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Scanpst.exe is a utility accustomed to correct MS Outlook PST files. Scanpst can partially fix internal PST file database issues however in most cases you will have to get one of these 3rd party Scanpst.exe tool.



It’s possible to split PST mailboxes into different files located locally or on a network driver. The problem is that although a network driver may seem like a local drive (drive mapping) network drive not supplies the same performance as a local one (i.e. C drive). Therefore Outlook may face problems to contact the PST file situated on the network server and that often leads ultimately to corrupt PST file which require a repair with scanpst.exe


Scanpst.exe
If such a failure happens, you’ll be able to restore your PST file mailbox first with backup software that’s daily backup inside your network storage. However, since the mailbox data may contain some crucial business data you may don’t want to lose even a day of labor.



If restoring the mailbox data situated in your inaccessible PST file is essential, you can test and make use of the Scanpst.exe utility. Scanpst.exe location is in your Outlook installation folder (You may find it under the default installation folder i.e. c:\program files). If you fail to find it the best is just to perform the search program and find the scanpst.exe directly.



Typical PST errors:



“The file F:\archive.pst is not a personal folders file.”



(it is possible to replace the letter F with your own personal network drive letter).



Reason for the PST error:



The above mentioned error indicates that Outlook cannot browse the PST database since it is corrupt. The file does not have valid database structure. Another possible cause is that you function not have access to network link to the PST file. If so it’s very easy to solve it and just call your network administrator to repair it.



Please consider that Outlook PST database file was not built to use slow connections such as network drives. Oftentimes the link is slowing during saving data or file closing which in lots of times cause data lose and PST file corruption.



Can Scanpst.exe solve it?



Scanpst.exe is definitely a limited solution. Oftentimes it fails but since this is a free tool you better run it first but remember, first rule prior to starting a recovery process is always backup. You wouldn’t want to damage the file even more compared to the current state of it. So please create a copy of the PST file and let scanpst.exe attempt to fix the copy only.