Outlook 2007 - Data File Problem - Take Two
Tuesday I blogged about my possible solution for the dreaded: "A data file did not close properly the last time it was used and is being checked for problems."
Well, yesterday it started happening again. So, I did some more research.. When Outlook SAYS it's checking the file for errors... It never:
- Tells you if there were errors
- Fixes the mysterious errors
In older versions of Outlook there was a program called SCANPST.EXE that would.. Scan your PST for errors and, if it found errors, would attempt to fix them. Well it appears that they have included the utility with Office 2007 as well.
You can find the "scanpst.exe" file here:
driveLetter:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12
To run the file... find it.. double click it...
Click the browse button to find your PST file.
Select the file. You will be returned to the main screen of the utility. Click "Start". It will then scan the PST for errors. If it finds any... And good chance with this data file problem it will, It will tell you.. Ask to make a back-up of the PST then tell you to click "Repair".
This utility also creates a log file in the same folder as the PST.. Open the log and check the errors. Then run the utility again. Lather, rinse, repeat. Do this until the utility does not find any errors. I had to run mine three times.
Outlook is running quite well for me now... Here's hoping this is the end of that pesky message.
**UPDATE**:
5/18/07|5:30pm: I have gone a whole day without getting the "data file error" It seems this may have done the trick!
I went a'searching for my scanpst.exe file. I am using office 2003, here is where mine was located:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033
D.
D.
So, I would still use the "scanpst.exe" to work with your pst. As long as you can navigate to the "PST" from the browse link, it should work fine.
I ran scanpst.exe on one of my archive .PST files, and it repaired errors and on the second scan found no errors.
However, I'm on my 13th scan of my main .PST, Outlook.pst. Still finding errors. I discovered that I needed to close, open Outlook and close, reopen scanpst.exe for each round of scans.
Is there any way to tell whether I'm making progress? If not, what is a good next step to try?
I've also restarted several times. Should I just move on and give up trying to get an error free file? Or would it be best to move my data to a new file?
If moving, can you point me to instructions to do this?
I just migrated from XP Outlook 2003 to Vista Outlook 2007 and had quite a time getting my iPhone to sync properly. Since then I've been trying to run down this "data file did not close properly.." error message.
to see if that could be my problem. I have removed and re-installed my
microsoft office - still have the same problem. I can't click on the task menu either.
What to do? Please assist. Tim
Thanks!
Jeremy
Tremendous improvement. Thanks!
Thank you for the guidance.