Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool Does Not Recognize the File – Fix It

As far as most users go, the stumbling error message of “Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool does not recognize the file” is not a common phenomenon. However, this generally does shut the user out of emails, contacts and most calendar events. Most would find this rather stressful. Not to worry; this is an excellent guide on how to fix the situation and restore your Outlook data.

The remedy for repair includes, but is not limited to, corrupted PST files and ScanPST.exe which has become unmanageable. Now, here we are with methods to remedy the situation and obtain an Outlook fix for your data!

Why Does the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool Does Not Recognize the File?

Now, instead of jumping straight into fixes, it is worthwhile to understand the root cause of the error. The Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool, SCANPST.EXE, is used to repair corrupted or damaged PST (Personal Storage Table) and OST (Offline Storage Table) files. However, it can fail for a variety of reasons in recognizing your file.

• File Corruption: The PST/OST file is so badly damaged that it cannot be processed by the tool.
• Incorrect File Type: The file with which you are attempting the standard repair is not a valid PST or OST file.
• Size Limitations: The file exceeds the size limit that the tool supports.
• Outdated Tool: You are running an older version of SCANPST.EXE, which is incompatible with your version of Outlook.
• Disk Errors: ScanPST might fail to access the PST file if the drive on which it is stored has bad sectors on it.
• File Path Issues: Special characters appear in the file location or it is too long.

Now that we know what the possible culprits are, let’s see if we can fix the issue.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix “SCANPST Does Not Recognize the File”

Go through the following solutions and choose which is suitable for your situation.

1. Verify the File Type and Location

First, we will verify that the file whose repair we intend to perform is of PST or OST format. Here is the process:

1. Check the physical location of the file to confirm its file extension.
2. If it is not .pst or .ost, then rename the same to the right extension.

Also, check the file path; if too long or contains special characters (like #, %, &), then move the file to a simpler location like C:\PSTFiles and try again.

2. Update the Inbox Repair Tool

Using an obsolete version of SCANPST.EXE can result in issues regarding compatibility. So make sure to update the tool:

1. You should close Outlook and navigate to its SCANPST.EXE file location (by default it will be found in the Office installation directory).
2. Download the latest tool from the official site of Microsoft.
3. Execute the tool you have updated and attempt to repair your file again.

3. Use CHKDSK to Repair Drive Errors

Possible hard disk issues can interfere with Outlook accessing a particular file.

1. Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and hit Enter: chkdsk /f /r
3. Now restart your computer and try running ScanPST again.

4. Run the Inbox Repair Tool Manually

Try manually running ScanPST if Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool does not recognize the file even now:

1. Search your computer for the SCANPST.EXE file. The default installation path is:
   • For 32-bit Outlook: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX
   • For 64-bit Outlook: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX
     (Replace “XX” with the number designating your version of Office.)
2. Then, open up SCANPST.EXE by double-clicking on it.
3. Click Browse to select your PST/OST file.
4. Click Start to begin the scanning process.
5. Click Repair if errors are found.

5. Use Outlook’s Built-In Repair Options

Outlook contains its own features for repairing issues, which sometimes may work without requiring SCANPST.EXE:

1. Launch Outlook. Click File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
2. In the Data Files tab, select the file you want to repair.
3. Click Settings > Compact Now, which shrinks the file and repairs minor issues.

6. Seek Professional Help

Last but not least, if none of the suggested solutions works, you’re probably better off considering seeking the expert services of data recovery professionals. These advanced applications such as SysTools Outlook PST Repair, are capable of retrieving and recovering files that SCANPST.EXE cannot manage due to extreme corruption.

Download Now Purchase Software

The software provides two scan modes to fix the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool does not recognize the file issue. Use the Advanced Scan mode to find and fix heavy corruption in the file.

FAQs About “Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool Does Not Recognize the File” Issue

1. What is the maximum file size supported by SCANPST.EXE?

The Inbox Repair Tool is limited to PST files of only 2GB in size. Any other files larger in size should be split into smaller functional parts.

2. Will I be able to recover data if SCANPST.EXE doesn’t work for me?

If the files are very corrupted, it is possible to recover data using programs from other vendors or with the help of professional data recovery services.

3. Is there an alternative to SCANPST.EXE?

Definitely; there are advanced PST and OST repair utilities, such as the one designed by SysTools.

Final Thoughts

The error message “Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool does not recognize the file” is frustrating; however, it doesn’t mark the end of the road. You can fix the issue using one of the above-mentioned methods and recover Outlook data.

A stitch in time saves nine; backing up the files regularly and following sound file management practices will save you a lot of trouble. Whenever you find yourself unable to fix this issue, just ask an expert for help or try reliable third-party tools.