While almost all Outlook users manage to run into Outlook errors here and there very few have heard about ScanPST which is a free tool that repairs Outlook data files in a jiffy.
If you are surprised to hear of such a tool, ScanPST.exe has thousands of Google searches on a daily basis meaning that you are not the only one in the dark.
This article will introduce you to the Inbox Repair Tool along with all its capabilities.
What is ScanPST?
ScanPST is a software utility tool that was introduced by Microsoft. It is used to repair Outlook data files to rectify any errors or inconsistencies that might occur. If you have Outlook then you will also have the Inbox Repair Tool as it is Installed along with Outlook.
ScanPST is free and is a great troubleshooting option, you can use the Inbox Repair tool if you find yourself in one of the following scenarios-
- Unable to open a PST file
- Outlook emails fail to load
- Outlook seems to run slower than usual
- You run into an Outlook error message
- Outlook is not responding
Where Is ScanPST Located?
ScanPST is present in your Windows system. However, its location will vary depending on the Windows version installed.
Refer to the table below to locate the Inbox Repair Tool.
| Outlook Version | ScanPST Location |
| Outlook 2019 | 32-bit Version: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office19 64-bit Version: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office19 |
| Outlook 2016 | 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\ 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\ |
| Outlook 2013 | 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15\ 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\ |
| Outlook 2010 | 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft office\Office 14\ 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Microsoft office\Office 14\ |
| Outlook 2007 | 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft office\Office 12\ 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Microsoft office\Office 12\ |
| Outlook 2003 | 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\ Common Files\System\MSMAPI\ 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAP |
How to Use ScanPST.exe?
After You find ScanPST, it’s a bed of roses. the Inbox Repair tool has a very simplified process and interface that makes it extremely easy to use for new users.
To Repair your PST file using ScanPST please follow the provided instructions.
- Close Outlook and all related programs. (it will hinder the repair process)
- Open ScanPST.exe, and use the Browse option to locate and import the damaged PST file.
- Click on Start to begin the scan. over here, ScanPST will go through your PST file to identify any errors or inconsistencies within the data file.
- make sure to tick the create a backup file option for the ScanPST checkbox to create an extra copy to prevent any chances of further data loss
- Click on Repair. After the errors have been identified the Inbox Repair Tool will now go forward and rectify them.
- After the repair process is complete, open your PST file to verify the results
Alternative Options to ScanPST
You may need an alternative Inbox Repair Tool if ScanPST fails to repair or recognize your corrupt PST file. ScanPST is only equipped to deal with mild levels of data corruption which usually happens in a majority of cases. If your Outlook data file is severely damaged and ScanPST.exe does not seem to work you may have to resort to third-party PST repair tools such as Yodot Outlook PST Repair or a professional service.
If you look at it from another angle, the problem may not lie with the PST file but with Outlook itself. In such scenarios, you can Repair Outlook using Windows Settings.
To Conclude
I hope that this article was able to give you a fair idea of the Microsoft Inbox Repair Tool. While Scan PST does make a backup, it is always safer to manually a backup file of your own and regularly update it. Not only does it lower the risk of data loss but also eliminates the need to fix your PST file urgently.
