Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe), is a prominent tool of Microsoft Outlook that is designed specifically to repair corrupted Outlook data file, PST file. Being part of Outlook, the tool may sometimes fail to function in case any program file that it accesses becomes corrupt or missing. Few other reasons of its failure are PST file size more than 2 GB and major corruption in PST, which the tool finds unable to fix.

Scanpst is not a flawless solution and thus can fail while exhibiting different symptoms. Here is an instance that illustrates similar failure situation. Suppose, a Microsoft Outlook user finds his PST file corrupted. On trying to access the file, Outlook indicates that the file is not a valid personal folder. Thus to repair the file, a user attempts to repair the file using Scanpst.

After specifying name and path of corrupted PST (when prompted), when he/she clicks the 'Repair' button, the tool hangs and cannot be recovered. On checking Windows Task Manager, to know the status of repair, the user finds that the application is not responding. This behavior is repeated at each attempt of repairing and as a result, the PST remains in the same state of corruption.

Cause

As mentioned earlier, the probable causes for this issue are:

1. The Scanpst.exe file is not installed properly

2. PST size is more than 2 GB

3. PST is highly corrupted

In few cases, Inbox Repair Tool may take more than expected time if you choose a large file for repairing. So, wait for some time. But if this state is unrecoverable, see the 'Solution' section below.

Solution

1. Reinstall Outlook or try repairing the PST on a different computer to see if this changes the scenario

2. Truncate the oversized PST using 2 GB truncation tool. But be aware that PST truncation often results in loss of important data

3. Use a third-party Outlook Inbox Repair tool to repair your highly corrupted PST file. These applications are comparatively more powerful and safer in repairing damaged Outlook data file. Their easy-to-use nature adds to excellence.

Outlook Inbox Repair Software is a comprehensive repair inbox utility created to repair corrupted PST files of MS Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002, and 2000. This Inbox Repair tool can restore all e-mails, notes, calendars, contacts, etc. in a new PST file with no re-indexing or modification in the original file format. With a three-pane message view structure, the software is easily operable.