Fix the Outlook Data File Unknown Error 0x8000ffff

Outlook has risen to prominence as a premier email management application due to its versatility in accommodating various types of email accounts, including Exchange Server, Microsoft 365, IMAP, POP, and more. It boasts a comprehensive set of features that enhance email communication, and its robust Exchange support and offline capabilities set it apart as a superior choice among email clients.

Error 0x8000ffff

Outlook generates two types of data files – PST and OST. While it's possible to manually add data files separately through the control panel, there are instances when Outlook may not support this addition and instead produces an error, preventing the inclusion of the data file.

An unknown error occurred, error code: 0x8000ffff appears on their screens.

The error mentioned above can occur when a user attempts to add a new data file using the Mail application in the Control Panel, which provides an option for adding data files.

Although Microsoft has not given a precise explanation regarding the error, there ca be many possible causes behind the error like the following:

• The Registry Settings are corrupt.
• The system files are either damaged or corrupt.
• Incorrect data and time settings.
• The system drivers are out of date.
• The user has limited access.

We are going to mention a few hacks you can try to fix this error.

• Add Data File in Outlook As the very first approach, we are going to add a data file in Outlook. Let’s see how to do it, step by step:
  1. Start with launching Outlook on your system.
  2. Once Outlook is open, click on the File to open the File menu.
  3. Once the File menu is open, select Account Settings from there.
  4. Once you click on the Account settings, you will see a dropdown; from there select Account Settings
  5. Now, select the Data Files tab from there, and click on the Add button.
  6. Right after clicking on the Add button, add the file. Click on OK once added.
  7. Finally, click on the Close button in the Account Settings to finish the task.

After completing this step, your issue should be resolved. However, if the problem persists, it's likely that the Outlook data file you are attempting to add is corrupted. In such a case, you should explore the following methods to address this corruption.

If you find that the Outlook data file that was creating the problem is corrupt, then you need to fix it. There are ways to resolve Outlook PST corruptions, let’s discuss them.

Outlook provides an built-in repair tool called SCANPST.EXE, and in the following steps, we will utilize it. If the corruption is minor, it can often be resolved using SCANPST.EXE. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Start with pressing Win + R to open and the Run dialogue box will open.
2. Now, enter “C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16” in the search box and click on the OK button.
3. Once the SCANPST.EXE is visible on the screen, double-click on it to open it on your system.
4. Now, click on the Browse button to add the PST file you want to fix.
5. Once the file is added, click on the Start button to start the scanning process.
   
   Note: While clicking on the Start button, make sure that the box beside “Make a backup of scanned file before repairing” is checked.
6. Once the scanning is over, click on the Repair button to start the repair of the corrupt file.

After completing this process, your file should be repaired. However, if the corruption was severe and SCANPST.EXE was unable to fix it, you'll need to proceed with the next method to address the issue.

Kernel for Outlook PST Repair is a third-party repair tool capable of addressing various forms of corruption in PST files. This tool effectively repairs severely corrupt single or multiple PST files, without any file size limitations. Simply add the corrupt PST file to the tool, follow the provided instructions, and your file will be repaired in just a few straightforward steps. You can also explore the trial version of the tool to gain a better understanding of its capabilities.

• Free Download
• Buy Now

Conclusion

This blog covered the error 0x8000ffff, explaining its nature, causes, and methods for resolution. Initially, we discussed encountering this error while attempting to add an Outlook data file from the Outlook interface. However, if the error persisted, we attributed it to PST file corruption and explained how to address this corruption. We outlined the use of SCANPST.EXE to repair minor corruption and suggested using the Kernel for Outlook PST tool to repair severely corrupt PST files if the initial method failed.