Summary:
If you are one among those who has trouble accessing the Outlook due to the synchronization error Outlook data file cannot be configured error, you are in the right place.
This article explains the different causes of the outlook data file has not been configured and the ways to fix the same.
Quick Navigation:
Why Outlook data file cannot be configured?
Fix Outlook OST file Cannot be configured
Convert OST to PST file to fix configuration problem
Fix Outlook PST file cannot be configured
Repair PST file to fix PST file cannot be configured
Outlook data file cannot be configured is one of the common errors that the Outlook users encounter quite regularly. Before heading to the fixing the error, lets us have a look at the reasons that caused the error in your Outlook.
Why your Outlook data file cannot be configured?
Outlook file cannot be configured error occurs due to the following reasons:
Execution Of Roaming Profiles:
Usually, users with roaming profiles working on MS exchange server will encounter this error. As the roaming profiles are on a shared network, users can access data files using other computers.
When a roaming profile user tries to access Outlook data from different computers, they might miss out on configuration procedure and face the error Outlook data file cannot be configured.
Missing OST or PST file:
When MS outlook is unable to find the OST or PST file, the error occurs. The reasons behind missing Outlook data files may be the change in Outlook OST, PST path or while importing data files, Outlook profile might get crashed and data file gets misplaced.
To overcome this error in the Outlook OST file, just delete the Outlook application and re-install MS Outlook. Next, download the OST file using the Exchange server.
To know more on missing PST file, click on the link and fix the error that occurs due to missing PST file.
Corrupt data file:
OST and PST files get corrupted due to many reasons that include virus intrusion, logical error and some synchronization issues can lead to changes in Outlook data files which then cannot start Microsoft Outlook as your profile is not configured.
Outlook data file, be it PST or OST file, an improperly configured Outlook can be the reason most of the times. You cannot access your Outlook data file unless you fix the above error.
How to fix your Outlook data file cannot be configured error?
Outlook data file configuration error can be fixed easily by following the methods described below. Carry out the steps given for each Outlook data file and fix the error Outlook data file cannot be configured.
Method 1: Fix the error Outlook data file cannot be configured-OST
One of the simple methods to configure your Outlook data file OST is by recreating the Outlook data file.
Follow the steps mentioned below to recreate the Outlook data file:
- Click on File tab and select Account Settings from the list
- Now, select the Data File tab and choose the appropriate profile
- After choosing the profile, click on Open File Location at the top
- Now at the source location, choose the Outlook profile with the extension (.ost) and delete the file
- Now, restart the Outlook application and click on the Send/Receive tab
- Click on Send/Receive All Folders option. This will ensure that all the Outlook data will be reconfigured for that particular profile
The above-mentioned method is one of the easiest ways to configure your Outlook data file OST. However, you cannot rely on this method all the time. This method works fine only when the exchange server and outlook account are in synchronization. If the server and Outlook is not synchronized properly, your Outlook data will surely be at risk.
Also, this method is not helpful, if your data file is corrupted. What if the reason behind the error Outlook data file cannot be configured is corruption? In such a situation it is recommended to convert your OST to PST and perform repair actions.
What is the need to convert OST to PST? The OST file is just an offline copy of the mailbox that is created and stored on your computer. Therefore, the OST file cannot be opened directly like the PST files. The deletion of the OST file and recreating the OST file may not lead to satisfying results as contents of ‘Emails’, Contacts’, ‘Tasks’ and ‘Calendar’ folders might get deleted. Hence, It’s better to convert OST to PST and avoid the data-deletion from that OST file. Later you can import PST files to MS Outlook to access the data.
SFWare OST to PST converter is the most recommended tool for converting OST files to PST. The tool ensures complete data transfer from OST file. The tool works on read only mode, keeping your data safe. The tool can be used across all the versions of Windows and all the versions of Outlook including the latest Outlook 2019, 2016 and office 365.
Easy Steps to Convert OST to PST
Download and install the SFWare OST to PST conversion tool and follow the below-mentioned steps carefully.
- The main screen contains two option Open OST File and Find OST File
- Click on the Open OST File option to select the inaccessible, corrupt or damaged Outlook OST file
- If you are unaware of the file path, then choose the Find OST File option to locate the OST file
- After locating the OST file, choose the destination where you wish to save the converted Outlook data file OST and click on Next to start the scanning process
- After completion of the scanning process the corrupted OST file will be converted to a healthier PST file.
Once the conversion of OST to PST files is completed, you can easily import the files and get access to the PST files.
What if the Outlook configuration error occurs due to the problem in the PST file? Do not panic, Here is the solution to fix the errors in Outlook data PST file.
Method 2: Fix the error Outlook data file cannot be configured-PST
Every Outlook user is aware of the Microsoft Inbox repair tool also called ScanPST. Where Scanpst.exe helps you fix any minor issues with your PST file.
Fix the error Outlook data file cannot be configured using the Microsoft Inbox repair tool:
Step 1: Close your Outlook Application → Locate and run inbox repair tool
Step 2:. Next, browse or provide a path where the PST file is saved.
Folder path- C:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft Office\root\Office 19(16)
Note: If you are using the older versions of Outlook, click here to know the location of ScanPST.exe.
Step 3: Click on Start to initiate the scanning process → Click on the Repair to fix the error in Microsoft Outlook data file
The ScanPST tool will certainly fix any minor errors on your Outlook data file (.PST). However, if the degree of corruption is high, the inbox repair tool is not a reliable option.
Also, the ScanPST. exe works on the original file, therefore the file, might get corrupted and you won’t be able to access the file for further use.
To repair the severely corrupted PST file, you can always make use of a trusted PST repair tool.
All the information that is present on the Outlook data is important. Hence, you need a reliable tool that can safely repair the corrupted file regardless of the severity of corruption.
SFWare PST Repair software is an incredible tool that can repair the PST file safely. The tool ensures that the PST file retains all the information such as emails, contacts, calendars and Outlook attributes after the repair process. Also, you can fix the corrupt PST file and errors like PST file missing, unable to access Outlook data file, etc. Download and try the software for free now.
Conclusion
Microsoft Outlook is one of the most efficient email applications; there can be times where you might come across errors stating that the Outlook data file cannot be configured. With the help of the above-mentioned methods you can easily overcome the Outlook error.
If you are unable to fix the errors manually, always go for the safer option that is to convert the OST file to PST and fix the error by repairing the PST file.
If you were able to fix the error Outlook data file cannot be configured with the help of the workarounds described in the article, do let us now in the comment section below.