Scanpst.exe is really a utility accustomed to correct MS Outlook PST files. Scanpst can partially fix internal PST file database issues but in many cases you'll have to try a third party Scanpst.exe tool.
It's possible to split PST mailboxes into different files located locally or on a network driver. However , although a network driver might appear like a local drive (drive mapping) network drive not provides the same performance like a local one (i.e. C drive). Therefore Outlook may face problems to contact the PST file located on the network server which often leads sooner or later to corrupt PST file which need a repair with scanpst.exe
Scanpst.exe
If such a failure happens, it's possible to reinstate your PST file mailbox first with backup software which is daily backup inside your network storage. However, since the mailbox data might have some crucial business data you may don't want to lose a single day at work.
If restoring the mailbox data located in your inaccessible PST file is a must, you can try and make use of the Scanpst.exe utility. Scanpst.exe location is within your Outlook installation folder (It may seem underneath the default installation folder i.e. c:\program files). If you cannot think it is the very best is simply to operate the search program in order to find the scanpst.exe directly.
Typical PST errors:
"The file F:\archive.pst isn't a personal folders file."
(it is possible to replace the letter F with your personal network drive letter).
Cause for the PST error:
The aforementioned error shows that Outlook cannot see the PST database because it's corrupt. The file doesn't need valid database structure. Another possible cause is you just do not have access to network link with the PST file. In that case it is very an easy task to solve it and simply call your network administrator to repair it.
Please take into consideration that Outlook PST database file had not been designed to assist slow connections for example network drives. Most of the time the connection is slowing during saving data or file closing which in several times cause data lose and PST file corruption.
Can Scanpst.exe solve it?
Scanpst.exe is definitely a limited solution. Most of the time it fails but since it's a free tool you best run it first but don't forget, first rule before beginning a process of recovery is always backup. You would not like to damage the file a lot more compared to the current state of it. So please develop a copy of one's PST file and let scanpst.exe make an effort to fix the copy only.
