Inbox Repair and Recovery Tool. When executed, the application analyzes the Personal Folders (.pst) directory structure and item headers in an attempt to recover any folders and items within the file; it also creates a backup copy prior to attempting to repair the file.
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Instructions
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Check the file size of your Personal Folders (.pst) file. The Inbox Repair Tool may not work if the file is close to the two GB file limit. You will then need to use the PST/OST cropping tool to reduce the size of the file (see Resources section)
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Close Microsoft Outlook. Do not attempt to open Microsoft Outlook until the scan process has completed.
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Choose "Run" from your computer's Start menu. Type "Control Folders" in the text field. Click on the "View" tab. Scroll down the Advanced Settings list and select "Show hidden files and folders." Remove the check mark from "Hide extensions for known file types." Click "Apply" to save the new setting. Click "OK." ScanPST.exe is a hidden file on your computer; you will not be able to locate it unless this setting is disabled.
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Choose "Find" or "Search" from the Start menu, depending on your version of Windows.
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Type "ScanPST.exe" in the search box. It will be located in one of the following folders depending on the version of Windows and Outlook being used:
- C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE12
- C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\Mapi\1033\
- C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\Mapi\1033\NT
- C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033
- C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12
- C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files\System\Mapi\1033\
- C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033 -
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Double-click on the Scanpst.exe file to open the Inbox Repair Tool.
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Click "Browse" to locate the .pst file that needs repair. This can usually be found in one of the following folders depending on the version of Windows and Outlook being used:
- Windows 98, Windows Me: C:\Windows\ Local Settings\Application Data
- Windows NT 4.0: C:\WINNT\Profiles\username\Local Settings\Application Data
- Windows XP, Windows Server 2003: C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
- Windows Vista: C:\users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook -
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Click on the file name to highlight the file to be repaired and click "Start" to begin the repair process. The Inbox Repair Tool begins to scan the file, reporting errors that are found. Click "OK" once the process is complete.
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Open Outlook. Be sure to select the correct profile for the .pst file that was repaired.
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Click "View, " then "Folder List." A list of recovered folders within the Personal Folders file is displayed in Outlook's left navigation pane.
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Create a new Personal Folder and drag these recovered items to the new file.
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Tips & Warnings
Scan and compact your PST files as part of your routine disk maintenance to keep them in working order and corruption free. Back up your files on a regular basis to avoid losing data.
