What If Scanpst.exe Does Not Work

Healthy PST files are pivotal to the smooth running of the Outlook application. Often referred to as the core of this widely used email application, PST files hold all mailbox data such as emails, contacts, etc. Any corruption issue to these crucial data files (.pst) means a significant security threat to the important data.

‘Prevention is better than a cure’ is a golden rule and it applies in case of the maintenance of PST files as well. We must first understand what leads to PST files corruption. If we unearth the reasons, we came to know that factors like large size, virus attack, incompatible software, and many others cause corruption issues. Once these PST files get corrupted, we need to repair them at the earliest using the Scanpst.exe. This free tool first scans the file then diagnoses and repairs its headers as well as the file structure.

Even though Scanpst is the built-in utility by Microsoft, it fails sometimes to fix all issues. What if scanpst.exe does not work? In such a scenario, we need to explore some professional tools to repair a corrupt Outlook PST file.

Understanding How Scanpst Works?

We can divide Scanpst process in 4 stages-Locate the PST files, Scanning the file, Repair Process, and Repair Completion. This tool scans and verifies the structure of PST file. It basically rebuilds the header file and restores the structure.

The step-by-step guide is listed below:

Step 1: Locate the PST files: Shut down the Outlook and navigate to the following locations to locate the PST file:

--Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16

--Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16

--Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15

After discovering the Scanpst App, open by double-clicking on it.

(Note: Location may differ as per the Office version you have. Alternatively, you can use Windows Search function.)

Step 2: Scanning Process: After opening the Scanpst app, you need to select the targeted file to initiate the scan process. This process passes through multiple phases and takes some time. Scanning depends on the file size, if you are scanning a big file, then it will take some time. Similarly, smaller files take lesser time to scan. Follow the below steps:

• Navigate to the PST file that you want to scan.
• Hit ‘Options’ and then select ‘Scan Log.’
• Select ‘Start’ button to initiate the scan process. It will do structure analysis of the file and tell the user about the type of error.

Step 3: Repair Process: If the Scan Process discovers some errors, then repair such corrupted files. First and foremost, create a backup of your PST file to avoid data loss. After making a pre-repair backup, select 'Repair' to begin the process.

--Click OK when the repair has been completed:

Step 4: Post Repair Scenario: If the PST file corruption level is low, then it will be easily recovered. If the PST file's corruption degree is modest, it can be simply recovered. If the corruption is severe, Scanpst may fail to resolve the issue, and you may need to use a third-party PST recovery software such as Stellar Repair for Outlook.

Understanding Reasons Behind “ScanPST is not Responding” Error:

Nothing is wrong in saying that Scanpst is the first-aid remedy provided by Microsoft to fix corruption issues in the PST file. But this ‘free utility’ sometimes fails to deliver the desired results. Some of the factors which prevent Scanpst to repair Outlook data files include the following:

• Large-sized PST files: Scanpst is the manual process and consumes lot of time when it comes to repair a large Outlook data file (.pst). Repairing a large file means consuming substantial time and during this process Scanpst may miss a few email messages and fails to provide the intended action.
• Severely Damaged PST Files: The Inbox Repair Tool cannot always fix PST files that are severely damaged.
• Networked and Encrypted PST files: Scanpst may occasionally fail to recognize the problem in networked and encrypted files and so unable to produce the desired intent.

What If Scanpst.exe Does Not Work?

'What should I do if Scanpst fails’ is a common query by Outlook user. Well, in such a case, we can use a professional PST repair solution such as Stellar Repair for Outlook. This program uses powerful algorithms to solve corruption issues in any Outlook data file (PST). It can repair not only a large PST file quickly, but also scan and recover inaccessible or encrypted files. What's more? The user has the option to save the recovered file in multiple formats like PST, MSG, HTML, EML, RTF,& PDF.  

USP’s of Stellar Repair for Outlook:

• Repairs a corrupt file in three steps--Scan, Repair & Save
• Free trial version available to scan & preview your recoverable mail items
• Available in 3 versions—Professional, Technician and Toolkit
• Capable of repairing corrupt PST files of all sizes
• Recovers all mailbox items like including emails, attachments, contacts, etc.
• Restores the deleted emails
• Powered with advanced filters option to include/exclude emails
• Saves the mailbox data in PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF file formats
• Splits, compacts the restored PST-Technician
• Exports the converted OST to Live Exchange or O365-Toolkit
• Exports contacts in CSV-Toolkit
• Merges multiple PST files-Toolkit

Conclusion:

In the above guide we have explored that although Scanpst is a built-in application offered by Microsoft to handle corruption issues in PST files, it occasionally fails to respond as intended while fixing such damaged files. As a result, the user cannot open the Outlook data file (.pst). It happens because the Scanpst is unable to completely repair headers and directory structure. In such a case, we can consider using an expert-recommended PST Repair solution like Stellar Repair for Outlook which is fast and easy to use. It is worth mentioning that this tool is recommended by Microsoft MVPs. This tool is based on advanced algorithms to repair files infected with severe or complex corruption issues.