Scanost.exe to Fix Corrupt OST File: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated On - November 12, 2023 by Henry Bray | Reading Time: 5 minutes

If you rely on Microsoft Outlook to manage your emails, you might encounter issues with your OST (Offline Storage Table) files at some point. OST files can become corrupted due to various reasons, resulting in an inability to access your important data. However, fear not, as there are solutions available to fix these OST file issues. One such solution is the Scanost.exe tool provided by Microsoft. In this blog, we will explore why OST files get corrupted, how to use Scanost.exe to fix corrupt OST files, and also introduce an alternative professional tool for OST file repair.

Reasons Why OST Files Get Corrupt and Need Repair

OST files can become corrupt due to several factors, below I’ve mentioned a few of them:

• Synchronization Errors: Abrupt termination of Outlook while synchronizing with Exchange Server can lead to corruption in OST files.
• Network Issues: Unstable network connections during synchronization can also cause OST file corruption.
• Hardware Failures: Sudden power outages or hardware failures while accessing OST files may result in corruption.
• Virus or Malware Attacks: Malicious software can damage OST files and render them inaccessible.
• Oversized OST Files: Large OST files are more prone to corruption, especially when the mailbox is close to its size limit.

How to Fix OST File Issues?

To repair corrupt OST files, you can follow these common troubleshooting steps:

• Close Outlook Properly: Ensure that Outlook is closed correctly to avoid potential synchronization issues.
• Check Network Connectivity: Verify that your internet connection is stable and reliable while working with OST files.
• Run Outlook in Safe Mode: Running Outlook in safe mode can help isolate and resolve issues caused by add-ins or extensions.
• OST Integrity Check: Microsoft provides a built-in tool called Scanost.exe (Offline Folder File Integrity Check Tool) to fix OST file issues.

About Scanost.exe Tool

Scanost.exe is a free utility provided by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft Office Outlook application. It is designed to repair minor corruption in OST files and resolve synchronization issues between the local OST file and the Exchange Server.

How to Use Scanost.exe to Fix Corrupt OST File?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on using Scanost.exe to repair corrupt OST files:

• Ensure that Outlook is closed before running Scanost.exe.
• Now locate the Scanost.exe tool. It is typically located in the following directory:

  C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX

• Double-click on the Scanost.exe file to launch the tool.
• The tool will prompt you to select the OST file you wish to scan and repair.
• Click on the “Begin Scan” button to initiate the scanning process.

• If the tool detects any issues with the OST file, it will attempt to repair them automatically.
• After the scan is complete, review the results to check if any issues have been fixed.
• After successful repair, restart Outlook and check if the OST file is functioning correctly.

Advantages of Scanost.exe

• The free utility provided by Microsoft.
• Built-in tool, no need to download or install separately.
• Easy-to-use interface with a step-by-step process.

Disadvantages of Scanost.exe

• Limited capabilities: Scanost.exe can only fix minor issues and might fail to repair severe corruption.
• Prone to data loss: During the repair process, some data might be lost or become unrecoverable.
• Repeated tasks: With the scanost.exe tool, you cannot process multiple OST files in a single process. Hence, if you have several OST files to repair you have the repeat the same process again and again.
• OST File size restriction: Scanost.exe tool is a native solution offered by Microsoft. However, the software is restricted by the OST file size; you cannot repair OST files larger than 2GB.
• Cannot use repair OST file another Outlook profile: If you’re a bit techy you might know that you cannot use the OST file with a different Outlook profile. Hence if you don’t original Outlook profile of the repaired OST file you cannot access them.

Use Professional OST Recovery tool if Scanost.exe does not work

When dealing with severe OST file corruption, it’s advisable to consider a professional OST repair tool like Regain OST Repair Tool. This software offers more advanced features and a higher success rate in recovering data from corrupt OST files.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $39

Software features and benefits

• Comprehensive Recovery: Regain OST Repair Tool can efficiently recover emails, contacts, calendars, attachments, and other data from severely corrupt OST files.
• User-Friendly Interface: To use the software, you don’t need any technical expertise. The software provides a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users of all levels to repair OST files.
• Selective Recovery: Once you add the OST file to the software, it displays a preview of added OST files. Users can selectively choose the items they want to recover from the OST file.
• Support for Large OST Files: We have coded the software with an advanced algorithm. The tool doesn’t have any size or number restrictions and can handle large and multiple OST files without compromising the recovery process.
• Compatibility: Regain OST Repair Tool is compatible with all major versions of Microsoft Outlook as well as Windows Operating systems.

Easy-peasy Steps to Repair OST File using Regain Software

• Install and open Regain OST Recovery software in your system.
• Now add the Outlook OST file you want to repair.
• Display Preview of repair OST emails.
• Once the OST file is repaired, Browse Destination Location and Select the Export option.
• Now, the software will save your OST file into your selected  file format.

Conclusion

When dealing with OST file corruption, you can take the help of Scanost.exe to fix Corrupt OST Files. The built-in Scanost.exe tool can be a convenient option for resolving minor issues. However, for more severe corruption, a professional tool like “Regain OST Repair Tool” provides a comprehensive and efficient solution. Remember to take preventive measures to avoid OST file corruption, such as maintaining stable network connections and regularly backing up your important data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can Scanost.exe repair all types of OST file corruption?

Ans. Scanost.exe tool can fix minor OST file issues and synchronization errors but may not be effective for severe corruption.

Q2. Is Regain OST Repair Tool compatible with the latest version of Microsoft Outlook?

Ans. Yes, Regain OST Repair Tool is compatible with all major versions of Microsoft Outlook as well as Windows Operating systems. It can fix all OST errors where Scanost.exe tool does not work.

Q3. How to avoid OST file corruption in the future?

Ans. Regularly back up your OST files and ensure stable network connections during synchronization to minimize the risk of corruption.

Q4. Can I evaluate the software skills and working process before purchasing the tool?

Ans. Yes, we provide a free version of the tool so you can examine the software by yourself before making any investment in the tool.