A damaged PST file can cause major issues with accessing your emails. It can prevent you from opening your mailbox, cause issues with your Outlook data files and stop you from accessing important emails and attachments. This can cause issues for businesses trying to quickly access previous communications, invoices and project details.
Microsoft provides the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) but it will not always fix issues with your outlook data files. A dedicated PST repair service can be used.
This review will look at the two options provided by Stellar. We’ll take a look at how the tool works, the system requirements, costs, benefits and limitations so that you can choose which option works best for you.
Overview of Stellar Repair for Outlook
There are two versions provided by Stellar Repair for Outlook. The desktop version. This tool can repair damaged or corrupt PST (Personal Storage Table) files. It can recover mailbox data such as emails, attachments, contacts, calendar details, tasks, notes and journals.
The PST file that has been selected will be scanned and a preview will show you what can be recovered. The data will then be saved into a new PST file. All repairs will be carried out in read-only mode so that the original PST file remains untouched.
The online version is referred to as Stellar Online PST Repair. This will allow you to upload your damaged PST file through your web browser. You’ll be able to view a preview of the repaired folder structure. The free option will allow you to repair 1 PST file up to 500mb. The Premium option allows you to repair 1 PST file up to 5Gb.
A PST Repair tool will only help with issues caused by damage to the PST file. If there is an issue with your Outlook profile, mailbox on the server or any hardware issues then repairing the PST will not help.
We’ve used the word version rather than edition as the desktop version already has 3 paid for editions (Professional, Technician and Toolkit). This can cause confusion with the pricing section of the review. If you’d like to use the word edition, replace version with edition in the introductory part.
Key Features of Stellar Repair for Outlook
- Repair Damaged PST Files
The desktop version can scan damaged PST files and rebuild them. This can be a good option if you’re having issues opening your data file in Outlook or the Inbox Repair Tool hasn’t fixed the issue.
- Recover Various Mailbox Data
This tool can recover emails, attachments, contacts, calendar details, tasks, notes and journals. How much can be recovered will depend on the condition of the file so it’s always a good idea to look at the preview.
- Preview Before Saving
Once the PST has been scanned you’ll be able to view the folder structure and select messages to look at. The free version will allow you to scan and preview but you’ll need a licence to save.
- Recover Deleted Emails
The software can recover emails that have been deleted from your Inbox or emptied from the Deleted Items folder. Once scanned they’ll appear in red so they can be selected. Note that emails can only be recovered if they haven’t been overwritten.
- Large PST Files
The desktop version doesn’t have any file size limitations. It can repair PST files that are 50Gb+. The time taken will depend on the size, damage and resources available on your computer. Ensure you have enough free space on your hard drive for the repaired file. The software can also repair PST files with passwords.
- Multiple Save Options and Advanced Features
All desktop editions have the following save options; PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML and PDF. The Technician and Toolkit editions have further features such as MBOX, PST Splitting and PST Compacting. The Technician edition can also export to Office 365. The Toolkit edition can be exported to Live Exchange and Office 365. It also has OST to PST conversion. This is mainly useful for IT Administrators and those needing to prepare their data for migration.
System Requirements and Compatibility
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel-compatible x64 processor or Snapdragon |
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows 11, 10, 8.1 or 8 |
| RAM | 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended |
| Free disk space | 250 MB for installation files |
| Outlook versions | Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, 2016 and earlier |
| Licence | Single system |
Note: 250Mb is for installing the software. You’ll need extra space for your original PST and the repaired file.
Do I need Outlook Installed? Whilst you don’t need Outlook to scan and preview your PST file, you will need to have a licensed version of Microsoft Outlook installed on the same computer to save your repaired data into a new PST file. The online version doesn’t need Outlook to repair your file however you’ll want to open it in Outlook.
How to Repair a Damaged PST File
- Download & Install. Install the software onto a supported Windows computer. Make sure you have a backup copy of your original PST file.
- Select PST File. Open the software. Under Select Outlook Data File for Repair select a file from your Outlook profile using the Profile List tab. Or select a PST file that has been saved elsewhere using the Choose Mailbox Manually tab. If unsure where your file is click Find.
- Click Repair. The progress window will appear whilst your file is repaired. How long this takes will depend on the size and damage to your file.
- Preview Mailbox Data. Once the scan has finished you’ll be able to view the folders and open example emails (some may have attachments). Just because your file has been scanned doesn’t mean everything will be recovered so make sure you’re happy with what’s been recovered by using the preview.
- Save Repaired File. Click Save Repaired File. Select how you want to save your file (PST to use in Outlook). Make sure you have enough free space. Don’t save your file to the same location as your original file and backup. Close Outlook as you’ll be prompted to restart the process if it’s open.
- Check in Outlook. Open or import your saved PST file. Check the folder structure and example emails, attachments, contacts and calendar details.
Stellar Online PST Repair: Repair a PST File Without Installing Software
The online version can be accessed via your web browser. You can visit the official page to upload your damaged PST file, preview your data and save your repaired file. This can only repair 1 PST file at a time. There isn’t a need to use the desktop option or have Outlook installed.
A typical repair can take around 15 minutes.
How to Repair a PST File Repair a PST File
- Open Page & Login. Visit the repair page. You’ll need to login using a Google account or email address.
- Upload PST File. Click Repair PST File and select your damaged PST file. Keep the tab open whilst the file uploads. As you’re uploading mailbox data make sure you’re aware of your organisation’s data policy if the file contains any confidential information.
- Repair File. The page will go through 3 steps;
- Preview File. Click Preview. This will show you a preview of your repaired mailbox in an HTML file. This will only show you the folders so make sure you’re happy with the folders that have been recovered.
- Save PST File. Click Save PST File. The free option will allow you to save up to 500Mb. The Premium option will allow you to save up to 5Gb.
- Check in Outlook. Open your downloaded PST file. Check the important folders, emails and attachments.
Online PST Repair Pricing
| Plan | Price | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | One PST file up to 500 MB; repaired file available for 24 hours |
| Premium | $29.99 per file | One PST file up to 5 GB; repaired file available for 48 hours |
Prices may vary so always double check the official page before uploading your file or purchasing a plan.
Limitations
- You can only repair 1 PST file for free up to 500Mb. The maximum size you can repair on the Premium plan is 5Gb.
- Only 1 file at a time. Only outputs PST files. Doesn’t have the same output options as the desktop editions.
- Only shows you a preview of your folders.
- Requires a stable internet connection. Your file will be uploaded to Stellar’s servers. Files are automatically deleted once you’ve downloaded your file.
Which Option Should I Use?
| Desktop software | Online service | |
| Installation | Windows software | None, works in a browser |
| File size | No limit stated | 500 MB free, 5 GB Premium |
| Number of files | Batch repair supported | One file at a time |
| Where it runs | On your computer | File is uploaded to Stellar |
| Preview | Folder and message level | Folder structure |
| Output formats | PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, PDF and more by edition | PST |
| Cost | From $79 per licence | Free to 500 MB, $29.99 per file to 5 GB |
If you have 1 file within the file size limits and don’t want to install anything then use the online option. If you have files larger than 5Gb, multiple files, confidential mailboxes that you don’t want to upload or need other output options then use the desktop option.
Pricing & Editions
The desktop option has 3 editions. The current pricing (in USD) can be found on the product page.
| Edition | Price | What it adds |
| Professional | $79 | PST repair, recovery of all mailbox items, deleted-email restore, preview, advanced filters, and saving to PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML and PDF |
| Technician | $149 | Everything in Professional, plus MBOX output, Office 365 export, PST split and PST compact |
| Toolkit | $199 | Everything in Technician, plus Live Exchange export, OST to PST conversion and six more tools |
Everything in the Technician edition. Plus Export to Live Exchange, OST to PST & 6 Extra Tools.
Make sure the edition you’re purchasing has the output or export option you require.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dedicated repair process. Preview before saving.
- Can recover emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes and journals. Can recover deleted emails.
- No file size mentioned on the desktop version. Repairs in read-only mode.
- Multiple save options. Higher editions can export to Microsoft 365 and Live Exchange.
- Browser based option.
Cons
- Can’t guarantee full recovery. Depends on the condition of the file.
- Requires a licence to save. Requires a licensed copy of Outlook on the same computer.
- Only works on Windows.
- Only 5Gb, 1 file at a time. Only outputs PST. File has to be uploaded.
- Can’t fix issues caused by Outlook, servers or hardware.
Who Should Use Stellar Repair for Outlook?
- Individuals unable to open their damaged PST archive.
- Business users needing to access previous emails and attachments.
- IT teams dealing with Outlook data file corruption. Preview what can be recovered.
- Administrators needing Microsoft 365/Exchange export options.
- Those with 1 PST file under 5Gb wanting to use a browser based option.
Final Thoughts – Is it Worth Trying?
This provides a structured way to scan your damaged PST file. Stellar Repair for Outlook allow you to preview what can be recovered and save it in your desired format. The preview is the best feature as you can see what you’ll get before committing to a licence. Higher editions provide export and PST management options.
The online version provides another option for those who don’t want to install anything. Just make sure you have a backup of your original PST file. Check your repaired file in Outlook as you can’t guarantee full recovery.
Also Read: Why Do You Need Business Data Backup and Recovery?
FAQ
1. Can it repair a PST file that ScanPST can’t?
Provides an alternative repair process if the Inbox Repair Tool hasn’t fixed your issue. Depends on the type and extent of damage.
2. Can I preview my recovered emails?
Yes. The desktop software will provide a preview of what can be recovered. The online service will show you the repaired folder structure.
3. Can it recover deleted emails?
Yes. The desktop version can recover emails that have been deleted from your inbox or emptied from the Deleted Items folder. They will appear in red in the preview. They can only be recovered if they haven’t been overwritten.
4. Can I save my recovered emails in other formats?
Yes. The desktop version can save in multiple formats. All editions can be saved in EML, MSG, RTF, HTML & PDF. The Technician and Toolkit editions can be saved in MBOX. The online version will only save in PST.
5. Does it work with Outlook 2024 & Microsoft 365?
The product page mentions it works with Outlook 2024 and earlier. The Technician edition can export to Office 365. The Toolkit edition can be exported to Live Exchange and Office 365. Make sure your outlook setup matches the system requirements before purchasing.
Also Read: Benefits of Microsoft 365 you need to know
6. Can it repair large PST files?
The desktop software doesn’t have any file size limitations. It can repair PST files that are 50Gb+. The online service can repair up to 500Mb (free) and 5Gb (Premium).
