.pst file scanned, then corrupted?

[docmassey]

I am still trying to resolve issues between a "new" .pst file and the
one that was created by the previous version of Office. I finally was
able to scan both files, which showed numerous errors and repairs.
However, now that the scans are complete, when I attempt to open
Outlook, I get an error message telling me there's something wrong
with the .pst file, and that I should scan it. Re-scanning the
same .pst file creates the same result...still can't open Outlook
without the error message. What now?

 

[DL]

Scan it again, if it fixes errors, scan it again
Keep scanning untill you get two no error passes

What version of OL is now installed & what was the previous version?
If the previous version was earlier than 2003, what size is the pst?

 

[docmassey]

Scan it again, if it fixes errors, scan it again
Keep scanning untill you get two no error passes

What version of OL is now installed & what was the previous version?
If the previous version was earlier than 2003, what size is the pst?

I have scanned it about 5 times now...still get the same number of
errors and the same message that it's fixed...but still won't let me
open OL. The new version is 07. The previous was Office XP (03).
The file is quite large...not sure how to tell how large, but I know
it has a LOT of archived mail in it.

 

[DL]

Office XP is outlook 2002 in which there is a 2gb size limitation

Use the mail applet in the control panel, in data files examine the settings
of each data file, what does it say for Format?
Then use the open Folder option and examine the size of the data files.

 

[docmassey]

OK..baby steps please...
I went to Control Panel but didn't see anything regarding mail...
Tell me what to click and where, if you would be so kind.

 

[docmassey]

OK...strike that. I found it by using the classic view.

The data files would not open so I could check the format. Each time
I tried, I got an "unknown error occurred" message.
The pst backup appears to be in a "personal folders" file.

the larger of the pst files appears to be 1,400,000KB

 

[DL]

You dont open the data files, you highlight the data file, then click
settings
But having said that if the largest is 1.4gb its not oversize

I would, using the Mail Applet, create a new Profile (not copy), add a new
data file and add your mail accounts. Then test the accounts (You will need
your ISP mail settings)
See if all's ok then

 

[docmassey]

OK...I did as you said and clicked "settings"...still got the same
"unknown error" message.

I have never created a new profile, and I'm unsure how to add a new
data file then add my mail account(s). I know my mail settings...no
problem there. I just need a walk-through on how to go about the
rest.

Thanks for all you've offered so far...

 

[docmassey]

As an update...I copied the .pst file to the desktop...renamed the old
one, tried to open OL again...it gave the error that the .pst could
not be located. I directed it to the copy on the desktop, but it
continued to give the error message that the .pst could not be
located.

What did I do wrong?

 

[DL]

If the data file is corrupted copying it anywhere is not going to get round
that.
Renaming the data file, in the default location will corrupt the Profile

Using the Mail Applet,
Click Show Profiles Btn
Add - name your Profile (Do Not copy)
In the Profile screen
Highlight the Profile youve just created
Select Always use this Profile
In Mail set up
Data Files Btn
Add, select Office Outlook Personal Folders(.pst)
Next screen name your data file (a new name, not one that has been
previously used)
Then In Mail Set up E.Mail Accounts Btn & add the mail accounts

 

[docmassey]

One more question... If my .pst file is corrupted, is it lost forever
or is there some way to restore it? If it's gone forever, all this is
for nothing...isn't it?

 

[DL]

You may have corrupted your Profile in any case so starting with a clean one
is reccomended
Once you have the profile configured & have tested the accounts, open OL it
should be fine
At that point, in OL use File>Open>Data File.....browse to & try to open one
of your old data files.

If it opens & you can access the data copy data (drag & drop) to your new
data file.
If however it errors out then at least you have OL working

 

[docmassey]

Awesome...that makes me feel better. Thanks again for your patience
and detailed explanations. When I get a little free time, I'm going
to do as you've advised and will report the results...