Top Ways to Fix 0x80070002 Outlook Error Code

The 0x80070002 Outlook error can be quite confusing to face if you don’t know why it occurs in the first place. If Outlook is trying to access a file that’s either been deleted or moved, or working with an incorrect file path this error might pop-up. In this article, we will talk about the basics of this error, why it occurs, and how to resolve it easily.

What is the 0x80070002 Outlook Error?

0x80070002 Outlook (file not found) error can occur when Outlook is unable to find a required data file or folder at its location. This error might occur if the data file is either moved or deleted from its original location. You might face this error when you’re setting up a new account, opening an Outlook data file, or during regular Outlook functions.

Reasons Behind Outlook Error Code 0x80070002

This error generally occurs when an attempt is made to create a new account in their Microsoft Outlook application. Some other reasons responsible for this error are:

• The file that Outlook is trying to exist has been changed, deleted, or inaccessible.
• The configuration path that Outlook is trying to access is incorrect or no longer accessible.
• A corrupt Outlook profile or data file does not allow Outlook to access the data.

When Does the "File Not Found 0x80070002 Outlook" Error Occur?

Users usually face this error in these scenarios:

• Creating a new Outlook account.
• Opening an existing Outlook Data file.
• When an Outlook data file is missing.
• If an existing Outlook data file is damaged or inaccessible.

Methods to Fix 0x80070002 Outlook Error Code

Here are different methods listed that you could try to fix 0x80070002 Outlook error. Choose the method that corresponds well with what’s causing this error in your system. As you start with the methods, perform these quick tasks beforehand:

• Backup all the existing PST files.
• Check whether the required PST folder exists at the location or not.
• Save the PST file location.
• Take a backup of your Windows Registry settings.

Method 1: Modify Windows Registry Settings

If you face the Outlook error 0x80070002 when you’re trying to access a PST file, first you need to check the exact PST file location on your system. Check whether the required file or folder exists at the given location or not. If you find that it’s missing or can’t be accessed, then you can manually modify PST file location with the help of the Windows Registry settings. You can follow the steps for this task below:

1. Download your PST file locally from the network or cloud platform where it’s stored like OneDrive.
2. Go to the C:\Users\User name\Documents location and create a new folder here for the PST files.
3. Press Windows + R and type regedit in the Run box and press OK.

4. The Registry Editor page will open.
5. Navigate to this location:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\ > OfficeVersion > \Outlook

   

   In place of > Office Version > look for your Microsoft Office version which could be:

   • \12\ for Outlook 2007
   • \14\ for Outlook 2010
   • \15\ for Outlook 2013
   • \16\ for Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, 365
6. Once you have reached the location, click on Outlook on the left panel and then right-click on the blank space on the right panel. Follow New > String Value.

7. In the Edit String dialogue box, enter Value Name as ForcePSTPath.

8. Now, find this value ForcePSTPath on the same panel, right-click on it and select the Modify option. Provide the path of the newly created Outlook PST folder at this location: C:\Users\User name\Documents\Outlook. Then, click OK.

9. Exit the Registry Editor page.
10. Restart the Microsoft Outlook application.

Note: The ForcePSTPath value only changes the default location where PST files are stored, it can’t restore a permanently deleted or a damaged PST file.

Method 2: Check for Damage in PST File

If Outlook can locate the PST but is unable to access or open it, your data file might be corrupted. Check for corruption in your corrupt PST file with Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe). If you find out that your PST file is corrupt after scanning with the Inbox Repair Tool, you must repair it quickly. Follow the steps for this:

• Find ScanPST.exe on your system and open it.
• Add your corrupt PST files by clicking on Browse and then click on Start to proceed with the repair process.
• Once the repair process is completed, try to open the PST file in Outlook again to see if the file not found error got resolved.

Note: ScanPST.exe can only repair minor corruption in PST files. If you find that your PST files are still corrupt even after repairing them with ScanPST.exe, then you might have to opt for a dedicated PST repair tool.

Method 3: Check and Repair Corrupt Outlook Profile

If your PST file is healthy and accessible, the problem might be stemming from your Outlook profile. Corruption in Outlook profile can also be one of the reasons why you may face the 0x80070002 error. This can happen due to invalid configuration entries in your Outlook profile. To repair your corrupt Outlook profile, follow the steps below:

1. Open Outlook and go to File.
2. Click on Account Settings.
3. Select the affected email account and click on Repair.
4. Enter your email address associated with the Outlook profile and click on Repair.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions and then click on Finish.

Note: Microsoft’s account-repair feature is particularly unavailable for an Exchange based Outlook 2016 account.

Conclusion

Errors like 0x80070002 in Outlook can interfere with Outlook’s performance and affect productivity. If you face this error because of a broken file path, then you must create a new path to save the Outlook data file. If the file path is correct, then check for corruption either in Outlook’s profile or the PST file. With our guidance, identify the reason for this error and then choose the appropriate troubleshooting method.

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