Inbox Repair Tool not responding means a large file is still scanning or the repair hung. Five fixes wait for the repair, scan a local copy, open SCANPST as administrator from the Office folder, import the bak file or use PST repair software. User tests report about 8 hours for a 32 GB file and Microsoft does not support a PST file on a network location. Backup the file and scan a copy first.
Inbox Repair Tool not responding is the message you see when the SCANPST window freezes during a scan or a repair. Large files make the window look dead while the tool works.
Microsoft's article on repairing Outlook Data Files lists the steps for the tool but gives no repair time.
This guide explains five fixes for a hung scan or a hung repair.
Why is the Inbox Repair Tool Not Responding?
Five causes show up in Microsoft's article:
- Large files need hours. Phase 8 takes a long time and the program can seem unresponsive. 32 GB file needs about 8 hours.
- Repair button hangs after the scan. A 7 GB file can show Not Responding on Repair and finish after about 40 minutes.
- Network locations cause trouble. Microsoft does not support a PST file on a network location and it can cause corruption.
- Outlook is open. Close Outlook while the tool works.
- Exchange accounts fall outside the scan. Microsoft's article says the tool has no link to an Exchange mailbox and does not analyze its data.
Large files take hours. 15 GB file needs about 2 hours.
What Does Your Not Responding Screen Mean?
Find the row that fits your screen:
| What You See | What It Means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not Responding in phase 8 | Large file at work | Method #1 |
| Not Responding on a network file | Unsupported location | Method #2 |
| Tool cannot start or find the file | Wrong folder or rights | Method #3 |
| Repair ends with missing mail | Mail sits in the bak file | Method #4 |
| Every scan hangs | Severe damage | Method #5 |
5 Ways to Fix the Inbox Repair Tool Not Responding
Four fixes use Outlook and Windows tools. Method 5 adds repair software:
| Fix | Limit |
|---|---|
| Wait for the Repair | Takes hours for big files |
| Local Copy Scan | Needs disk space |
| Administrator Start | Version paths differ |
| Bak File Import | Mail can be partial |
| PST Repair Software | Free demo is limited |
Method #1: Wait for the Repair to Finish (Free)
Large files need hours and the window can look frozen. Four steps give the tool time:
- Close Outlook and confirm that no Outlook entry remains in Task Manager.
- Start the scan and wait for phase 8.
- Do not close the window when it shows Not Responding.
- Wait for the success message.
Note: User tests report about 40 minutes for 7 GB, about 2 hours for 15 GB and about 8 hours for 32 GB. Microsoft gives no figure. Test on a copy first.
Method #2: Repair a Copy of the File From a Local Folder (Free)
Microsoft's article recommends a backup before the repair. Microsoft does not support a network location. Five steps scan the local copy:
- Close Outlook fully.
- Move a copy of the PST file from the network location or the external disk into a local folder on the C disk.
- Open SCANPST.EXE and press Browse.
- Choose the local copy and press Start.
- Press Repair if the scan reports errors.
Note: Microsoft's article says the repair creates a bak file next to the original by default.
Method #3: Open the Tool as Administrator From the Right Folder (Free)
Windows search does not list SCANPST.EXE in the Start menu. SCANPST.EXE sits in the Office installation folders. Six steps open it:
- Close Outlook.
- Open the folder for your version. For Outlook 2016 and 2019 Microsoft's article names
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16. - Right click SCANPST.EXE and open it as administrator.
- Choose the PST file after you press Browse.
- Tick Make backup of scanned file before repairing.
- Press Start and then Repair.
Note: Microsoft 365, Outlook 2019 and Outlook 2021 use the Office16 root folder under Program Files. Repeat the scan two or three times.
Method #4: Import the Bak File Into Outlook (Free)
Microsoft's article says a repair creates a bak file with the original data. Five steps open that mail:
- Open the folder that contains the PST file.
- Copy the bak file that has the same name.
- Rename the copy so it ends in bak.pst.
- Click File in Outlook then Open & Export and Import/Export.
- Follow the Import and Export Wizard to import the renamed copy.
Note: Microsoft's article says the repair can create Recovered Personal Folders plus a Lost and Found folder. Some folders are empty.
Method #5: Use EmailDoctor Outlook PST Repair Tool When Every Scan Hangs (Demo Limit Applies)
Repair software scans a damaged file without SCANPST. EmailDoctor Outlook PST Repair Tool scans ANSI and UNICODE PST files and previews the folders before the export. Scan a copy only.
Add the Damaged PST File
Two steps bring in the PST file:
- Open the installed repair software.
- Click Add File and browse to your PST copy.
Scan the File and Export the Mail
Two more steps save the mail:
- Select Quick Scan or Advanced Scan and confirm. Use the second option when the first scan finds little.
- Check the folders in the preview and click Export. Choose PST as the format and set a destination.
Note: EmailDoctor software limits the free trial to 25 items in every folder. Buying a license removes the limitation. PST export needs Outlook installed.
Does the Hang Continue After the Fix?
Compare the outcome with the table:
| Outcome | Meaning | Move |
|---|---|---|
| Network file still hangs | Location problem | Method #2 |
| Tool is missing | Wrong folder | Method #3 |
| Mail is missing after the repair | Mail is in the bak file | Method #4 |
| Repair hangs again | Severe damage | Method #5 |
| Success message after a long wait | Repair worked | Open the file in Outlook |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Inbox Repair Tool Take?
Microsoft's article gives no time. User tests report about 40 minutes for 7 GB, about 2 hours for 15 GB and about 8 hours for 32 GB.
Is the Inbox Repair Tool Not Responding or Still Working?
Wait first. Phase 8 takes a long time and the program can seem unresponsive.
Where is SCANPST.EXE Located?
Method #3 lists the Outlook 2016 and 2019 folder from Microsoft's article. Other versions use another path.
Does the Trial Version of EmailDoctor Software Export Every Folder?
No. The demo version of the software exports 25 items in every folder. Buying a license removes the limitation.
Can the Inbox Repair Tool Repair an Exchange Mailbox?
No. According to Microsoft, the tool has no link to an Exchange mailbox. Delete the OST file and Outlook builds a new one at the next start.
Can I Repair a PST File From a Shared Location?
Use a local copy. Microsoft does not support a PST file on a network location.
How Many Times Can I Scan Again?
Scan again until no errors appear. Microsoft's article says one pass does not always fix every error.
Author’s Verdict
Inbox Repair Tool not responding is a wait for a large file in most cases. Close Outlook first and give the tool hours before you end it.
Move the file to a local folder when it sits on a network location. Open the tool as administrator from the Office folder when it will not start.
Use repair software when every scan hangs. Scan a copy of the file and retain the original until the new file opens correctly.
- Large PST files give the Inbox Repair Tool hours of work while the window shows Not Responding.
- Close Outlook and repair a local copy.
- Open SCANPST as administrator from the Office folder.
- Import the bak file when mail is missing.
- Repair software scans a file that hangs again and again.
Next Read: Outlook Not Displaying Email Content
Also Read: What is Inbox Repair Tool SCANPST.EXE | What to do When SCANPST Does Not Work
