To fix corrupted PST files, you can use the Inbox Repair Tool. This free built in tool in Outlook often times does repair corrupt PST Files. It works by repairing the PST file’s header and then deleting anything in the file that it doesn’t understand. So if a PST file’s header is damaged, as may be the case for corruption that occurs during a version upgrade, the tool should have no trouble making the repair. But if the data within the file is corrupt, the Inbox Repair Tool will likely destroy what’s left of the file. Not to worry. You should always make a backup of the PST file before you run the Inbox repair tool. Also when using the tool it will give you an option to backup the PST file as well. You should choose that option.
Before atempting to recover any corrupt file always make a backup first. We also do recommend the pst repair program on the right. Yes it does cost money but it works very well and has saved my rear a few times.
Free PST Repair Method
Before you break down and purchase any software you should check and see if the free built in pst file repair tool called scanpst.exe will fix your corrupt pst file. This is a great tool and when the file is only dammaged in the headers it will work. Be sure to backup your PST file first. Read our How to Backup PST file Guide --> how to backup a pst file
The Inbox Repair Tool is located in the C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\Mapi\1033\ directory of any system that’s running Windows 2000, Windows XP our Windows Vista. The tool’s filename is Scanpst.exe. If you can not locate the file then do a search for Scanpst.exe. The 1033\ directory is not always the same but it will be close. You can also download it from here and stick it in the above folder..
Your PST file might be located in the following directories.
Windows vista: c:\users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
Windows XP and Windows 2000: C:\documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
username: reffers to your actual user account name on your computer.
If this free tool fails then you are not yet out of luck. Thankfully there are other tools you can use as well. Download this PST File Repair Tool. It's a great tool that almost always can repair the corrupt PST file. The nice part about this bad boy is you can use the tool for free to see if it can repair the corrupt pst file before you make the purchase. Nothing worse then buying something just to find out it does not work.
Watch our How to Repair a PST file Video using the free scanpst.exe program
If you get the error message " This application has failed to start because MSMAPI32.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem" That normally means that the scanpst.exe program is not in the correct folder. double check to make sure it is in the C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033 folder.
If you get the error code "fatalError: 800400900" Then you are most likely using Outlook version 98, 2k, or 2002 and your pst file is over the 2GB max. Check out our Outlook is over 2G guide.
WHAT if the FREE tool does not work.
I have been there many times before. The solution is to download this PST File Repair Software. Yes it does cost a good chunk of change but I have used it plenty of times on clients computers and it gets the job done right.
A few of the other guides on this site such as how to backup your pst files and contacts.
