Step-by-Step Fix: Outlook Data File cannot be Accessed after Moving PST

As an Outlook user, you may receive an error message, stating “Outlook data file (.pst) cannot be accessed,” while sending an email or other related activities. It occurs once your Outlook fails either to open or simply cannot read the data (PST) file that contains your mails as well as other items. It mostly occurs if the PST file has been relocated away from the default path. However, there could be several other reasons that causes this message in Outlook. Here, we will learn the probable reasons behind this issue and the methods to fix it.

Reasons for Outlook Data File Cannot be Accessed Error

Before resolving this error, it is better to first understand why this error arises. Here are some probable reasons that can lead to this Outlook error.

PST File is not at Default Location

Outlook keeps the PST file in the default location within the programs installing directory on the local storage. In case, the file has been relocated off the default spot to a different place, then the Outlook won’t be able to locate it, hence the error.

Insufficient File Permissions

Outlook may be unable to perform read/write tasks and triggers the error if you don’t have full permissions on the PST file.

Issues on Network Drive

If your PST file is stored on a network drive and there are connectivity/network issues, then Outlook may fail to access the file.

Conflicts with Other Programs 

Other programs running on your computer, such as antivirus programs, backup programs, search indexer, etc. may interfere with Outlook or limit the access to the PST file. As a result, PST file cannot be opened or cannot be read by Outlook.

Corruption in PST File

Corruption in PST file can cause various errors when sending emails or performing any other action.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Outlook Data File cannot be Accessed Error

Below, we will provide the solutions to resolve the Outlook data file cannot be accessed error. You can apply the appropriate solution, depending on the cause. 

1. Check and Update PST File Location in Outlook

If you’ve moved the PST file to another location, then you also have to manually configure the new location in Outlook. Follow the given steps below to check the PST file location:

• Open Control Panel, go to User Accounts, and click on Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
• Click on Data Files.
• Select the Outlook profile associated with the PST file and click on Open File Location.
• Check if the PST file is available at the default location. If not, then update the PST file path.

To update the PST file path,

• Close Outlook, if it opens.
• Open Control Panel > Mail (Microsoft Outlook) > Data Files > Settings.
• You will see a list of Outlook data files.FindthePST file that showsanold or invalid location. Select that file and click on Remove.
• Click Add and browse to the new location of the PST file.
• Confirm the changes and start Outlook.  
• Select the PST file and click OK.

2. Check and Assign File Permissions

Occasionally, issues regarding permission will keep Outlook from opening the file data. In order to verify, as well as configure the necessary permissions, do the following:

Note: To perform this, you must have admin rights in Outlook.

• Go to the PST file location, right-click on the file, and select Properties. 

• In the General tab, make sure Read only is not checked. Then, access the Security tab and select Edit.

• Choose your Outlook profile and make sure Full Control is checked. Then click on Apply > OK.
• Now, restart Outlook for the changes to take effect.

3. Move PST from Network Drive to Local Storage

If your PST file is stored on a network drive, like OneDrive, then Outlook may be unable to access it properly if there are connectivity or network issues. In such a case, you can move the PST file to the local drive on your computer. Follow the steps given below:

• Close Outlook completely.
• Copy the PST from the network drive to a local folder, like C:\Users \[YourUsername]\Documents\Outlook Files\.
• Update the PST location in Outlook (Follow the steps in Solution 1).
• Now, start Outlook and check if it is working fine.

4. Repair Corrupted PST File

PST file may become corrupt due to many reasons like sudden application/system shutdown, disk error, interrupted while transferring file from one location to another; oversized PST file and so on. You can utilize Microsoft’s Outlook ScanPST to fix the damaged PST. Follow the steps given below:  

• Before starting the repair process, close Outlook completely.  
• Locate ScanPST.exe on your system. The default location is:

For Outlook 2016/2019: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\

For Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\

• Double-click ScanPST.exe to launch it.
• Select the PST file by clicking on Browse and then click on Start to scan the file for errors.
• If errors are found, click Repair to fix them.

After the repairing process finishes, launch your Outlook and see if error is fixed. 

Although ScanPST.exe can restore a corrupted PST file, there are limitations. It cannot fix any large, highly corrupted, or broken PST file. In this case, there is a need to use an advanced PST file recovery tool such as Stellar Repair for Outlook, capable of fixing a highly corrupted PST file of any size and fixing all your mailbox items (emails, attachments, tasks, and calendars) in a fresh PST file. This software also has the capability to fix the PST file without destroying hierarchy as well as maintaining the structure of the folders. It can even automatically divide a large PST file into numerous small PST files depending on different components like email ID, date, and size, which might prevent corruption in the PST file due to its large size.

Conclusion

Errors such as “Outlook data file cannot be accessed” can be faced by several Outlook users. Such reasons include issues like permission issues, corrupted PST files, or software conflicts. This article walks you through several solutions that you can try to fix this Outlook issue. If the PST file is severely corrupted, you may opt for a professional PST repair tool, such as Stellar Repair for Outlook, to repair the file and recover all the items while preserving data integrity.