CodeTwo PST Ghostbuster: Step-by-Step Guide for PST Repair

Best Practices for PST Recovery Using CodeTwo PST Ghostbuster

1. Prepare before you start

• Backup: Copy all relevant PST/OST files and your Outlook profile settings to a safe location.
• Close Outlook: Exit Outlook and any apps that may access PST files.
• Run as admin: Launch PST Ghostbuster with administrator privileges.

2. Scan carefully

• Select correct profile: Choose the Outlook profile that shows duplicated/ghost PST entries.
• Use read-only first: If available, run a non-destructive scan or preview to identify ghost/duplicate entries before removal.

3. Remove only confirmed ghost entries

• Verify duplicates: Expand the folder tree and confirm the duplicate (ghost) PST contains identical folders/items, not separate mailboxes or archives.
• Prefer removal of orphaned entries: Remove PST entries that show errors like “Object not found” or are listed twice with the same path.

4. If removal fails or looks risky

• Do not recreate profile immediately: Avoid creating a new Outlook profile until you’ve attempted recovery and backed up settings.
• Manual registry/PRF caution: Only edit the profile registry keys or use a .prf import if you’re experienced—incorrect changes can corrupt profiles.

5. After removal: verify and repair

• Open Outlook: Start Outlook and check folder structure, account settings, signatures, views.
• Run ScanPST if needed: If you notice missing items or errors, run Microsoft’s Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) on affected PST files.
• Reattach legitimate PSTs: If you removed a ghost copy but still need the PST, reattach the single correct PST via File > Open > Outlook Data File.

6. Restore from backup if necessary

• Use backed-up PSTs: If data loss occurs, restore the copied PST files to their original locations and reattach in Outlook.
• Consider CodeTwo Backup tools: For organizational environments, use CodeTwo Backup for Exchange/Office 365 for reliable backups and PST exports.

7. Prevent recurrence

• Keep Outlook updated: Install latest Office updates.
• Avoid simultaneous profile edits: Don’t modify profiles on multiple machines at once.
• Use single-store PST management: Consolidate archives and avoid mounting the same PST from multiple locations.

8. When to contact support

• Complex or critical data loss: Contact CodeTwo support or your IT team if PST Ghostbuster can’t resolve the issue or if mailbox data is critical.

If you want, I can convert this into a one-page checklist or provide step-by-step commands for ScanPST—tell me which.