14 Mar What is and Where is scanpst.exe found?

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most widely used email clients, offering a range of powerful features to manage emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks. However, like any software, it is not immune to errors and corruption. When Outlook data files become damaged, users can encounter issues such as missing emails, error messages, or an inability to open the application. To help resolve such problems, Microsoft provides a built-in tool called ScanPST.exe.

What is ScanPST.exe?

ScanPST.exe, also known as the Inbox Repair Tool, is a utility developed by Microsoft to diagnose and repair corrupted or damaged Outlook data files. These files, known as PST (Personal Storage Table) and OST (Offline Storage Table), store all emails, calendar events, contacts, and other Outlook data. If these files become corrupt, Outlook may start behaving unpredictably, making ScanPST.exe an essential troubleshooting tool.

The tool works by scanning the data file for errors and attempting to repair them so Outlook can continue functioning normally. It is particularly useful in cases where Outlook displays error messages related to data corruption or crashes frequently.

Where is ScanPST.exe Found?

ScanPST.exe is included in every installation of Microsoft Outlook but is not accessible from the Outlook interface. Instead, it has to be manually located and executed from the installation folder. The exact location of the tool depends on the version of Outlook you are using and whether it is a 32-bit or 64-bit installation.

Common Locations of ScanPST.exe

Here are the typical default locations of ScanPST.exe for different versions of Outlook:

• Outlook 365 / 2019 / 2016 / 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\
• Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\
• Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\

For 64-bit versions of Windows, if you have installed the 32-bit version of Outlook, the tool may be found under:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\

Replace “XX” in the folder name with the specific version of Office you are using. For instance, if you have Office 2019, the path would be Office19.

How to Use ScanPST.exe

Using ScanPST.exe is straightforward and involves just a few simple steps:

1. Locate and double-click on ScanPST.exe in the relevant folder.
2. Click the Browse button and navigate to the corrupt PST or OST file. Typically, this file is found in:

C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\Outlook Files\

3. Click Start to begin the scanning process.
4. If errors are found, click Repair to fix them. Before doing this, it’s advisable to back up the PST file.
5. Once the repair is complete, restart Outlook and check if the issues are resolved.

When Should You Use ScanPST.exe?

While ScanPST.exe is a useful tool, it should be used in specific situations where Outlook encounters problems such as:

• Frequent Outlook crashes or freezing.
• Error messages indicating a corrupt PST or OST file.
• Emails, contacts, or calendar events disappearing unexpectedly.
• Outlook failing to open properly.

It’s worth noting that ScanPST.exe can only fix minor corruptions and structural issues in the PST or OST file. If the file is severely damaged, you may need a specialized PST recovery tool.

Conclusion

ScanPST.exe is a valuable built-in tool for repairing corrupted Outlook data files. Knowing where to find it and how to use it can save you from frustration when encountering issues with Outlook. However, while it can resolve many small errors, it is not always a perfect solution for major file corruption, in which case third-party recovery software may be required.

Being proactive by regularly backing up Outlook data and maintaining a healthy PST file can also help prevent data corruption and reduce the need for repair tools in the first place.