Compacting PST file take forever

[Phil]

I have a 23mb PST file (the default PST that Outlook 2002 opens
automatically upon launching Outlook), which when I use the Properties >
Advanced > Compact Now button the "Compacting..." message window remains
visible and never finishes. After 20 minutes, I have to hit the "Cancel"
button and give up.

I've tried shutting down Outlook and relaunching, but it still does not fix
the problem.

I assume the PST is hosed up? If so, is there a repair tool available for
W2K Outlook 2002?

Thanks.

 

[Vince Averello [MVP-Outlook]]

Have you run ScanPST.EXE on the file to check it for internal damage?

 

[Phil]

Have you run ScanPST.EXE on the file to check it for internal damage?

No, I have not.

<time passes>

But I have now. That fixed the problem.

Too bad it isn't handily available from within Outlook's menu. I had to
perform a disk search to find the tool.

Thanks.

 

[Brian Tillman]

Too bad it isn't handily available from within Outlook's menu. I had
to perform a disk search to find the tool.

It should be under "Microsoft Office Tools" or "Microsoft Office\Microsoft
Office Tools" on your Start menu as "Inbox Repair Tool".

 

[Phil]

It should be under "Microsoft Office Tools" or "Microsoft Office\Microsoft
Office Tools" on your Start menu as "Inbox Repair Tool".

No, there is not an Inbox Repair Tool under my Microsoft Office Tools
program group. I do, however, have a Microsoft Outlook 2000 OST Integrity
Check Tool. I'm surprised that my installation/upgrade from Outlook 2000 to
2002 didn't update that group better.

In any case, that shortcut simply causes the Microsoft Installer to hunt for
an .msi file.

Phil