Loading...For a frequent Outlook user, it is necessary to know some negative attributes that may create unwanted situations. It is still a mystery what is being discussed over here. Let’s understand it with the following:
When you use MS Outlook with an account configured for a server other than MS Exchange, an Outlook data file (PST) is created. PST is a Personal Storage Table, popular as Personal Folders file. The file is housed on your local machine and contains every data item of Outlook, including emails, attachments, contacts, calendar, journals, etc.
PST file facilitates users to access its data whenever required; however, a big drawback associated with the file its high probability to get corrupt in some specific cases. When the PST gets corrupt, it becomes impossible for you to use Outlook because the entire data becomes inaccessible.
Causes of PST Corruption may include:
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PST file-size limit (the most common reason)
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File header corruption
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Improper termination of Outlook
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Abrupt system shutdown
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Virus infection
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Software malfunction
In order to avoid such scenarios, an intelligent strategy states backing up the PST file regularly. Absence of backup copy brings horrible situations to you. Moreover, it is also recommended to scan the PST file often.
Well, after coming across such situations, an adequate resolution is a mandate to consider. Below are step-by-step instructions to fix the problem, let’s proceed:
For a fix to corruption issues, Microsoft provides an inbuilt workaround that helps you repair the PST to a great extent. The tool is known as Inbox Repair tool, located as ‘scanpst.exe’ on your computer.
You can find the utility in Outlook 2007 at the following location:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12
You also need to locate the PST file. See below:
The Outlook creates the PST file automatically, which is by default located in the user profile directory. You can search the file by copying and pasting the below given location in the explorer window:
%appdata%\Microsoft\Outlook
However, the PST file on your computer may be located elsewhere. It generally happens when you create a PST and save it at some other location. The file can be found by the following:
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Open Outlook.
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Right-click the location of personal folders.
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Click on ‘Properties’.
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In the displayed screen, you are by default in the ‘General’ tab, click on ‘Advanced’.
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In the ‘Filename’ field, you can see the location of PST file.
How to Use Inbox Repair Tool
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After locating the utility, you need to select the corrupt PST file. To do it, click on the ‘Browse’ button. You can also find the file in case if you are unaware of the PST location.
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Click on ‘Start’. It will initiate the scanning process; wait for the scanning to complete. On completion, all the errors of the file will be addressed.
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Next, click on ‘Repair’ to start repairing the file.
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In a few minutes, it will display a message ‘Repair complete’.
Make sure that you perform the steps correctly; else you will fail to repair the file and recover the lost data.