Outlook is one of the most popular email clients used by professionals worldwide. However, like any other software, it can encounter issues that can disrupt its smooth functioning. One of the most common problems faced by Outlook users is a corrupted PST file. A PST file, or Personal Storage Table file, is where Outlook stores all of its data, including emails, contacts, calendar entries, and more. When this file gets damaged, it can cause a range of issues, including missing or deleted emails, error messages, and even the inability to open Outlook. In this article, we’ll explore how to repair Outlook PST file and ensure that your email client runs smoothly.

Method 1: Use the Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE)

The Inbox Repair Tool, also known as SCANPST.EXE, is a built-in utility provided by Microsoft to repair corrupt PST files. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Close Outlook and open the SCANPST.EXE tool. You can find it in the following location: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX, where XX denotes the version of Office installed on your system.

Step 2: Browse and select the corrupt PST file that you want to repair.

Step 3: Click on the “Start” button to begin the scanning process.

Step 4: Once the scan is complete, click on the “Repair” button to fix any errors found.

Step 5: Finally, open Outlook and check if the issue has been resolved.

Method 2: Use a Third-Party PST Repair Tool

If the Inbox Repair Tool fails to fix the corrupted PST file, you can try using a third-party tool. There are many such tools available in the market, both free and paid. Some of the popular ones include Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair, Remo Repair Outlook, and Kernel for Outlook PST Repair. Here’s how to use one of these tools:

Step 1: Download and install the PST repair tool of your choice.

Step 2: Launch the tool and select the corrupt PST file.

Step 3: Click on the “Scan” button to initiate the scanning process.

Step 4: Once the scan is complete, click on the “Repair” button to fix any errors found.

Step 5: Save the repaired PST file to a new location.

Step 6: Finally, open Outlook and import the repaired PST file.

Method 3: Use the Import/Export Wizard

If you have a backup of your PST file or a copy of it saved in a different location, you can use the Import/Export Wizard in Outlook to repair the corrupt file. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Close Outlook and open the Control Panel.

Step 2: Click on “Mail” and then on “Data Files.”

Step 3: Note down the location of the corrupt PST file.

Step 4: Create a new PST file in Outlook.

Step 5: Open the Import/Export Wizard by clicking on “File” and then on “Open & Export.”

Step 6: Select “Import from another program or file” and then click on “Next.”

Step 7: Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and then click on “Next.”

Step 8: Browse and select the location of the corrupt PST file.

Step 9: Select the option “Replace duplicates with items imported” and then click on “Next.”

Step 10: Select the new PST file that you created earlier and click on “Finish.”

Step 11: Finally, open Outlook and check if the issue has been resolved.

Also Read: Fix Outlook Send Receive Error

Conclusion

A corrupted PST file can cause a range of issues in Outlook, from deleted emails to error messages. Fortunately, there are several methods available to fix this issue. The Inbox Repair Tool is a built-in utility provided by Microsoft to repair corrupt PST files. If it fails, you can try using a third-party PST repair tool. Alternatively, you can use the Import/Export Wizard to repair the PST file by importing a copy of it from a different location.

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