Microsoft does not address the Not Responding message on its Inbox Repair Tool page. Safe steps are on that page though. Close Outlook, backup the PST file, scan again and repeat the scan when errors remain. Recover more items from the .bak file or move items into a new data file.
Scanpst starts, the window goes gray and the title bar says Not Responding. Many people close the tool at that point and risk the PST file.
Facts follow Microsoft Support on repairing Outlook data files.
What Microsoft States About the Freeze?
Microsoft does not mention the Not Responding message anywhere on its repair page. Microsoft states you can need several scans and some items cannot be recovered. Treat the freeze as unexplained and protect your data first.
How to Prepare Before Scanning Again?
- Close Outlook completely.
- Copy the PST file to another folder. Microsoft recommends a backup before every repair.
- Find the file path under File, Account Settings, Account Settings and Data Files.
How do You Scan the PST File Again?
Start SCANPST.EXE, select Browse, choose the PST file and select Start. Select Repair when the tool finds errors. Full Inbox Repair Tool steps follow the same order.
How do You Recover More Items?
- Use the .bak file. Repair creates a backup file. Copy it, rename it to end in
.bak.pstand import it with the Import and Export Wizard. - Use a new data file. Create a new Outlook Data File, move items from the Lost and Found folder into it and remove the Recovered Personal Folders file.
- Use OST rules. For Exchange accounts you can delete the offline OST file. Outlook creates it again at the next start.
Related reading: why an Outlook data file does not compact and how to find a missing PST file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Scanpst Not Responding?
Microsoft does not state a reason. Its repair page does not mention the message.
Should I Close Scanpst When It Freezes?
Backup the PST file first. Then scan the copy again if the original remains damaged.
Can I Scan More Than Once?
Yes. Microsoft states you can need several scans.
How do I Recover Items Scanpst Missed?
Rename the .bak file to end in .bak.pst and import it.
Do I Repair an OST File?
No. For Exchange accounts you can delete the OST file and Outlook creates it again.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft does not address the Scanpst Not Responding message.
- Backup the PST file before every scan.
- Several scans can be needed to repair a PST file.
- The .bak file can recover more items.
- Exchange OST files can be deleted and created again.
Sources and References
Facts follow Microsoft Support.
- Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com