Introduction: OST or Offline Storage Table is an offline folder file used by Microsoft Outlook. However, if for any reason MS Outlook is disconnected from the Exchange server, then the scan OST file permits users to work in an offline mode in MS Outlook. One can send new emails, read or delete the already existing emails, etc. As the connection is established again, all changes made to the OST file get updated automatically when synchronized with Exchange Server mailboxes.
However, in some circumstances, a user may encounter an error while accessing the OST file in Microsoft Outlook. It generally occurs if some of the items are deleted accidentally or missing from the Outlook OST file. The main reason behind this is either human mistakes or corruption in the OST file of MS Outlook. Thus, to remove OST file corruption, a user is advised to run the SCANOST.EXE tool on the SCAN OST file in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003.
“I am facing some issues while accessing the OST file in MS Outlook 2013. So, one of my friends suggested I run the OST Integrity Check Tool (SCANOST.EXE) to diagnose the exact issue. However, I was unable to find the scanost.exe Outlook 2013 tool. Therefore, looking for a solution to repair corrupt OST file”.
Methods to SCAN OST File in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007
To repair corrupt OST file Outlook in 2007, one is suggested to use the OST Integrity Check tool i.e.; SCANOST.EXE. However, this in-built application also varies from version to version of Microsoft Outlook. Therefore, in this segment of the post, we have discussed all of them.
In MS Outlook 2007: If a user is using MS Outlook 2007, then one can use scanost.exe of Outlook 2007 to repair corrupt OST files. To do the same follow the steps mentioned below:
Location of SCANOST Outlook 2007:
- For 32-bit Windows OS: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12
- For 64-bit Windows OS: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12
After finding the scanost.exe file, follow the steps given below:
- To begin the repair process, exit the MS Outlook application
- After that, run the scanost.exe file from the local machine
- Then, look for the OST file that is to be repaired and click on Open option
- Now, click on the Begin Scan option and the software starts scanning the file for errors
- Lastly, click on the Repair Errors option to start the repair of Outlook OST files
Drawbacks of SCANOST Outlook 2007 Tool
The major drawback of SCANOST.EXE is that it is not available in MS Outlook 2016, 2013, & 2010. In addition, when it comes to repairing badly damaged OST, the scanost.exe fails.
In Microsoft Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010
Users keep on searching for scanost.exe Outlook 2013 utility to repair corrupt .ost files of Outlook 2013. Therefore, let’s make this very clear that scanost.exe is not available in Outlook 2010 and above versions. However, a user can still repair OST files in Outlook 2016, 2013, and 2010 using the Inbox Repair Tool i.e. scanpst.exe. It works exactly the same as scanost.exe and can be used to remove all types of issues from both the OST and PST files of Outlook.
If a user still faces the same issue, then the main reason will be a highly damaged Outlook data file (.ost). Therefore, in that case, a user can easily switch to OST Recovery Tool. This software repairs any type of corrupted OST file and provides an option to export it to PST format.
Conclusion
Inaccessible OST files can create lots of trouble for the users. And make it difficult for the user to work in an offline mode. Therefore, it becomes really important for users to repair corrupt OST files using scanost.exe in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007. As discussed above scanost.exe is not available in Outlook 2010 and above versions. Therefore, the OST Recovery Tool is suggested to remove all types of corruption from OST files without any loss of data.