How to Use ScanPST.exe (Inbox Repair Tool)
ScanPST, also known as Inbox repair tool, is the first tool you run when fixing problems with Outlook data file. Download scanpst.exe and know how to use it. This post will help user’s to understand the use of Scanpst.exe along with steps to use scanpst.
Whenever Outlook has an issue regarding PST file especially corruption, using ScanPST.exe becomes a necessity. A good indication to run Inbox repair tool is when Outlook loads error message when starting or loading its profile. In some cases, it even tells you to run ScanPST directly in the error message.
This write-up contains valuable information about how to locate Inbox Repair tool, guides you through the repair process after you download scanpst.exe utility.
Questions Resolved In This Guide:
Just a heads up that ScanPST not only resolves issues related to PST file, but also deals with OST file corruption.
Let us start from the beginning.
Is It Possible to Download ScanPST.exe?
Short answer – No.
Long answer – It is not required to download Scanpst.exe separately. Because it is already present in your computer. The Inbox Repair tool comes with the Microsoft Office package. It is installed on your computer along with Microsoft Outlook. All you need to do is to locate scanpst.exe and you will be able to use ScanPST immediately.
Where to Find Scanpst.exe Utility?
The general location of ScanPST is like this: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX\ where XX is a number assigned to each Outlook version.
Of course, the location also depends on whether you are using MSI installation and 32-bit or 64-bit Windows.
Outlook 2007
- 32-bit Win – C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\
- 64-bit Win – C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\
For Outlook 2010
- 32-bit Win – C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\
- 64-bit Win – C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\
- 64-bit Outlook, any Win – C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\
Outlook 2013 MSI based installation
- 32-bit Win – C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\
- 64-bit Win – C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15\
- 64-bit Outlook, any Win – C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\
For Outlook 2013 Click to Run
- Any Win – C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\office15\
Outlook 2016 MSI based installation
- 32-bit Win – C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\
- 64-bit Win – C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\
- 64-bit Outlook, any Win – C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\
For Outlook 2016 Click to Run, Outlook 2019, Microsoft 365
- Any Win – C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\office16\
Does Office 365 have ScanPST?
Yes, as long as you have installed the MS Outlook program on your computer, ScanPST will reside there as well. The default location is C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\office16\.
A better Way to Locate Outlook Inbox repair tool
We also have a better way to locate ScanPST.exe on your computer. It works regardless of your Windows and Outlook versions.
1. Run Microsoft Outlook.
2. Right-click on your taskbar and select Task Manager.
3. Here, you will see Microsoft Outlook in processes.
4. Right-click on it and select Open file location.
5. In the location that appears, scroll down and find the ScanPST.exe
These steps will open the location where Outlook is installed on your computer. And this is exactly where you will find the Inbox Repair utility i.e., ScanPST.exe.
How to Run ScanPST.exe?
This section guides you through the complete process of using Scanpst.exe utility. It has 5 simple steps for you:
1- Locate the Faulty PST File
The first and foremost step is to locate the PST file that you want to repair. After all, even if you can use the Inbox repair tool, it cannot fix anything if you do not have the target file.
In some cases, the path is given in the error message that prompts you to use this utility. So be on the lookout for that and note it down. If it’s not given, here are a few steps you can do:
1. Run Control Panel on your computer.
2. Search for “mail” in it and click the Mail (32-bit) result.
3. In the window that appears, click on the Data Files button.
4. Here, you will find the location of all your Outlook data files.
5. Either open them or simply note them down for later.
2- Open Outlook Inbox repair tool
Now that you know the location of your target PST file, it is time to open Outlook Inbox repair tool.
- Close MS Outlook and other Office applications.
- Go to the location of ScanPST.
- Double-click to open it.
3- Scan The PST File
Now, we will select the faulty PST file and scan it for errors using Inbox repair utility:
1. Click on Browse to select the PST file that you want to fix.
2. After selecting the file, click on the Start button to start the scanning process.
3. ScanPST will check for inconsistencies in the Outlook data file in 8 phases. Depending on the size and corruption level of the PST file, this process may take some time, so be patient and let it run without hindrance.
4. Once the process completes, you will have a report of the folders and items present in the data file and whether it has errors that can be rectified.
4- Run Repair Process
This is an important step. Please understand that there are times when the tool hangs after clicking on repair, and it may result in data loss. Thus, it is recommended to have another copy of the PST file as backup.
If you do not have the backup, then simply tick the “make backup of selected file before repairing” option before proceeding.
At last, click on the Repair button to start fixing the errors.
5- Finish Repairing The File
Once the repair completes, you will see a confirmation window displaying the “Repair complete” message. Simply click the Ok button to close it and start Microsoft Outlook.
If everything is working fine, then congratulations! If not, then read the next section to look for alternatives.
What To Do If Scanpst.exe Fails?
Keep in mind that ScanPST is a tool that may need to be run multiple times to fully resolve issues with your Outlook Data File (PST). Even if it appears to have successfully repaired your file, it’s advisable to run it again to confirm that no further inconsistencies remain.
In the event that ScanPST fails to resolve the issues after running it multiple times, you have two options available:
- Continue running ScanPST: You can attempt to run ScanPST again, as sometimes it may succeed in repairing the file after subsequent attempts.
- Consider alternative solutions: If ScanPST consistently fails to repair the PST file, it may be necessary to explore alternative solutions, such as using Bitrecover PST repair tool or seeking assistance from IT professionals familiar with Outlook.
A Few Errors That ScanPST Can Fix:
Below are the screenshots of the Outlook PST error messages that require you to download ScanPST and run to fix the issues:
With this, we conclude the guide to help you with every important thing related to Inbox repair utility i.e., ScanPST exe program. We sincerely hope that it will fix whatever issues you are having in your Outlook data file.