The outlook is a popular email client, and many use it as a selected solution for professional communication. But error may occasionally happen likewise “The set of folders cannot be opened”. Besides, In this blog, we will discuss the manual and professional methods to fix the error or issues.
Reasons Behind “Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook the Set of Folders Cannot Be Opened” Error?
The main issue behind facing this error ‘Outlook the Set of Folders Cannot Be Opened’’ PST file corruption. Let’s consider some more reasons that may cause the inconsistency error. Some of them are:
- The exploitation of hard drives can generate these issues. If the XML file for the navigation pane lies in any significant sector, then this application will not allow access.
- The actual reason due to which the “cannot open default email folders” error can appear is the Navigation settings. If the XML files in the settings get modified due to any reason, then you may encounter this problem.
- Sometimes, users may have to begin Outlook in compatibility mode. But, there are different features and settings disabled in compatibility mode. Besides, the navigation pane is additionally affected while operating Outlook in compatibility mode and abruptly the user may face the error “information store could not be opened”.
- Furthermore, working on an out-dated version can (infrequently) also be efficient for the error.
These are the reasons that can create the error “cannot start outlook the set of folders cannot be opened”. Moving forward to the manual steps to resolve the error or underlying issues.
Also Read – Outlook Cannot Synchronize Subscribed Folders – Error Fixed
Methods to Resolve the Error “The Set of Folders Cannot Be Opened. Microsoft Exchange is Not Available”
Recover the Navigation Pane configuration file
As quoted above, file corruption sometimes causes this error. By fixing the Navigation Pane settings file, you might be able to open Outlook again without falling into the same error over and over repeatedly. Here’s how to begin it.
- First, Tap the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to take up the Run application.
- Enter the following command (outlook.exe /resetnavpane) and click the Enter key.
- The fix should automatically implement and recover the Navigation Pane to defaults.
If Outlook yet gives you the error, you can try to manually remove the Navigation Pane configuration file.
- First, press the Windows + R key.
- Enter the following command and tap the Enter key again. %appdata%\Microsoft\Outlook
- The File Explorer should initiate up. Here, view the Outlook.xml and delete it.
- Finally, Start Outlook again and you will see that issue is fixed.
Turn Off Compatibility Mode in Outlook
Most of the users mention that running Outlook in Compatibility mode creates conflicts that initiate with the software not being prepared to open. Here are the actions you require to do to turn off this feature.
- First, open the File Explorer and reach the folder you installed Office in. By default, the folder can be contacted by following this string: (C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\(Office version))
- Right-click on OUTLOOK.EXE and choose Properties from the context list.
- Now, turn to the Compatibility tab and uncheck the “Run this program in compatibility mode for” option.
- Hit the Apply button, then exit by tapping OK.
- Open Outlook again to see if the error is yet present.
If the error “set of folder cannot be opened” still appears then try another method to fix this issue.
Repair Outlook Data File
All the records in Outlook, likewise email messages, events, contacts, tasks, etc. are collected PST files. Though, these files frequently get damaged due to several reasons. So, it can also be the cause of this error. You can fix such files with the help of the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe). Follow the steps to do so.
- As Outlook 2016, open
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Locate ScanPST.exe and operate it on your system.
- Browse the file that you need to repair and tap the “Start” button to review the file.
- Once the review process is finished, tap the “Repair” key to repair the file.
Note: If you want to generate a backup of that file, then you can check the box “Make a backup of scanned file before repairing”
The File will repair soon, If the file is unable to repair, then we suggest a professional method to repair the file.
Resolve Inconsistency using a Third-Party Application
If you follow the manual method, then you may be able to resolve the issue. Besides, the manual steps can cause inconsistency issues and data loss. Sometimes through the manual method, it can’t be possible to repair the PST file. Moreover, we suggest you use a professional method to do so, and it is 100% secure and reliable. DRS PST Recovery Tool is one of the finest Outlook PST Repair Tools that is expert in recovery. It not only recovers corrupt data but also has the capacity to recover deleted emails. After the recovery process, users are permitted to store the data in different output formats likewise HTML, EML, PST, MSG, DBX, MBOX, VCF, ICS, and Text file.
Conclusion
In accordance with the blog “[Resolved] Error “The Set of Folders Cannot Be Opened” in Outlook 2016”. We have discussed the reason why this error arises and to fix this we have elaborated various methods. Hope this blog will help you to fix the issue.