How To Fix ScanPST.exe Does Not Recognize PST File?

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Is the Inbox Repair Tool Scanpst.exe not recognizing your PST file? In this article, we provide tried and tested solutions to repair scanpst. We also provide alternate suggestions to repair a PST file effectively. With the help of the instructions provided, you can repair your PST file today!

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When the Microsoft Outlook scanpst.exe tool does not recognize the file, it is usually because the Outlook data file is severely corrupt. We have both manual and automated methods that you can use to fix and prevent such errors in the future

Why does SCANPST.EXE Fail to Recognize the PST File?

Following are the possible reasons why the scanpst.exe tool fails to recognize PST files:

  • PST file is severely damaged: If the PST data file is severely damaged then it becomes difficult for ScanPST EXE to diagnose or repair it.
  • Microsoft Outlook Upgrade: While upgrading Microsoft Outlook a few files might not have been properly updated, and the application replaces such files prematurely. As a result, some of the older files might get corrupted and thus become inaccessible. Hence, upgrading Outlook from an earlier version to a later version is also one of the most potential causes behind PST file corruption.
  • Sharing Files over Insecure Network: Outlook files that are shared over an insecure network are very vulnerable to corruption or virus infection.
  • PST File Size limit exceeded: Users who need to send and receive emails regularly might end up consuming a lot of storage space, resulting in an oversized PST file. With time, the emails pile up and the PST file size quota is reached and this becomes a reason for various forms of Outlook data file corruption. As a result, the affected files become inaccessible. If the damage is critical, then the Outlook Repair tool might not recognize the files while you try to fix the corruption.
  • Scanpst.exe is not found: This is a very rare scenario but sometimes this can also be a reason behind “ScanPST EXE does not recognize pst file”. When you try to search for the Inbox repair tool in the search bar, you won’t be able to locate the PST file.

Note: The file location of the inbox repair tool: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE12

Some other reasons that can lead to ScanPST EXE not working are accidental shutdown of the application, wrong Outlook setup, use of unreliable tools, and a corrupt hard drive.

How to Fix “ScanPST.exe does not recognize PST File”?

To fix the ScanPST EXE fails to recognize the PST file issue you can follow the below-mentioned manual alternatives. However, these manual methods are not 100% efficient and depend on the reason behind the cause as well.

This is why it is recommended to use a professional PST repair tool like Remo Repair PST to fix the “Outlook Repair tool does not recognize the file” error. Go to this section and follow the steps.

1. Update ScanPST

If ScanPST is unable to recognize your PST file, try updating Outlook to see if it works. This task only takes a few minutes and may just be able to solve your issue. You can try it out by following the steps mentioned below-

  • Open Outlook and click on File.
  • Click on Options.
  • Click on Update Options and Select Update now.
update-scanpst

2. Microsoft Office Quick Repair Option

The Microsoft Office Quick Repair option is an inbuilt feature that is used to troubleshoot and fix issues related to the Office suite. You can try it for yourself by following the instructions below-

  • Use the Windows+I shortcut and Open Windows Settings.
  • Open the Apps tab and click on Installed Apps.
  • Locate Microsoft Office. Click on the respective Options Icon and select Modify.
click-on-modify
  • Choose the Quick Repair option and click on Repair.
select-quick-repair-option
  • Verify the results.

3. Export the PST Files to another PC

If your drive is working fine and there are no file system errors then you can move the PST file to another system. Install the same Outlook version in the other system where you are transferring the PST files. You can run the Inbox Repair tool on the other PC and see if the error still exists.

However, these are all hit and trial methods and you can’t have any certainty that this error will be resolved.

4. Use Scan PST Alternative

Using a reliable tool like the Remo PST repair tool is the most effective and ultimate way of resolving any PST-related errors in MS Outlook. The tool has an interactive user interface and its advanced repair algorithm can efficiently detect and scan corrupt PST files. Remo repairs and restores them without altering their original properties. This is because the tool works on read-only mode thus retaining the safety of the original PST file.

To fix the “Outlook Repair tool does not recognize the file” error, follow the steps outlined below:

  • Download and install Remo Repair PST Software.
  • Launch the Outlook PST repair tool and select the desired option from the main screen based on your requirements. Once selected, click on the Next button.
select-pst-import-method
  • Then click on the Smart Scan option. After that provide the tool a destination to save your repaired PST file on Windows and hit the Repair button.
select-scan-type-click-on-repair
  • Once the repairing process is finished, check the destination location to view your repaired PST file.
  • Watch the video tutorial to easily repair the PST file.

Conclusion:

When Scan PST is unable to recognize your PST file, It might prove to be a trouble as your Outlook data is at stake. The safest option to tackle this delicate issue would be to make use of a Scan PST alternative such as Remo Repair Outlook as it is capable of rectifying a wide range of errors. If you have any suggestions or queries, please feel free to let me know, I hope this article was able to help restore your PST file.

About the Author: Tony Landry

Tony Landry is a Web Content Editor at Remo Software. He loves to write, edit, and manage content for users trying to troubleshoot and fix problems on Windows, Outlook, storage drives, and Cloud storage networks. With an aptitude that transcends writing, Tony is recognized as a Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint expert. His comprehensive solutions…