How to Fix “Inbox Repair Tool Does Not Recognize the File” Error in Outlook?

If you see the error “Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool does not recognize the file” when running ScanPST.exe, it means Outlook cannot read your PST/OST data file. This issue often arises due to file corruption, incorrect format, or size limitations. Due to this, you lose access to emails, contacts, and calendar events. In this guide, we explain the common causes of this error and provide various solutions ranging from manual fixes to professional repair tools, so you can quickly restore your Outlook mailbox.

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

Before we jump straight into fixes, let’s take a moment 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• Outdated Tool: You are running an older version of SCANPST.EXE, which is incompatible with your version of Outlook.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.

Top 6 Solutions to Fix “SCANPST Does Not Recognize the File”

• Verify File type & Location
• Update the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe)
• Repair Drive Errors with CHKDSK
• Run ScanPST Manually
• Use Outlook’s Built-In Repair Options
• Using an Expert-Suggested Utility for Reliable Results

We will further explain each solution so you can 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 it is 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 2 GB 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.

4. Does repairing PST with ScanPST delete data?

No, repairing PST with ScanPST will not delete your data, as ScanPST preserves data when attempting to repair it. However, in some cases, your repaired items may move to the “Lost and Found” folder.

5. Why does ScanPST not recognize my PST file?

This usually happens if your file is severely corrupted, has exceeded the supported size limit, is not actually a PST/OST file, or is stored in a problematic location (special characters or a long file path).

Let’s Wrap It Up

The error message “Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool does not recognize the file” is frustrating; however, it is not permanent. You can recover Outlook data by checking file type, updating ScanPST.exe, fixing disk errors, or using Outlook’s built-in repair. For severely corrupted files, you can use professional software (the best expert recommendation is the one mentioned above).

To avoid facing this issue in the future, store your PST files safely, keep them within recommended size limits, and maintain regular backups. With the right approach, you can restore Outlook access and secure your important emails without data loss.