Scanpst.exe
About .pst file
Personal Storage Table (.pst) is the open file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store mailbox items like messages, calendar entries, notes, tasks, appointments etc. and is located on the local computer. Like any other file. .pst file can also become corrupted or damaged due to various reasons.
Default PST file name and its location
The name of the default .pst file is outlook.pst and is located at the following location:
“C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook”.
You may also change the default PST file location by changing certain specific variable’s value in the registry. However you are always advised to take backup of the registry.
PST file Corruption Situations
1. PST file size grow over 2GB
2. While Saving PST file on the network
3. During PST Compacting Process
4. MS Outlook Malfunction
5. Unexpected system shutdown
6. Virus Attack
PST file has 2GB Limitation
In outlook 2003 and later.pst files have a default maximum size of 20 GB and are created in Unicode format which was not the case with early versions. Prior to outlook 2003, .pst file had a maximum size of 2GB and created in ANSI format. If a user not properly manage the .pst file and allow its size to grow over 2GB; the file could become corrupted or unusable.
Introduction to scanpst tool
Scanpst.exe utility is a hidden file on your computer that get installed automatically when you install windows and used to recover folders and items from corrupt .pst file.
How to locate the tool in different version of Outlook
Use Windows Explorer to locate the ScanPST utility in one of the below mentioned folder:
<disk drive>:\Program Files\Common Files\System\Mapi\1033\
<disk drive>:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033
For Outlook 2007, scanpst.exe file is typically located in the following folder:
<disk drive>:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12
For Outlook 2010, scanpst.exe file is typically located in the following folder:
<disk drive>\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14
Prerequisite before using the tool
Note: Close Outlook before using the Tool
How to Run the ScanPST Utility
1. Click Start, and then point to Find or to Search button in Windows Start Menu, to open the search window.
2. Type the name of the utility i.e. scanpst.exe In the Search for files or folders named box
3. Double click the Scanpst.exe file to open it.
4. Browse the .pst file or type the path and name of the file
5. Click Start to repair the .pst file.
How ScanPST utility works
A PST file has two level structure and Scanpst.exe Utility mainly check the internal data structure of .pst file like BTrees and Reference Counts and then validate and correct necessary errors without any intact to upper level structure like email messages, calendar items, notes , tasks, journals etc. The tool repairs corrupted pst file and recovers all data that the user though has lost forever.
Utility Internal Error
While running the utility, sometimes it happens that you might receive following error message: “Internal errors were found in this file. They must be repaired for this file to work correctly.” , even if there are no errors in the PST file.
This Occurs, when you scan a folder file in Microsoft SharePoint Team Services folder which is being synchronized with the default .pst file. The tool checks for standard folder including “deleted items folder”, however there is no such folder in .pst files of Microsoft SharePoint Team Services.
Limitation of the tool
• ScanPST mainly helps if the header of .pst file is corrupt. In case the contents of the file are corrupted it may further destroy the information
• ScanPST might not help if your pst file has exceeded its 2GB size limit, as is the case with version prior to 2003
• The tool may furher make it difficult to recover data if you cannot take the backup of the file Sometimes it is very helpful to have backup copy of the .pst file to recover additional items when inbox repair tool does not help.
How our software help
Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair V 4.5 efficiently repairs & recover corrupt .pst file by using advanced scanning algorithms and simple recovery process. The latest release of the software is equipped with unique features like .pst file repair of Microsoft Outlook 2010, Compatible with Windows 7, recover selected Outlook folders and emails, allows you to restore email as .msg and .eml format, and 100% preview of all recoverable items helps you to evaluate the software.
Our Software Repair Process
User Friendly interface of the software allows you to recover PST file in 3 simple steps:
1. Locate the corrupt PST file
2. Start the PST file repair process
3. Restore the PST file to user specified location
Note: Quit Outlook before using the Application
