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Microsoft Outlook is a leading email client application used by individuals, professionals, students, teachers, etc. It has many remarkable features that lure users. However, there are several issues that users may face while working with Outlook. One such error is: “Outlook.pst cannot be accessed – 0X80040116.

What is 0X80040116?

Why do we face the error “Outlook.pst cannot be accessed – 0X80040116”? Before answering the “WHY,” let us first know what this error is all about.
Outlook Error 0x80040116 is all about telling the user that there is some issue with the PST file he is trying to access. Obviously, it is a matter of worry for the user as all their personal and crucial information is in PST file. The PST file contains all emails, attachments, calendars entries, contacts, etc. Hence, the problem with your PST files creates severe problems to your Outlook data.

What are the major causes of Outlook error 0X80040116?

There are several reasons for the Outlook error 0X80040116. Some are mentioned below:

  • Header file corruption
  • Bulky Outlook mailbox
  • Inappropriate shut down of Outlook
  • Outlook PST file is damaged or corrupted
  • Over-sized PST file
  • Firewall or anti-virus program installed

But the major reason behind the error ‘Outlook.pst cannot be accessed – 0X80040116’ is PST corruption. Corruption restricts the user from accessing the PST file.

How can the Outlook error 0X80040116 be fixed?

There are several manual and automated solutions to solve the Outlook error 0X80040116. After thorough research, we found the best two solutions for you.

Solution 1: Repair by creating a new Outlook PST file

Below mentioned are simple steps that will take you through the process of creating a new Outlook PST file.
STEP 1: Open Control Panel and click the Mail icon.
STEP 2: In the Mail Setup Wizard, choose Show Profiles from the dialog box.
STEP 3: Now, click Properties and from the next dialog box click Data Files.
STEP 4: Choose Set as Default and click New button under Emails tab.
STEP 5: Fill in all the required E-mail Account details and Finish by enabling the radio button “Always use this profile.”
Now, if you have followed the steps as mentioned, congratulations you have created a new Outlook PST file, and Outlook PST error 0X80040116 is now fixed.

Solution 2: Repair Using Scanpst.exe Utility

Scanpst.exe is a free tool given by Microsoft to fix PST issues. But it sometimes fails to correct PST issues. The tool might not be able to solve the error mentioned as it has several limitations.

Limitations possessed by Scanpst.exe Utility
  • Fails to repair file headers.
  • Do not work with file sizes above 2 GB.
  • Cause runtime errors while repairing the PST file.
  • Unsuccessful in recovering deleted or lost email items.
  • Not programmed to fix unexpected errors

What is the best solution to repair PST files?

If the above methods fail to solve the error 0X80040116, you can go for Kernel for Outlook PST Repair software. It will address all your PST issues accurately without the data loss. You can download the trial version of the tool to know the features and working of the product.

Kernel for Outlook PST Repair