Outlook PST files are the local database that store all the email messages, contact records, appointments, calendar events, alarms, schedules, shared items, journal entries and other mailbox information. The default location of Outlook.pst file or the Personal Folder File is C:\Documents and Settings\User_id\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst. PST files support either the ANSI character format or the UNICODE character format depending on the version of MS Outlook used. This in turn determines the size of the PST files. Now PST files may get corrupt or damaged because of different reasons such as reinstalling Windows OS, software or hard ware malfunction, virus attack, spyware interference, header corruption, increase in the file size or unexpected system shutdown.

Corrupt PST files can be fixed using the free utility offered by Microsoft called the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe). The software program Scanpst.exe is included in every version of MS Outlook. This repair program is usually a hidden file and is by default located in the Program File Folder with the following path: C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033. This single-file executable program is however not very efficient in repairing severe PST damage. Scan PST program is capable of resolving only the header corruption issues and minor errors. In order to recover the entire data from the corrupt PST files, a tool that is much more efficient and reliable than scanpst.exe is required.

Third party tools are a better option for repairing damaged PST files and recovering all the important data like emails and mailbox items. A good example is Recoveryfix for Outlook PST Repair Tool, which is built on advanced technology and repairs corrupt PST files within seconds. The data recovered is accurate with no alteration in their properties, data structure or formatting. The software uses an advanced computing algorithm to scan PST files for lost or inaccessible emails and generates a detailed list of the recoverable items. There are effective scanning modes available to thoroughly scan PST files and repair the damaged ones. Third party software are capable of resolving even the major errors associated with PST corruption that cannot be solved using scanpst.exe program. Broken or password protected PST files can also be easily repaired and every single data can be recovered.