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How to Repair an Outlook PST File Larger Than 50 GB
Question details
The user needs to safely repair and regain access to a Microsoft Outlook PST data file that has exceeded the 50 GB size limit.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to recover data and restore functionality to a massive PST file that is throwing size-limit or corruption errors.
- Observed behavior
- The PST file becomes completely inaccessible, and Outlook may crash or display error messages regarding file size limits, corruption, or insufficient disk space.
Before attempting any repairs, ensure Microsoft Outlook is completely closed and make a backup copy of your oversized PST file to an external drive or a different folder to prevent permanent data loss during the scanning process.
Repair the File Using the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe)
Use Microsoft's built-in ScanPST.exe utility to scan a copy of your massive PST file and repair internal corruption.
The Inbox Repair Tool is designed to diagnose and repair errors in Outlook data files. For a file larger than 50 GB, this process can take several hours, so it is highly recommended to run this on a fast SSD.
Open File Explorer and navigate to your Microsoft Office installation folder (typically C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16). Search for 'SCANPST.EXE' and double-click to run it.
Click 'Browse' and select the backup copy of your oversized PST file instead of the original.
Click 'Start' to begin the scanning process. The tool will analyze the file for inconsistencies and corruption.
If errors are found, check the box to 'Make backup of scanned file before repairing' (if you haven't backed it up manually), and then click 'Repair'. Wait patiently for the tool to finish.
Compact the PST File to Reduce Size
Once you can successfully open the repaired file in Outlook, you must compact it to permanently purge deleted items and shrink the file size.
Create a New PST and Move Items
To prevent recurring file-size issues, create a fresh Outlook Data File and transfer items in smaller batches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum size limit for an Outlook PST file?
By default, Outlook 2010 and newer versions enforce a strict 50 GB size limit for PST and OST files. Once the file reaches this limit, you will be unable to add or receive new data, and the file may become corrupted or throw errors.
Can I increase the 50 GB size limit in Outlook?
Yes, you can theoretically increase the default size limit by modifying the Windows Registry (specifically the MaxLargeFileSize and WarnLargeFileSize entries). However, doing so is highly discouraged because PST files over 50 GB are extremely prone to severe corruption and performance drops.
Where is ScanPST.exe located on my computer?
The Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) is located in the Microsoft Office installation folder. For Office 365, Outlook 2016, or Outlook 2019 on a 64-bit system, the path is usually C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16.
Why does ScanPST.exe freeze during the repair process?
For files as large as 50 GB, ScanPST.exe requires a massive amount of processing power and time. It is common for the application to temporarily freeze and display 'Not Responding'. Do not close the tool; it is still processing the file in the background.
