Scanpst.exe can be a utility utilized to correct MS Outlook PST files. Scanpst can partially fix internal PST file database issues but in many cases you will have to try a alternative party Scanpst.exe tool.
It's possible to split PST mailboxes into different files located locally or on the network driver. The problem is that although a network driver might appear as a local drive (drive mapping) network drive not supplies the same performance like a local one (i.e. C drive). Therefore Outlook may face problems to make contact with the PST file located on the network server understanding that may lead ultimately to corrupt PST file which demand a repair with scanpst.exe
If such a failure happens, you'll be able to restore your PST file mailbox first with backup software which is daily backup in your network storage. However, considering that the mailbox data could have some crucial business data you could do not want to lose a good single day of work.
If restoring the mailbox data situated in your inaccessible PST file is a must, you can look at and make use of the Scanpst.exe utility. Scanpst.exe location is at your Outlook installation folder (Some think it's under the default installation folder i.e. c:\program files). If you cannot think it is the very best is merely to run 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."
(you can replace the letter F with your own network drive letter).
Reason for the PST error:
The above error suggests that Outlook cannot see the PST database since it is corrupt. The file doesn't need valid database structure. Another possible cause is you just do not have network link with the PST file. In that case it is very simple to solve it and just call your network administrator to fix it.
Please take into account that Outlook PST database file was not built to work with slow connections for example network drives. Most of the time the link 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 a very limited solution. Oftentimes it fails but since this is a free tool you best run it first but remember, first rule before starting a process of recovery is usually backup. You wouldn't want to damage the file even more compared to the current state of it. So please produce a copy of the PST file and let scanpst.exe make an effort to fix the copy only.