Fixed “Outlook .PST cannot be Opened” Error

The “Cannot open PST file in Outlook” error is one of the most common issues that Outlook users encounter. It can prevent you from accessing your Outlook data, which can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re working with important emails, contacts, or appointments. This error usually occurs when the Outlook PST file, where Outlook stores emails and other data, becomes corrupted.

If you’re dealing with this error, don’t panic. This comprehensive blog will walk you through understanding the issue and provide both manual and automated solutions DRS PST Repair Tool to fix the “Outlook .PST Cannot Be Opened” error effectively.

What Causes the “Outlook .PST Cannot Be Opened” Error?

The error occurs when Outlook cannot access your PST (Personal Storage Table) file. Common reasons include:

1. Corruption of the PST File: Over time, PST files can become corrupted due to large size or unexpected shutdowns.
2. Compatibility Issues: Opening a PST file created in an older version of Outlook can trigger this error.
3. Outlook Profile Corruption: A corrupted user profile can make data files inaccessible.
4. File Permissions: Insufficient permissions to access the PST file location.
5. Antivirus Interference: Security software can sometimes block access to Outlook files.
6. Insufficient Permissions: Adequate permissions to access the PST file can trigger the error.
7. Add-In Conflicts: Some third-party add-ins might interfere with Outlook’s functionality.
8. Incorrect File Path: If the PST file has been moved or renamed, Outlook might not be able to locate it.

Preventing Future PST Errors

Once you’ve fixed the issue, it’s essential to take preventive steps to avoid encountering this error in the future:

• Keep a backup of your PST file to avoid data loss.
• Regularly archive old emails and keep the PST file size manageable.
• Ensure you are using the latest version of Outlook to avoid compatibility issues.
• Run ScanPST Regularly to periodically scan your PST file for errors.
• Use Antivirus Software: Protect your system from malware that might corrupt your PST file.

When Outlook cannot open the PST file due to corruption, you’ll typically see an error message like:

• “Outlook cannot open the data file”
• “The file <filename>.pst cannot be found”
• “The Outlook data file .pst cannot be opened. An unexpected error has occurred”

Different Solutions to Fix the Error

Encountering the error message “cannot open PST file in Outlook” can be frustrating, especially when you rely on Microsoft Outlook to manage your emails, calendar, and contacts. This issue usually indicates a problem with the PST (Personal Storage Table) file, which stores your Outlook data. Here, we will explore the causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue of being “unable to open Outlook data file” effectively.

01: Repair the PST File Using Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe)

Scanpst.exe is a built-in tool provided by Microsoft to repair corrupted PST files. It’s the first step you should take when trying to fix the issue.

1. Close Outlook.
2. Locate the ScanPST.exe tool. The default location depends on your Outlook version:
   • Outlook 2019/2016/2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\ (replace XX with your Office version).
3. Open ScanPST.exe and click Browse to select your PST file.
4. Click Start to begin the scan.
5. If errors are found, click Repair to fix them.
6. Restart Outlook and check if the issue is resolved.

While Scanpst.exe is effective for minor corruption, it may not handle severe damage. In such cases, a third-party tool like the DRS PST Recovery Tool can provide a more advanced solution.

It is powerful software to repair corrupted or damaged PST files, which are commonly used by Microsoft Outlook to store emails, contacts, calendar events, and other data. If you’re encountering the error “outlook PST file not opening” this tool can help resolve the issue by repairing the corrupt PST file and allowing you to access its contents again.

02: Open Outlook in Safe Mode

Running Outlook in Safe Mode disables all add-ins, helping you identify if a third-party add-in is causing the issue.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type outlook.exe /safe and press Enter.
3. If Outlook opens successfully, go to File > Options > Add-ins.
4. Disable all add-ins and enable them to find the problematic one one by one.

03: Check the File Path and Permissions

Ensure that the PST file is located in the correct directory and that you have the necessary permissions to access it.

1. Verify the file path by navigating to File >> Account Settings >> Data Files in Outlook.
2. Note the file path and check if the file exists in that location.
3. Right-click the PST file, select Properties, and ensure that it is not marked as “Read-only.”

04: Create a New Outlook Profile

Sometimes, the issue might not be with the PST file itself, but with your Outlook profile. Creating a new profile can help resolve issues caused by a corrupted profile.

1. Open the Control Panel and go to Mail.
2. Click Show Profiles and select Add to create a new profile.
3. Follow the prompts to add your account details.
4. Set the new profile as the default by selecting Prompt for a profile to be used and choosing your newly created profile when starting Outlook.

Also Read: Fix “Outlook PST File Too Large to Open & Copy”