Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost)

If you cannot open your Outlook Data File (.pst), or you suspect that the data file is damaged, you can use the Inbox Repair tool (scanpst.exe) to diagnose and repair errors in the file. The Inbox Repair tool scans only Outlook Data Files (.pst or .ost) on your computer and analyzes the file structure integrity.

Inbox Repair tool (scanpst.exe)

Scanpst.exe is installed on your computer when you install Microsoft Outlook 2007&10. The Inbox Repair tool tries to correct any problems by resetting the data file structure and rebuilding the headers for Outlook items. If you are using an Exchange account, the tool does not connect to or analyze the data saved on the Exchange server

Note :You must exit Outlook before using the Inbox Repair tool. It is not accessible within Outlook.

1. If install office 2007 Open Windows Explorer and select the c:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE12 and if u install office 2010 then  Open Windows Explorer and select the c:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE12 folder.
2. Double-click Scanpst.exe.
    
3. In the Enter the name of the file you want to scan box, enter the name of the .pst or .ost file that you want to check, or click Browse to select the file
   
4. To specify the scan log options, click Options, and then click the option that you want.
5. Click Start.
6. If errors are found, you are prompted to start the repair process to fix the errors.
   
   A backup file is created during the repair process. To change the default name or location of this backup file, in theEnter name of backup file box, enter a new name, or click Browse to select the file that you want to use.
   7. Click Repair.
   8. Start Outlook with the profile that contains the .pst file that you tried to repair.
   9. In the Navigation Pane, click Folder List.
      
      Keyboard shortcut  To open switch to the Folder List, press CTRL+6.