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Microsoft Outlook is a valuable email client for managing emails, calendars, tasks, and contacts. Setting up your Outlook profile will automatically create an Outlook data file (OST or PST) depending on the configuration used (IMAP/POP). These files are the most secure, error-free, and easily accessible for users. However, sometimes users encounter an error message saying, ‘Outlook data file not opened,’ which can be frustrating, especially if they need to access their emails urgently.
Therefore, in the blog, we will explain the possible causes of the error and provide solutions to fix it.
Occasionally, when trying to open your Outlook data file, you may receive an error that the file cannot be opened. This can be due to:
If you receive this error, check if the file path is correct. If not, ensure that Outlook is pointed to the correct location of your data file.
If the problem persists, we have given some easy solutions, but it is advisable to keep a backup of the PST file before carrying out these steps for an extra layer of protection with your data.
Outlook files are essential as well as sensitive. Whenever users misspell some commands in it, it gets corrupted, and pop-ups of Outlook data files cannot be opened. To fix the issue, you can create a new Outlook profile. It will reset Outlook and allow you to establish a new connection. Here’s how:
You can also use the Microsoft Outlook inbuilt SCANPST.EXE tool to encounter “the Outlook data file cannot be opened” error. It will help you to find the errors with your PST files and resolve them. Here are the steps to run SCANPST.EXE:
Invalid mail delivery location can also cause the “Outlook Data File Cannot be Opened” error when trying to open Outlook.Therefore, you must change your mail delivery location to the correct path.
Follow the simple steps to execute the task.
In some instances, ownership of the Outlook data file can cause various issues. To manage the problem, you can check out the settings related to file ownership.
Go with the following steps to take ownership of your data file:
Turning off compatibility mode can quickly resolve the “OST file cannot be opened” error. Here are the steps:
Safe mode is the protective and advanced mode that helps users initiate their tools in an encrypted mode. It will easily decode any issue. Follow the steps to troubleshoot the issue “OST file cannot be opened” quickly.
Note: If the error persists, go to the Outlook application, and check out the add-ins settings to handle the issue.
Sometimes your navigation pane might have problems because it gets corrupted. Here is how to reset the navigation pane to fix the “Outlook data file cannot be opened” issue.
It is a common problem, and your Outlook data file cannot be opened as it gets stuck due to the hanging problem on the loading profile. The issue is with your OS and video drivers. Follow our steps to fix this issue instantly.
Cached exchange mode can also be the reason for the Outlook data file cannot be opened issue.
Follow the below steps to disable the Cached Exchange Mode in Outlook:
Note: You should be aware that disabling Cached Exchange Mode may impact your Outlook application’s performance, particularly if you have a large mailbox and a slow internet connection.
Using manual methods might resolve the issue of Outlook data files, but they have certain limitations, like being prone to data loss, difficult to perform, and time-consuming for users. Also, these methods won’t be helpful in case of corrupted Outlook data files. Therefore, it is advisable to use Kernel for Outlook PST Repair, which helps to fix the ‘Outlook cannot be opened’ data file error. It can repair and restore all mailbox items from corrupt or damaged PST files. It can also recover deleted mailbox items from the PST file and allows users to save it in multiple formats, including DBX, MSG, MBOX, TXT, etc. The software also provides an option to split large-sized PST files into smaller parts. Furthermore, it supports all versions of MS Outlook, including 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, etc.
In this blog, we have outlined the easiest solutions to fix ‘Outlook data file cannot be opened’ error. So, whether your Outlook data file is corrupted or just not opening correctly, one of these solutions will surely fix your problems. You just need to follow the proper step-by-step instructions to make your process hassle-free.
Moreover, do not forget the ultimate troubleshooter, as it helps in repairing and recovering lost or inaccessible data due to corruption or any other reason.
This article provides several different solutions to fix “Outlook data file cannot be Opened” error. It is helpful, but not all solutions may work for every user. One can choose the solution that works best for them.