The ScanPST tool is typically used to repair a corrupted Outlook PST file. However, in some cases, it might not work as desired and throw up the fatal error 80040818. In this article, we will ascertain why this might happen and offer you five solutions to resolve the issue.
The MS Outlook application hardly requires an introduction for most professionals. Companies across the world from some of the largest corporations to even small businesses rely on this class-leading mail client to meet their business communication needs. Many businesses expand the use of Outlook to even facilitate collaborative working and even undertake marketing outreach using relevant plug-ins. Additionally, for many small businesses and individuals, the application serves as the repository of their business interactions including client data and important appointments.
However, no software can be perfect and Outlook also suffers from occasional issues like corrupted PST data files. Typically when a user encounters such a corrupted PST data file, he relies upon the ScanPST tool, which comes bundled with the MS Office application to repair the compromised files. Surprisingly, in some cases, it simply stops the recovery process and shows a Fatal Error 80040818.
Key Causes Behind Fatal Error 80040818 Cropping Up
The success of ScanPST in recovering corrupted files is debatable with a lot of users complaining about the inability of the software to negotiate incidents of Outlook corruption. Some of these situations, where Fatal Error 80040818 can show up, may involve a PST file that has grown extensively bloated or includes disparate datatypes. Also if the extent of underlying corruption is debilitating, this error can too prop up, when you run ScanPST to tackle it.
To deal with such scenarios, we have listed below five possible solutions for you to try out.
#1. Try Reducing the Size of the PST File
If the PST file you are trying to recover using the ScanPST tool is rather large in size, say anything above 2GB it might get throw up the fatal error message. This scenario is more likely if you are using an older version of Outlook like the 2002 iteration or before. To eradicate the error, we suggest you delete unnecessary emails and other data elements present in the PST file before running the PST file. However, you would only be able to exercise this option if you are able to open the PST file in Outlook.
#2. Run a Powerful Data Recovery Tool Designed to Deal with Corrupted Outlook Files
If you are dealing with an incident of Outlook corruption, where valuable data is involved or the extent of corruption is substantive, you should immediately try out a specialized recovery tool like DataNumen Outlook Repair. This fabulous application can handle nearly every variety of PST corruption and get back the compromised data within minutes. It is hardly held back by the size of the corrupted PST file or where it might be located. In fact, it extracts the contents of corrupted PST files stored on a virtual drive or even a removable USB drive with equal ease. The tool boasts of the highest recovery rate for any tool in its class and remains unmatched in its effectiveness.
#3. Try Attempting to Recover Data Directly From Drive or Data Storage Device
In the rarest scenario, where solution #2 is unable to recover the PST file, you can try attempting to recover the data directly from the drive/disk where outlook data has been stored. This can be achieved with the help of the DataNumen Outlook Drive Recovery application. Just try out the steps listed below to perform a recovery
- Launch the DataNumen Outlook Drive Recovery tool
- Head to the Recovery tab and then select the source Drive or disk that needs to be checked. This is essentially the drive where your PST file was kept
- Now go ahead and choose an Output filename
- Once set, hit the Start Recovery button to initiate the scan for discovering the Outlook data contents. The application will dig out the necessary data after thoroughly scanning the source drive
#4. Use the System Restore Option in Windows
The Windows operating system comes with a System Restore feature which is designed to revert the system back to a previous date as per your choice. To get Outlook running as before consider running the System Restore feature by following the steps given below.
- From the Windows Desktop, type in System Restore in the Run Box (also called the Windows Search Bar)
- Once the options show up, choose the Recovery Control Panel
- Now, browse through the Advanced recovery tools choices and then hit on the Open System Restore option
- From the options showcased before you, select a specific Restore Point when Outlook was working without any hassles and follow the instructions provided on the screen to complete the System Restore process
#5. Quick Fix – Utilize a Backup Copy of PST File
If you are looking for a quick fix to your issue, the best approach involves utilizing a previous copy of the PST file that you might have kept. If you are running a small business, you are likely to back up your data frequently and would in the most likely scenario recover most of your emails. Follow the steps listed below to get Outlook working again.
- Open the Outlook application and then click on the File tab
- You can then click on Account Settings which typically figures under the Info tab
- Next, click on Account Settings from the drop-down options
- Now head to the Data Files tab and browse to the location of the existing Outlook PST file
- Now using the Windows Explorer menu, open the relevant folder and change the existing file with the backup PST copy. Once done, launch Outlook in the normal manner
You can also find more detailed information on how to find the path of Outlook data file at Microsoft support site.
Final Thoughts
Encountering strange error messages while trying to recover Outlook data files with ScanPST is not a rare event. Countless people tend to encounter such situations every day and it is still possible to get back your data by trying out the options we listed above.
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