Forum Discussion
PST file won't open—how can I recover my emails?
I recently switched to a new computer and have several Outlook PST files containing years of emails. I need an easy way to convert them to PDF and Office 365 without losing attachments or folder structure. What tool should I use
2 Replies
Dear jonhscott, if your PST file is not opening, it means your PST file might be affected by a Trojan virus or corrupted due to an accidental shutdown of your computer system. But you can still repair and recover your data. Microsoft Outlook provides its official tool name as SCANPST.EXE. Use this tool to repair your PST file. Once the repair is done, your Outlook PST file will run normally.
Back up every PST first. If one will not open, close Outlook and run SCANPST.EXE against a copy; repeat if it reports remaining errors. Then use classic Outlook to import each repaired PST: File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Import from another program or file > Outlook Data File. Select the Microsoft 365 mailbox and enable Include subfolders. This supported route retains message attachments and folder hierarchy.
For many users or large batches, ask a Microsoft 365 administrator to use Purview’s PST Import service with network upload and a mailbox mapping file. Keep the original PSTs until item counts and spot checks match. PDF is separate: Outlook can print individual messages to Microsoft Print to PDF, but Microsoft provides no bulk PST-to-PDF workflow that preserves folders and attachments. Avoid converters until your organization has reviewed their security and compliance.
