Outlook Errors Have Been Detected in the File PST – Fix Error

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Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Modified On July 25th, 2025
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

When you start the Microsoft Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2007, 2007, 2003 and below version. What will you do if encountered an error message stating: Errors have been detected in the file Outlook.pst. Outlook errors may be of several types and its solutions are also in multiple ways. Microsoft Inbox Repair tool (Scanpst.exe) is one of them. We will discuss a few of the Outlook errors that have more probability to be detected on most Outlook users account. Explore manual solutions and steps to resolve all Outlook errors that have been detected by the users:

outlook errors have been detected in the file

Problem: Outlook error prompt – “Errors have been detected in the file Outlook.pst. First I thought that this might be due to misconfiguration of Outlook or due to any other reasons, like plug-ins, Outlook account profile damaged, etc. But later on, I failed after applying all fixes. I have tried inbuilt utility, but failed to solve my issue. I think my PST file is damaged.

Besides some of those errors we have mentioned above, the user may also detect other Microsoft Outlook errors in the PST file.

Microsoft Outlook Errors Have Been Detected in The File PST- When?

These PST file errors can be detected due to various reasons, like:

  1. One of the major reasons is the corrupt PST file. Corruption may occur due to oversized PST files, multiple files saved on the system, or a malicious attack can make them inaccessible, causing Outlook to exit suddenly.
  2. MS Outlook is installed in bad sectors of the hard drive.
  3. Due to Virus or Malware attacks.
  4. Microsoft Outlook stops while receiving and sending emails, or while synchronization, or due to some other reasons.

The Solution for Outlook Detecting PST File Errors

Basically, this blog will discuss the two different solutions to fix this error: Outlook data file errors have been detected in the file. The first one is the manual solution, the Inbox Repair Tool, the inbuilt utility provided by Microsoft. And the second one is a reliable software.

  1. Using the Scanpst.exe
  2. Using SysTools Software

Method 1: Use SysTools Software to Resolve PST File Error

Instant Solution: Microsoft Outlook PST file errors and issues are very common. But resolving them is not always easy for non-technical users. Don’t worry!! Now it is simple and easy to use the free software given below. Download the free demo version of the Outlook PST File Repair Tool and resolve PST file errors.

Download Now Purchase Now

This is an automated solution to repair corrupted PST files without ScanPST with a single click. No matter what the level of corruption, software is quick enough to scan and fix it. Let’s see how to resolve the error i.e., Outlook errors have been detected in the file PST using this algorithm:

  • Step-1: Install & Run the software on your computer. And click on ‘Add file’.
    click on add file button
  • Step-2: Next, select the radio button beside select file, browse the destination.
    browse the pst file that has errors
  • Step-3: Once the PST file is added, click on the radio button beside Advanced Scan option.
    use advance scan mode
  • Step-4: After the process is completed successfully user can preview the recovered data.
    preview emails after scanning the file
  • Step-5: In the Export Options window, choose the PST option & browse the location to save new data, and click on the Export button. The process will start.
    export file to a new pst
  • Step-6: After this, a Live Report will be generated of the complete process. To view the recovered PST file, visit the location PST file was saved.
    outlook error has been detected in the file

Method-2: Using the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe)

Follow steps below to fix ‘Errors have been detected in the file Outlook.pst’ by using the manual tool.

Step-1: Exit Outlook & Start

Close Outlook and then run Scanpst.exe to remove damage from the PST.

Automatically start inbuilt tool

If using Outlook 2013 and later versions, then the user can use the Eazy Fix Wizard automatically.

Now, run the downloaded file and follow the steps within the Wizard. Once done, follow Step 2.

Manually Start ScanPST.exe

To start the Microsoft tool manually, locate ScanPST.exe:

  • Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
  • Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
  • Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
  • Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14

After that, double-click on the Scanpst.exe file.

Step-2: Select Outlook Data file (.PST)

In the Inbox Repair Tool, browse the location and select the PST file. Now, click on the Start button to start fixing Microsoft Outlook errors that have been detected in the file PST.

manual inbuilt tool

Step-3: Start the Repair Process

However, after completion of 8 Phases, click on the Repair button to start fixing the PST file. Next, Open MS Outlook to access the PST file.

outlook data file errors have been detected in the file

Note: To fully resolve errors, the scanpst.exe tool will run several times. The user can wait till the process completes fully.

At the End

This article helps users to find and run the Scanpst.exe for Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 to fix ‘Errors have been detected in the file Outlook’ and discusses an alternate automated solution, i.e., SysTools software, to resolve errors when the manual solution fails.

  author

By Ashwani Tiwari

Being a Chief Technical Analyst, I am aware of the technicalities faced by the user while working with multiple technologies. So, through my blogs and articles, I love to help all the users who face various challenges while dealing with technology.