Use Scanpst for repairing 'FileName.pst file could not be opened' Error

Microsoft Outlook PST files can get corrupt for different reasons. Thus, to fix these errors, all installation options of Microsoft Outlook include a repair tool, called Scanpst.exe or Inbox Repair Tool. It is a hidden file and is often used to validate and correct errors that are related to .pst file. But it may fail too. When the corruption is severe or the reason root externally, the Scanpst tool can run out to repair the errors. In such cases, you should use third-party tools that can use efficient scanning algorithms for the same.

As a scenario, consider you use Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 that is installed on a Windows Vista-based computer. When you try to open Outlook, you come across an error as below:

“.pst file could not be opened. The file may not be compatible with this version of Outlook or it may be corrupted.”

Where, 'FileName' refers to the name of your Outlook PST file. Outlook fails to start after you receive this error message.

Cause

The PST file is corrupted because you have recently used Backup Status and Configuration program to backup and then restore the mail file. It particularly occurs when the PST mail file lies in an encrypted folder.

Solution

As a standard solution to repair the corrupt PST file, you should use Scanpst.exe as follows:

1) Close Outlook 2007
2) Determine the name of your personal mail folder. For this, click User Accounts and Family Safety or User Accounts Mail Data Files Personal Folders Settings and note its name from Filename box. Close it.
3) Go to '%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office12\' using Windows Start Search option
4) Open the Scan pst tool by double-clicking it and specify the name and path of your .pst fil
5) Click Start and click OK when it finishes

Open Outlook and see if Outlook can start now. If it cannot, your PST is still corrupted and you need to opt for better solutions as Scanpst has failed. You should use commercial PST repair tools to repair and restore the corrupted file.

Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair is an exclusively built to run powerful repair algorithms for damaged PST file. It is a safe utility that supports Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2000. Incorporated with impressive graphic features, it is one of the globally trusted PST file repair product that can even work if Scan pst fails. The tool is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2003, 2000 and NT.