Issue:
A Microsoft Outlook mail file can get damaged from an Outlook crash, a Windows "blue screen", or a power outage. Upon opening Outlook, you may see the following:
"The set of folders could not be opened. Errors could have been detected in the file c:\Documents and Settings\<your login id>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst. Quit all mail-enabled applications, and then use the Inbox Repair Tool."
Solution:
If you are using a server-based Exchange mail-file, contact your help desk to repair the mail storage on the server. If you are using a local mail file (e.g. not using Exchange, but probably IMAP or POP), then you can use the directions below.
The repair tool specified in the error message might be able to repair your Outlook PST file. There is no guarantee this will work.
Note: These instructions assume Windows XP SP2 or SP3 and Outlook 2007.
1. Locate your PST file.
OPTION A: Check the default location
1a. Start --> Run
1b. Enter the following path:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
1c. Click <enter> or OK.
1d. Verify you have the Outlook.PST file in the folder.
Notes:
The OUTLOOK.PST file's extension might be hidden depending on your preferences. To verify the extension, right click on the file Outlook and choose Properties. It should say PST or Personal Folders File.
In addition, if someone moved you from an old machine to a new one, the name might not be Outlook.PST either.
If you still don't see it, look at your Outlook account settings. The location of the PST will be specified there, as well.
1e. Make a note where the file is located.
OPTION B: Ask Outlook
1a. Start Outlook.
1b. Select Tools --> Account Settings on the menu.
1c. Select your mail account and take the option to edit settings.
1d. In the settings, you will find a Personal Folders tab.
1e. Note the location specified for your personal folders/PST.
2. Locate and run the repair tool
2a. Open the My Computer window. (either from Desktop or via Start).
2b. Open the C: drive.
(It's name will vary, but generally Outlook is installed on the C drive.)
2c. Open the Program Files folder.
2d. If you see a warning message saying the folder is hidden to protect you, click the option to view the files anyway.
2e. Open the Microsoft Office folder.
2f. Open the Office12 folder.
(2007 is actually version 12 of Office.)
2g. In the Office12 folder, double click (open) the SCANPST.EXE file.
(The file will have a ripped envelope icon. It may not display the extension, look at the properties of the file to confirm the name.)
2h. In the Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 tool window. Click the Browse... button.
2i. Navigate to the location where your OUTLOOK.PST file was found and select the file to return to the repair tool's window.
2j. Click the Start button and wait. There are 8 "phases" of it's error checking and repair. For uses with large mail files and/or lots of folders, this will take a while.
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