Fixing Outlook PST File Errors by Running Scanpst.exe

You may encounter the following error message when trying to archive emails in Microsoft Outlook:

Error while archiving folder “Deleted Items” in store “Personal Folders”. Errors have been detected in the file C:\Users\johnsmith\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\archive.pst. Quit Outlook and all mail-enabled applications, and then use the Inbox repair tool (Scanpst.exe) to diagnose and repair errors in the file.

Additionally, you may experience the following issues:

• Emails replaying (receiving the same emails repeatedly)
• Junk emails appearing in large volumes

Solution – Run the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe)

The Inbox Repair Tool can fix errors in your PST file.

1. Close Outlook and all mail-related applications.
2. Locate Scanpst.exe:
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to one of the following locations based on your Outlook version:
     • Outlook 2019/2016/Office 365:
       C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\
     • Outlook 2013:
       C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office15\
3. Double click Scanpst.exe to run it.
4. Click Browse, select the corrupted PST file shown in the erorr code. For example (\Users\johnsmith\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\archive.pst), and click Start.
5. If errors are found, click Repair.
6. Once completed, restart Outlook and check your email again.

Following these steps should resolve PST file errors and stop repeated emails. If issues persist, consider creating a new Outlook profile, removing and re-adding your email address in Outlook or restoring your PC from your backup.

External Help Articles

How to repair your Outlook personal folder file .pst – Microsoft Support