How to Repair Outlook PST Files Without ScanPST Tool

Outlook PST file is a local copy of Outlook mailbox data, which stores messages, attachments, contacts, and other mail items. If you are experiencing issues with Outlook or accessing and sending/receiving mail items, it’s probably due to the damage, inconsistencies, or corruption in the PST file. It may get corrupted in various instances, such as:

1. When they are saved on a network drive
2. If Outlook is closed abruptly
3. When the file becomes large or reaches the defined limit
4. Due to virus or malware intrusion
5. When there are bad sectors on the drive where PST file is stored
6. Due to drive file system errors
7. When there are conflicts with other software and add-ins

If the PST file is corrupted, you can use the built-in Outlook utility, called SCANPST. This tool helps fix errors and inconsistencies in the PST files. However, the SCANPST tool fails to repair the PST file if it is severely corrupt, large, or encrypted. In such a case, you need to look for ways to repair your PST file to avoid losing your critical mail items . In this blog, we will share the methods to repair PST file without ScanPST.

Solutions to Repair Corrupt PST File without ScanPST

Follow the below solutions to effectively repair your PST file without using SCANPST or the Inbox Repair tool.

Solution #1: Repair Windows File System

Sometimes, PST file gets corrupted due to file system errors or bad sectors on the disk. You can scan the disk for file system errors and bad sectors by using the Windows Check Disk (chkdsk) utility. The steps to run the chkdsk utility are as follows:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
• In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk /f and press the Enter key or click OK. This command scans the disk for bad sectors and file system errors and fixes them.

Wait for the command to finish execution. Then, check the PST file if it’s working properly in Outlook.

Solution #2: Copy Contents from Corrupt PST to a New PST

You can try moving or copying the mail items from the faulty or damaged PST file to a new local PST file. Follow these steps:

Note: This method is applicable only when Outlook is running and the old PST opens via Outlook.

1. Open the faulty PST file by going to File > Open > Outlook Data File or Outlook account connected to the PST file.
2. Create a new PST file.
   • In Outlook 2007 and previous versions, go to  File > New > Outlook Data File.
   • In Outlook 2010 and later, click New Items under the Home tab and then choose More Items > Outlook Data File.

3. Select Outlook data file (.pst) from the options and click OK.

4. Choose the location where you want to create this new PST file. Type a name and click OK.

5. Now, right-click on the email folders and copy them or their content from the corrupt PST file to the newly created one. You can find this new PST file listed in the left pane.

6. You can create a new folder or copy directly to the root file. Once the copying is complete, set the newly created PST file as the default. To do so:

• In Outlook 2003 
  • Go to Tools > Email Account and click Next.
  • Use the dropdown list below “Deliver new e-mail to the following location” to select your newly created PST.
  • Click Finish and then restart Outlook.

• In Outlook 2007 
  • Go to File > Data File Management and select new PST file.
  • Click “Set as Default” and then click Close.
  • Restart Outlook.

• In Outlook 2010 
  • Go to File > Info and click Account Settings > Account Settings.
  • Click the Data Files tab and then select new pst file.
  • Click Set as Default button and then click Close.
  • Restart Outlook.

7. After this, restart Outlook and disconnect the old PST file. This can be done by right-clicking its root folder and choosing ‘Close folder name’.

Solution #3: Use Outlook PST Repair Software to Repair the Corrupted PST file

When the above methods or workarounds fail, then the only option is to use an advanced Outlook PST repair software, such as Stellar Repair for Outlook. Unlike SCANPST, the tool is capable of repairing severely corrupt, encrypted, and damaged Outlook PST files as large as 50 GB with complete integrity and precision. You can follow these steps to use the software for repairing your PST file:

• Launch and open Stellar Repair for Outlook.
• Click List profiles and then select your profile or click Choose Manually to manually browse and select the corrupt or damaged PST file.

• It will list out all the PST files that are present in your local computer.

• The software scans and repairs corrupt elements of the PST and displays the entire data.
• You can click on mail items to see their preview.

• After verifying the mail items, select them and under the Home tab, click Save Repaired File.
• Select the PST option from the available save options and click Next.

• Browse and select a location where you want to save the repaired PST file and click OK.

Conclusion

SCANPST can repair only minor corruption, inconsistencies, and errors in PST files. It may also fail to repair PST file, if it is severely corrupted or encrypted. In such cases, you can follow the methods mentioned in this post to repair the PST file. However, the best solution is to use the advanced Outlook PST repair tool — Stellar Repair for Outlook. This tool has no file size limitation and can repair even severely corrupted PST file. The software has a simple and easy-to-use interface that makes repairing .pst file easy and convenient for the users.  

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About The Author

Ravi Singh

Ravi Singh is a Senior Writer at Stellar®. He is an expert Tech Explainer, IoT enthusiast, and a passionate nerd with over 7 years of experience in technical writing. He writes about Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365, Email Migration, Linux, Windows, Mac, DIY Tech, and Smart Home. Ravi spends most of his weekends working with IoT (DIY Smart Home) devices and playing Overwatch. He is also a solo traveler who loves hiking and exploring new trails.