Overview Transcript

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If Outlook can't open a data file, or you get an error saying the file is corrupt, something could be wrong with the file itself. Try running the Inbox repair tool.

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If Outlook can't open a data file, it could be because there is something wrong with the file itself. If that happens, or you get an error telling you the file is corrupt, you can try running the Inbox repair tool.

First, close Outlook. Then locate the tool on your computer. An easy way to do that is to open the File Explorer window, click the Search box, and type Scanpst.

Then in the results double-click SCANPST.EXE to open the tool, click Browse, and locate the file.

Make sure you select an Outlook Data File. Look for files with a .pst extension.

When you find it click Open.

Then click Start.

And, the tool scans the file for errors and inconsistencies. Keep in mind that if you have a large file with a lot of errors, it could take a while.

When the tool finishes scanning, you get the results.

In this case, errors were found.

Now you can click Repair.

But, before you do, it is a good idea to check Make backup of scanned file before repairing in case something happens during the repair process.

Now click Repair.

If the tool is able to repair the file, you will get a message like this.

Now, you can open Outlook and open the data file.

If the tool can't fix the problem, you can check online for a third party repair tool. By the way there is another type of Outlook Data File within ost extension that stores offline data.

You can use the tool to repair this type of file too, or you can simply locate the file and delete it.

When you reopen Outlook, the app will automatically download new data from the mail server and rebuild the file.

For more information about archiving and backing up in the Inbox repair tool, check out the links in the Course Summary.