For unknown reasons, you cannot open your PST file despite several attempts. If you aren’t able to access your PST file, no worries. That’s where this article comes in handy. Here, I have compiled a few solutions that have worked wonders for me.
Why Can’t I open my Outlook PST file?
1. Large file size exceeding limits
If your PST file has reached or exceeded the storage limits, it could cause many issues, including being unable to open it. Access your PST file at its file location to confirm.
2. Virus/malware attacks.
Virus or malware attacks could most definitely contribute to the inability to open PST files. Use a trusted anti-virus software to scan and get rid of the device. However, your PST may still remain corrupted and you would need to use a PST repair tool for that.
3. Incompatibility with the Outlook version.
The Installed Outlook version may be incompatible with your PST file, try updating your Outlook application and try again.
4. PST file corruption
If you cannot open your Outlook PST but can access other ones, there may be a chance that your Outlook data file is corrupted. You can resolve this issues by using ScanPST or a professional PST repair tool
Part 1: Quick Trouble Shooting Solutions
Before preceding try out the following-
1. Restart your computer
2. Close All Processes and Programs
1. Update Outlook
A PST file needs to be compatible with the Outlook version to work. If you need to update Outlook, you can do so by following the instructions below-
1. Open Outlook.
2. Click on File.
3. Access Office Accounts are located in the ribbon.
4. Click on Update options and select Update Now.
2. Update Windows
If the Windows OS is the reason behind your PST file not opening then you can resolve it by updating. You can easily update Windows by following the instructions below-
1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Click on Windows Updates located in the left column.
3. Click on Check For Updates or Update Now.
3. Open MS Outlook in Safe Mode
Operating Outlook in safe mode may just work if the reason behind the issue is conflicting add-ins or faulty settings. You can open Outlook in safe-mode by following the instructions below-
1. Use the Windows+ R shortcut to access Run Command.
2. Enter outlook.exe /safe and click on OK.
If this helps resolve the issue then you will to remove conflicting add-ins to finish. You can do so by following the given steps-
1. Click on File.
2. Click on Options, access the add-ins tab, and click on Go.
3. Uncheck all the add-in-boxes and click on OK.
4. Restart Outlook.
Part 2: Advanced Methods
If none of the troubleshooting methods worked, it is safe to assume you have a corrupt PST file or a corrupt PST profile. Let’s take a look at what we can do to fix this.
1. Use Scan PST To SCANPST.EXE To Repair Outlook PST cannot be Opened Error
Scan PST is a free repair tool that comes with Outlook. You can use it to repair your corrupt PST file and resolve Outlook PST cannot be Opened issue. Follow the steps below-
1. Locate Scan PST. you can refer to the below addresses –
Outlook 2019
32-bit Version: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office19
64-bit Version: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office19
Outlook 2016
32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\
64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\
2. Open ScanPST.
3. Use the Browse option to import the corrupted PST file, then click on Start.
4. In the next window, select the save location and click on Repair.
5. Verify the results.
2. Use SFWare PST Repair To Repair Cannot Open PST File Error
Scan PST and other manual methods can only resolve minor issues or low levels of corruption. For extremely corrupted files, you would need professional software.
SFWare PST Repair is your answer to Outlook PST file not opening. Equipped with an advanced algorithm and simple user interface, anyone can easily repair extremely corrupted PST files with a few clicks. You can try it out for yourself by downloading SFWare PST Repair now!
1. Download, install, and launch SFWare PST Repair.
2. Import your PST file using one of the provided options-
- Open Default PST file: Imports Outlook PST file from default location.
- Select PST File Manually: Manually browse and select the corrupt PST file.
- Find All Your PST Files: The software scans the entire drive and lists all the Outlook data files for you to choose from.
3. Select The Smart Scan option, choose a Destination Path, and click on Repair.
4. After the repair process, view the repaired PST file and verify the results.
3. Create a New Profile
If nothing has worked so far, let’s try creating a new Outlook profile in case you have a corrupted one. Follow the steps below-
1. Close Outlook and open the Control Panel.
2. Using the search bar, locate and click on Mail.
3. Select the Show Profiles option.
4. Click on Add, and enter a profile name.
5. Enter the required credentials to set up the new Outlook profile.
After Outlook will synchronize the profile with the server and you should be able to view all your files and folders through this profile. If so, you can proceed to use Outlook normally with the profile.
To Conclude
I hope that you were able to open your PST file with the help of this article. If you still cannot open Outlook PST files, I recommend you consult a professional service. If you have any feedback or related queries, feel free to reach out.
