How to Fix “Scanpst.exe reports Fatal Error 80040818” Using a Third-Party Tool?

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ScanPST is the built-in utility to repair issues in Outlook’s data file (.pst). It is available in all Outlook versions. This utility first validates, then corrects errors in the internal data structures of a PST file. If any inconsistency discovered, like any specific block of the structure or table, is unreadable, ScanPST fixes it. This utility is also termed as the Inbox Repair Tool. 

In some cases, ScanPST freezes while trying to repair a damaged data file. It also starts giving some error messages including “Fatal Error:80040818.” Let’s understand why this error message pops up. It generally happens when the user tries to fix issues in an oversized Outlook data file (.pst). Compatibility issues between different Outlook versions can also lead to this error message. For instance, if the user tries to repair a .pst file created in the older ANSI format on a system with a newer Outlook version (Unicode format), this error message may erupt. To overcome the limitations of the Inbox Repair Tool, we can utilize some PST repair tool to resolve this particular error. This guide will throw light on how to fix “Scanpst.exe reports fatal error 80040818” using a third-party tool.

Understanding Fatal Error: 80040818

This part of the post aims to decode reasons behind this error: 

  • When the user tries to repair an oversized PST file (beyond 2 GB).
  • In case the Outlook data file (.pst) is severely damaged or corrupt.
  • It may fail to repair password-protected or encrypted PST files.
  • If the user brought the file from earlier or older MS Outlook version (ANSI) to the newer one (UNICODE). 

How to Resolve ScanPST Fatal Error: 80040818?

Some of the solutions to resolve this issue are listed below:

  • PST File Size Reduction: One of the main reasons of this error is an oversized file. We need to reduce its size by deleting useless items like old emails, expired appointments. Another better option to reduce the file size is to save attachments to local disk and removing them from Outlook. 
How to Fix "Scanpst.exe reports Fatal Error 80040818" Using a Third-Party Tool? 1
  • Scan the File with Antivirus: The user can scan the PST file in question with the antivirus. After scanning, s(he) can try to repair it using the ScanPST. If the error message again pops up again then try the following methods to resolve the issue. 
  • Check File Permissions: If the user has read-only permission and is trying to fix corruption issues in the PST file, ScanPST will not work and give fatal error: 80040818. It is better to investigate the file property before starting the PST scan. Follow the below steps for the same:
  • Hover the cursor on the targeted file.
  • Right-click on the file and select Properties.
  • Uncheck the Read-only attribute and click Apply > OK.
How to Fix "Scanpst.exe reports Fatal Error 80040818" Using a Third-Party Tool? 2
  • Launch ScanPST and then try to repair the PST file.
  • Hopefully, this should resolve the ‘ScanPST fatal error:80040818 issue.’
  • Convert from ANSI to Unicode Format: PST files created in older Outlook versions (ANSI format) are more prone to corruption because they have a 2 GB file size limit. Therefore, it is better to convert them to modern Unicode format. For this, open the PST file in ANSI format on the system installed with Outlook 2003 or later version. Then create a new PST file in Unicode format. Drag and drop the items from the ANSI format file to the newly created PST file in Unicode. Then run the ScanPST on the Unicode PST file to fix the error. 
  • Convert via PST Recovery Tool: If all the above-mentioned methods fail to repair a damaged Outlook data file (.pst) and the ScanPST fatal error 80040818 message persists, then we need to employ any third-party software like Stellar Repair for Outlook. This tool can repair severely corrupt PST file with full integrity. It is based on advanced algorithm to fix corruption issue even in large-sized (up to 50 GB or more), or password-protected Outlook PST files. Additionally, it also allows to export the repaired file in multiple file formats, such as PST, MSG, EML, RTF, PDF, or HTML. 

Conclusion:

Scanpst.exe (Inbox repair tool) comes with every version of Outlook to fix corruption issues in the .pst file. But sometimes, this built-in utility fails to fix issues and crashes. Additionally, it also gives some error messages like ‘SCANPST fatal error: 80040818.’ This error crops up majorly with older ANSI-format PST files, which have a maximum size limit of 2 GB. We have also explored different methods ranging from PST file size reduction and antivirus scan to inspecting the file permissions and converting file format from ANSI to Unicode. However, if all these methods fail to resolve the issue, we can use a PST repair tool. Stellar repair for Outlook is a reliable tool that quickly repairs a damaged Outlook data file (.pst). It also restores mail box items like email messages, calendar events, contacts, etc. This repair software also maintains complete integrity and original folder structure.

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