Can I repair a corrupt PST file of 45GB using SCANPST.exe/Inbox Repair Tool? Will it be able to handle it?

Question

Greetings folks.

I have a backup PST file of just over 45GB and it has gone corrupt and inaccessible. I need the mailbox data in the file urgently and wanted to confirm whether the Inbox Repair Tool will be able to take on such a large file or not? Everywhere I search on the internet, they say that it can only handle files up to 2 GB, which is kind of unbelievable. Please clarify this.

Answer 1

Hello Sharma,

Thank you for reaching out regarding the issue you're facing with a corrupt PST file that's over 45GB in size.

I understand the urgency of retrieving your mailbox data.You're looking to confirm whether the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST) can handle a file of this size, as many sources mention a limitation of 2GB, which raises concerns.The confusion you're encountering stems from older limitations that applied to ANSI PST files, which indeed had a 2GB size cap. However, modern Outlook versions (using Unicode PST files) support significantly larger files, with a theoretical size limit of 50GB. While ScanPST can be run on these larger PST files, it's important to note that it may struggle with files nearing this upper limit, particularly if the corruption is extensive.

Your concern is valid, as many users have encountered issues with large PST files. TheInbox Repair Toolis primarily designed to repair minor corruption in PST files, but it has significant limitations:

• Size Limitation: The Inbox Repair Tool is generally recommended for PST files that are 2 GB or smaller. If your PST file exceeds this size, especially at 45 GB, the tool may not function effectively and could even fail to respond during the repair process.
• Corruption Severity: Even if the file were under 2 GB, if it is severely corrupted, the Inbox Repair Tool might not be able to repair it. In such cases, using specialized software is advisable.

Given these limitations, I recommend considering alternative solutions:

Run the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST)

The Inbox Repair Tool is a built-in utility provided by Microsoft to repair corrupted PST files.

• Locate ScanPST.exe
• For Outlook 2016 and later, you can find it at:
  C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX
  (Replace XX with the version number for your Office installation, such as 16 for Office 2016).
• Double-click ScanPST.exe to launch it.
• Click Browse and select your corrupt PST file (the 45GB file).
• Once the file is loaded, click Start. The tool will analyze the file and detect issues.
• If errors are found, click Repair. The repair process may take a while due to the size of your file.
• Once completed, open Outlook and attempt to load the PST file.
• If the repair was successful, the PST should be accessible. Check for any missing or damaged items.

Use Specialized PST Repair Software

Choose a Reliable PST Repair Tool:

• Consider tools like *commercial software names removed*. These tools are specifically designed to handle large and severely corrupted PST files without size limitations.
• These tools offer advanced recovery algorithms and are capable of handling larger files more efficiently than the Inbox Repair Tool.

Download and Install the Software:

• Visit the official website of the chosen software and download it.
• Follow the installation instructions provided.

Repair Your PST File

• Open theinstalled PST repair tool.
• Use the **"Browse"**option to locate your 45GB PST file.
• Confirm that you have selected the correct file.
• Click on the "Repair" button to start the recovery process.
• Depending on the severity of corruption, this may take some time.
• Once the repair is complete, most tools allow you to preview the recovered items before saving them.
• Choose a location to save the repaired PST file.
• Ensure that you maintain a backup of your original corrupt file in case further recovery attempts are needed.

Import Repaired PST into Outlook

• Start Outlook and create a new profile if necessary.
• Go toFile > Open & Export > Import/Export.
• Select Import from another program or file, then chooseOutlook Data File (.pst).
• Browse to select your repaired PST file and follow prompts to complete the import process.
• Check your inbox and other folders to ensure all necessary data has been recovered successfully.

Alternative Approaches if ScanPST Fails

If the PST file is too large for ScanPST or if the repair fails, you can try these alternatives:

Split the PST File

Splitting the large PST file into smaller chunks can make it easier to manage and repair. Since Outlook doesn’t offer an official way to split PST files, you’ll need to use a third-party tool for this. Popular tools for splitting large PST files include: *commercial software names removed*

These tools allow you to divide the PST file based on size, date, or folder structure. Once split, you can attempt to repair each smaller file individually using ScanPST.

Adjust Outlook File Size Limit (Optional)

In some cases, increasing the default PST size limit in Outlook might help avoid further issues:

• Open Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Start menu.
• Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\XX.0\Outlook\PST (Replace XX with the version number of Outlook, e.g., 16.0 for Outlook 2016).
• Create or modify two DWORD values:
  • MaxFileSize (in megabytes, e.g., 100GB = 102400).
  • WarnFileSize (slightly lower, e.g., 95GB = 97280).
• Restart Outlook to apply the changes.

NOTE

• Regularly compact your PST files and monitor their size.
• Consider splitting large PST files into smaller, manageable sizes to avoid future corruption.
• Recover from Backup (if available):If none of the above methods work, try restoring from an earlier backup if you have one available. This could save you from extensive recovery efforts.

By following these steps, you should be able to recover your mailbox data from the corrupt PST file effectively. If you encounter any issues during this process, feel free to reach out for further assistance!

Please understand that our initial response may not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

Appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for your time and cooperation. Have a great day!

Let me know how it goes! Thank you for being part of the Microsoft Community.

Sincerely,

Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

Thanks, Eleni, for such a detailed overview of the issue. I have understood it thoroughly and I'll handle my file according to that. Kudos!

Answer 3

Hey Eleni. Just wanted to give you an update on the issue and thank you for saving my day.

I tried using SCANPST.exe for my PST file but it was taking a lot of time. Since the PST file was too large and I needed the data urgently, I was forced to try other options.
As recommended by you, I browsed the Stellar website and found Stellar Repair for PST, which also had the split feature. It repaired my file, gave me a preview of my data post-repair and also split the file into two towards the end. I now have the access to my mailbox data.

Thanks for helping me out. Thumbs up for your support. :)

Answer 4

Hi Shivom I have embarked on the exact same problem as your one, coincidentally (?) with the annual renewal of my Microsoft Subscription. My pst size is 13GB so also greater than the 2GB limit. I have tried everything my end then spent a couple of hours with a Microsoft support person trying to resolve the issue unsuccessfully. Its now been escalated but they are not available for nearly a week. I think I will need to also purchase Stellar - so wondering how easy this is to use? I have basic-intermediate IT skills. Thank you

Answer 5

Hi RockPool 555

I'd mention one important thing first. As Eleni had recommended the tools, I was confident they would solve the problem, but it's important to choose the right tool first. I made the mistake of buying a splitter in haste and then realized it couldn't repair the file. So, I had to buy Stellar's Outlook PST repair tool separately. Don't make that mistake and remember to buy the utility that could repair it and then split the file as well.

Now, to answer your question about the usage, it was pretty basic, honestly. It will guide you itself. I don't think you require any kinda technical knowledge to run it. You'll sail through without a storm. However, it's a bit on the expensive side. I'd suggest you download their free version first and try it out. It gives you a preview of your data. That's what I did. If you think all's well, only then put in your money.
Hope it works for you!
Also, Happy 2025.