PST (Personal Stroage Table) is an Outlook data file that helps store all of your emails in the form of subfolders, contacts, personal information, tasks, and other data. If this PST file is corrupt or damaged due to any software conflicts or external factors, you will encounter the error “Outlook PST file missing” or “Outlook PST file cannot be found“.
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Why have PST files disappeared & cannot be found?
- Unavailability of network
- If PST removed from its original location
- PST file deleted from Outlook
- PST file Corruption makes PST files missing
Fix the Error PST file cannot be found
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did my Outlook PST Folders Disappear?
Several reasons may explain why PST files are missing including;
- Unavailability of a network server at the moment.
- The system removes the PST file from its original location.
- When a PST file gets corrupted or deleted from Outlook.
The reasons mentioned above cause PST files to function improperly, making it nearly impossible to open them and leading to the ‘PST file cannot be found‘ error.
If you encounter an Outlook PST cannot be found or if a PST file is missing, you may consider creating a new PST file. Whereas creating a new PST file doesn’t help you in this case, because the data you need to access is present in the missing PST file.
If you are Missing PST files or subfolders due to severe PST corruption, get back the missing PST files with the original folder structure using the most recommended Outlook PST Repair Tool.
Why My Outlook PST File Has Disappeared?
PST files can go missing for various reasons. Here are a few reasons and workarounds to fix the problem based on what causes PST files to go missing.
Scenario 1: Unavailability of Network
To fix the PST file’s missing error, all you can do is wait until the network server is available and later try opening Outlook.
Note: If you are using an exchange server, you are likely to encounter the error Outlook is unable to connect to the proxy server. Click on the link to learn more about the error and how to fix the error.
Scenario 2: PST File Removed from Original Location
When the application cannot find a PST file in its original location, it assumes that someone has removed the file and prevents access to the data files.
To have your PST file back to its original location, you will have to locate the PST file and bring it back to the original location or re-configure the Outlook settings.
Scenario 3: PST File is Deleted from Outlook
If you delete the PST file from Outlook, you can use a copy of the same file if you have saved one. You can make use of the previous versions option on your Windows to restore it.
Note: You can access your files using the previous version only when you have created a Restore Point before the error occurs or your PST file goes missing. The next section presents the steps to restore missing PST file data.
Restore the Missing PST Files
- Browse the folder where your PST file is located: If you are unable to find where the PST file is located, you can find the path of the PST files in the error message.
- Select Outlook Files by Clicking on it
- Now, the menu list appears, and you can choose Restore previous versions.
- The dialogue will now open showing the Folder Properties with the Previous Versions tab enabled.
- Check for the missing PST file. Double-tap on the most recent folder listed.
- If the missing PST file is there, copy and paste it to its original folder location.
Well, all these simple workarounds will help you to find the missing PST files if it is not corrupt or damaged. What if you have lost your PST files due to severe corruption or damage?
Scenario 4: PST File Corruption
Use the Microsoft Inbox Repair Tool, also known as ScanPST.exe, to fix any minor issues in your Outlook data files.
How to Fix the Error Outlook PST File Cannot be Found .pst File is Missing on Windows 10/11?
Method 1: Recover Missing Outlook PST File by Using Inbox Repair Utility
Scanpst.exe or Microsoft inbox repair tool is an inbuilt tool that can help you fix any minor issues with your PST file. Follow the below-mentioned steps to fix the error:
Step 1: Close Outlook Application
Step 2: Locate and run the inbox repair tool. Next, browse to or provide the path where the PST file is saved.
Folder path- C:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft Office\root\Office16
Quick Note: The above path applies to Office 2019, Office 2016, and Office 365. If you’re using Outlook 2013, use the path: C:\Program Files (x86) \Microsoft Office\Office15. In case of running an older version of the application, change “Office15” in the path to “Office14” for Outlook 2010, or to “Office13” for Outlook 2007 in the path.
Step 3: Then, click on Start to initiate the scanning process to repair the PST file Outlook
Step 4: Finally, click on the Repair button to Recover the Microsoft Outlook data file
You may face the possibility of corrupted recovered files, or you might encounter freezing issues while you run the inbuilt repair tool. In such situations, your Outlook data is at stake and you might lose it permanently. This is one of the drawbacks of using an inbox repair tool.
Method 2: Recover Disappeared or Missing Outlook PST File using SFWare PST Repair Tool
SFWare Repair Outlook (PST) tool has an automated process to repair PST files.
When you have trouble opening an outlook pst file or during Outlook export the file .pst cannot be found error.
Hence, it is always recommended to choose a safe and secure tool for repairing and recovering the Outlook PST file. The tool effectively works on all the Outlook versions including the latest 2023. The software’s best feature is its read-only mechanism, which keeps the original file unaltered.
“…We recommend you give it a shot if you have a damaged PST file…“Expert ReviewSteps to Repair/Recover Missing Outlook PST File Using SFWare PST Repair Tool
Step 1: Download the SFWare Repair PST tool and install it. Launch the software. The main screen displays three options, select one as per the need:
Open Default PST file: Imports default Outlook PST file.
Select PST File Manually: Manually Browse and select a PST file.
Find All Your PST Files: The software scans the entire drive and lists all the Outlook data files from which drive
Step 2: Select scan method and choose a destination for the Repaired File
Normal Scan: For straightforward Repair to fix regular levels of corruption
Smart Scan: Thorough repair process for repairing severely corrupt PST files and recovering deleted Outlook Items like emails, contacts, notes, and more.
Step 3:The tool starts repairing the PST file.
Step 4: Verify the retrieved PST file.
Conclusion
An Outlook PST file holds your messages and other Outlook items and saves them on your computer. Any harm to those files will take you to the edge of stress. With the above-mentioned methods, you can easily resolve PST file-related errors.
By the end of this article, hope you have found the solution for the “Outlook PST file missing” error. You are welcome to share your thoughts in the comment section below regarding how effective the article was for you.
Frequently Asked Questions on Outlook PST File Cannot be Found
1: How to Recover Missing PST Files?
You can easily restore missing PST files using the Previous Versions option. However, you can access your files using the previous version only when you have created a Restore Point before your PST file went missing. You can also use the SFWare PST repair tool, a tool that not only repairs the PST file but also helps in recovering Outlook data files without any hassle.
2: How to Locate a PST File without a Specific Path?
If you are unable to find where the PST file is located, you can find the path of the PST files in the error message itself.
3: How to fix Outlook export the file .pst cannot be found Error?
This error generally occurs when Outlook cannot locate the destination folder for the .pst file or if there are issues with permissions, here is what you can do:
- Check the PST file path
- Verify the folder permissions
- Open Outlook as Administrator
- Check for Updates
- Repair the Outlook Profile
