To run ScanPST.exe, close classic Outlook, open the Inbox Repair Tool, select the Outlook data file you want to check, and click Start. If the scan finds errors, click Repair. Make a copy of the file before repairing it; Microsoft notes that some data may remain unrecoverable and the tool may need more than one pass.
When should you use ScanPST.exe?
Microsoft’s Inbox Repair Tool checks a local Outlook data file for errors. It is intended for cases such as Outlook being unable to open a data file or a set of folders, or when you suspect the file is damaged. The instructions apply to classic Outlook for Windows, including Microsoft 365, Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016. See Microsoft’s Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) guidance.
ScanPST is not a way to inspect or repair the contents of an Exchange mailbox on the server. If the issue is with an Exchange account’s offline OST file, Microsoft says Outlook can recreate that file after it is deleted; that is a different process from repairing the mailbox itself.
How to run ScanPST.exe
- Close Outlook. The repair guidance requires Outlook to be closed before you run the tool. Microsoft also advises closing it when troubleshooting startup problems; see Outlook startup troubleshooting.
- Find and open SCANPST.EXE. Microsoft lists
C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16for Outlook 2016 and 2019. ScanPST is installed with Office, but the exact folder can vary by installation. If that folder is missing, search Windows forSCANPST.EXEor check the Office installation. - Select the data file. In the tool, browse to the Outlook data file you want to scan. To see data files listed in Outlook, open File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files. Microsoft’s repair procedure refers to selecting a .pst file.
- Scan the file. Click Start and let the check finish.
- Repair only if errors are reported. If the scan finds errors, click Repair. The tool creates a backup file; you can change its default name or location in the backup prompt.
- Reopen Outlook. Start Outlook using the profile associated with the repaired data file and check whether the affected folders and items are available.
Back up the file and review recovered items
Before repair, make a separate copy of the original data file. Microsoft says the repair process creates a .bak file in the same folder. If you want to check that backup for additional recoverable items, Microsoft describes copying the BAK file, renaming the copy with a .bak.pst extension, and importing it into Outlook. Recovered content may appear in folders named Recovered Personal Folders or Lost and Found. See Microsoft’s instructions for finding items in an Outlook data file.
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Review recovered folders rather than assuming every item was restored: some reconstructed folders may be empty, and items that were permanently deleted or corrupted beyond repair may not be recoverable.
What to do if the repair does not work
If Outlook still has trouble opening the file or folders after a repair, run ScanPST again. Microsoft says, “You may need to run the tool several times in order to repair your Outlook Data File.” Each time, allow the scan and repair to finish, then check the file in Outlook.
If your issue concerns an Exchange mailbox rather than a local data file, ScanPST is the wrong tool: it cannot analyze the server mailbox. For an Exchange offline OST problem, follow the appropriate Outlook recovery route instead of treating it as a PST repair.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does ScanPST work in new Outlook?
ScanPST’s repair steps are for the classic Outlook environment where the Inbox Repair Tool is installed with Office. Microsoft separately says new Outlook can open PST files when classic Outlook is also installed, and both apps must have the same 32-bit or 64-bit architecture. Opening a PST in new Outlook does not mean that new Outlook itself runs ScanPST. See Microsoft’s guidance on opening and closing Outlook data files and Outlook for Windows troubleshooting.
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