Top 5 Alternatives to Scanpst for PST File Recovery

Nothing is wrong in saying that the role of Outlook data files (.pst) is crucial in ensuring the seamless functioning of the email client. These portable files act as a personal archive for data backup. Owing to this feature, the Personal Storage Table (PST) files are also referred to as the personal folder. This is because these .pst files store items like email messages, calendar events, and other mailbox data on the local storage. This in turn frees up the space on the mail server, which improves the overall operational efficiency of this email client. Any corruption to these vital files means not only frequent app crash outlook.exe errors but also loss of productive hours.

Outlook users must fix any corruption issue in the .pst files at the earliest. ScanPST.exe is the first aid available to resolve any issue in the .pst file. This built-in utility runs multiple scans to diagnose any issue in the file header and structure. It is best suitable for resolving corruption issues in small files (up to 2 GB). But, if the corruption falls in severe grade, like in the case of a virus attack or when scanning of a relatively large file (more than 2 GB) is involved, this utility (ScanPST) may fail. In such a scenario, we need to take the help of any third-party PST recovery tool. As a thumb rule, always evaluate the severity of corruption and what data files are involved. Read this post to explore the top 5 alternatives to ScanPST for PST file recovery. You can evaluate the pros and cons of each software and pick the best one for your needs.

ScanPST V/s PST Repair Software:

Features Third-Party PST Repair Tool ScanPST
Speed: Quick PST recovery is its main USP. It runs multiple scans. The process includes many passes, which consumes a lot of productive hours.
Large File: Capable of repairing even large-sized .pst files. It is best for repairing files of up to 2 GB. It may struggle to fix an oversized data file.
Formats: Allows saving the repaired file in multiple file formats like EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF. Saves in PST format only.
Preview: Provides an in-depth preview of the converted data. This feature is not available in ScanPST.
Comprehensive Repair: Can solve almost each and every issue. It can’t repair every PST issue or problem, even if the tool detects it.

Top 5 Alternatives to Scanpst for PST File Recovery: 

In this portion of the post, we will unearth the best PST recovery software. Below is the list of top-rated tools:

1. Stellar Repair for Outlook: This tool features a friendly GUI. It is also applauded for its quick repair speed. This software can repair a damaged file of any size. It also offers an option to preview all recoverable mailbox data. It supports MS Office 365, 2021, 2019, 2016, and earlier versions. This converter software is available in three versions: Professional, Technician, and Toolkit.
Pros:
  • A friendly Graphic User Interface (GUI)
  • Offers the previews of the recovered items
  • Enhanced scanning and saving speed
  • Provides the option of selective recovery of mailbox items
  • Capability to repair corrupt .pst files of any size
  • Can repairs password-protected and highly encrypted PST files
  • Can recover deleted emails as well as other mailbox content
  • Saves repaired data in varied formats—PST, MSG, EML, RTF, PDF, and HTML
  • Supports Outlook for Office 365
  • Compatible with Outlook 2021, 2017, 2016, and earlier versions
Cons:
  • The trial version only facilitates the user to scan and preview the recoverable mail items
  • Save option for the repaired items not available in the trial edition
2. Aryson Outlook PST Repair: It is another PST repair software. This tool is available in 3 versions—Standard, Advanced, and Deep—to fix different corruption levels. It can also fix alignment issues in the PST files.
Pros:
  • Repairs corrupted Outlook data files (.pst) 
  • Recovers all the mailbox items
  • Provides the option to export files in different formats like PST, DBX, MSG, EML, and MBOX.
  • Equipped with the search feature to locate/ recover selected mail files
  • Date Range feature to selectively restore files
  • Repairs the file without changing the folder structure
Cons:
  • The interface might be a bit difficult for a non-tech person
  • The software sometimes struggles while fixing large .pst files
3. Shoviv Outlook PST Repair Tool: This PST recover tool can scan and repair all kinds of .pst files. It can fix files damaged duo to a virus attack, power failure, or other causes. It is also compatible with all versions of Microsoft Outlook and Windows.






Pros:
  • Maintains folder hierarchy
  • Restores deleted mail items
  • Repairs password-protected as well as encrypted .pst files
  • Doesn’t change folder properties
  • Perpetual license and lifetime free technical support
Cons:
  • Slow speed, takes a reasonable time to fix .pst files of over 100 MB
  • Unable to split large PST files
  • Demo version allows processing of first 50 items per folder
4. SysTools PST Repair: This tool efficiently can recover the entire mailbox content like email messages, contacts, calendar events, and others. The user can export the repaired .pst files in multiple file formats like PDF, MSG, HTML, and PST. The tool supports multiple languages and is loaded with quick scan mode option.
Pros:
  • Capability to repair multiple .pst files
  • Supports data file of UNICODE and ANSI formats
  • Provides option to eliminate SMIME and OpenPGP encryption from the messages
  • Restores lost or deleted data items
  • Supports all versions of MS Outlook
Cons:
  • It takes a lot of time in repairing a large Outlook data file (.ost)
5. Kernel for Outlook PST Repair: It is another popular tool, which can recover deleted email messages and attachments. The tool quickly repairs even an oversized PST files.

Pros:
  • Can repair even an oversized .pst file
  • Can fix a severely corrupted and encrypted .pst file
  • Can recovers the entire mailbox data 
  • Capability to recover deleted email messages from PST file
  • Saves the repaired PST file in different file formats, such as PST, DBX, PDF, MSG, and Office 365
Cons:
  • Takes ample time in scanning and repairing a large PST file exceeding 1 GB
  • Not compatible with all versions of Microsoft Outlook

Table Highlighting Comparison on the Basis of Core Competencies of the Above Software Tools:

Core Capabilities Stellar Repair for Outlook Aryson Outlook PST Repair Shoviv Outlook PST Repair Tool SysTools PST Repair Kernel for Outlook PST Repair
Capability to repair severely-corrupted Outlook data file (.pst) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ability to repair/restore permanently deleted mailbox content Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ability to recover deleted email messages along with attachments Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Encrypted .pst file repair capability Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Split option Yes No Yes No No
Compact option Yes No No No No
Export to different data file formats Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Preview of recoverable items Yes Yes No Yes No
Selected mailbox content recovery Yes Yes No No Yes
User-friendly interface Yes No No Yes No

Conclusion:

In the above post, we have unearthed 5 different Outlook PST recovery tool. We have explored advantages and disadvantages of each tool. Always conduct a risk evaluation analysis before making any final choice. Read the consumer reviews and evaluate the functionality by downloading the free trial version. Compare the prices as well before making an investment.