If a PST file is corrupted, try Microsoft’s Inbox Repair tool, SCANPST.EXE, before paying for another utility. If Outlook still cannot open the file, Stellar offers two different options: an online service that requires uploading the PST, and a Windows desktop application that its vendor describes as processing files locally. Their published limits, compatibility, and pricing differ; none of those specifications guarantees that a particular damaged file can be recovered.
Start with Microsoft’s Inbox Repair tool
Microsoft documents SCANPST.EXE as a built-in utility for diagnosing errors in Outlook data files and offering to fix errors it finds. It is a sensible first step when a PST is damaged, and it does not require buying Stellar. Microsoft does not present the utility as a guarantee for every corruption case. Follow Microsoft’s current instructions for locating and running it: Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost).
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Keep an untouched copy of the original PST before attempting repairs. Work on a copy where possible, and avoid overwriting the only file you have. If SCANPST.EXE does not resolve the problem, a third-party repair option may be worth considering.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Choose between Stellar’s online service and desktop app
The key practical difference is where the file is handled: Stellar’s online service requires an upload, while its desktop product page describes local processing. The comparison below reflects feature and plan details published by Stellar, not independent recovery testing. See the online PST repair page and the desktop product page for current terms.
#1 Best Overall
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- Create a mix using audio, music and voice tracks and recordings.
- Customize your tracks with amazing effects and helpful editing tools.
- Use tools like the Beat Maker and Midi Creator.
- Work efficiently by using Bookmarks and tools like Effect Chain, which allow you to apply multiple effects at a time
- Use one of the many other NCH multimedia applications that are integrated with MixPad.
| Consideration | Online service | Windows desktop app |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Runs in a browser; you upload the PST for repair. | Installed on Windows; Stellar describes processing as local. |
| Published file limits | Free plan: one PST up to 500 MB. Paid option: one file up to 5 GB. | Professional edition page states no file-size or file-count limit. |
| Displayed price | Free for the stated free-plan allowance; $29.99 per file for the paid option up to 5 GB. | Professional edition displayed at $79. |
| Availability of repaired file | Stellar says 24 hours for the free plan and 48 hours for the paid plan. | Not stated as a timed server-retention period on the desktop product page. |
| Compatibility listed | PSTs from Outlook 2003 through 2024, including ANSI and Unicode formats; modern Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari browsers. | Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016; Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and 8 (64-bit). |
| Memory and installation | Not stated on the online page. | 8 GB minimum memory, 16 GB recommended, and 250 MB for installation files. |
| Preview and saving | The page describes repaired-file download; check the current service for the available preview or export steps. | Trial can preview recoverable items. Stellar says a licensed Microsoft Outlook installation is required to complete repair and save recovered data to a new PST. |
Stellar displayed the prices and plan limits above on October 7, 2026. Prices, promotions, retention periods, and product requirements can change, so confirm them on the linked official pages before deciding.
When the online option may fit
The browser service may be convenient if you do not want to install an application and are comfortable sending the PST to a service provider. Stellar lists a one-file free plan for files up to 500 MB, as well as a paid option for a single file up to 5 GB. The displayed availability periods are 24 hours for the free plan and 48 hours for the paid plan.
Rank #2
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- Full-featured professional audio and music editor that lets you record and edit music, voice and other audio recordings
- Add effects like echo, amplification, noise reduction, normalize, equalizer, envelope, reverb, echo, reverse and more
- Supports all popular audio formats including, wav, mp3, vox, gsm, wma, real audio, au, aif, flac, ogg and more
- Sound editing functions include cut, copy, paste, delete, insert, silence, auto-trim and more
- Integrated VST plugin support gives professionals access to thousands of additional tools and effects
Stellar says uploads and repaired files are automatically and permanently deleted from its servers within the applicable plan period, and that processing uses a secure connection without a human touchpoint. These are the vendor’s statements, not an independent privacy certification. Consider whether uploading mail data—including potentially sensitive messages and attachments—is acceptable under your personal, workplace, or legal requirements.
The online page lists PST support for Outlook versions 2003 through 2024 and ANSI and Unicode formats, with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari named as supported modern browsers. Those compatibility claims do not establish that every file in those formats can be repaired.
Rank #3
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- Mix an audio, music and voice tracks
- Record single or multiple tracks simultaneously
- Intuitive tools to split, trim, join, and many other editing features
- Loaded with audio effects including EQ, compression, reverb, and more.
- Load an audio file and export to all popular audio formats from studio quality wav to high compression formats
When the desktop option may fit
The installed app may suit readers who prefer not to upload a PST and whose computer meets the listed requirements. Stellar describes the desktop product as repairing damaged PSTs and recovering mailbox items such as email, attachments, contacts, and calendar data. Its trial can preview recoverable items; previewing is not the same as saving the recovered data.
The product page lists Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and 8 (64-bit), an Intel-compatible x64 or Snapdragon processor, 8 GB minimum memory (16 GB recommended), and 250 MB for installation files. It lists Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016 among supported versions. Stellar also says a licensed Microsoft Outlook installation is required to complete repair and save recovered data to a new PST; check the current product instructions before purchase in case that requirement has changed.
The Professional edition page displays $79 and states no file-size or file-count limit. That price and those terms are vendor-displayed details, not permanent guarantees. Stellar also lists higher-tier editions, but confirm their current features and terms directly if you are considering them.
How to decide
- Try SCANPST.EXE first: it is Microsoft’s built-in diagnostic and repair option for Outlook data-file errors.
- Consider online repair: if you are comfortable uploading the file and it is within the service’s current size limit. Compare the free one-file allowance with the paid per-file option and its stated retention window.
- Consider desktop repair: if local processing better suits your privacy preferences, your Windows PC meets the requirements, and you can meet the stated Outlook requirement for saving a repaired PST.
- Check what you need back: previewing recoverable items, saving a new PST, and exporting data are different needs. Verify the exact workflow and output options for the edition or plan before paying.
File size, compatibility, price, upload comfort, and output options can help narrow the choice, but they are not evidence that either Stellar option will succeed on your particular PST. Stellar’s published feature descriptions are vendor claims rather than independent performance results.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
