How Do I Fix “Outlook PST Cannot be Found” using 7 Proven Steps

A corrupted PST File can lead to significant difficulties. The Outlook might be unable to detect the file and display the error “Outlook PST Cannot be Found”. Large enterprises that store PST Files on shared servers, network interruptions, and syncing problems can make the problem worse. When such a situation arises, employees might face delays or get locked out of email communications. In such cases, immediate action is required to recover the file and minimize business disruptions. There are multiple proven manual methods to fix this error. Moreover, in severe corruption, choose an expert-recommended Outlook PST Repair Tool to quickly repair the file. Read the full blog for a better understanding.

The error generally indicates that MS Outlook can’t find or access the PST File. This PST File contains the emails, contacts, and calendar events. 

Why Outlook.pst Cannot be Found?

• A PST File corruption can prevent Outlook from accessing it, resulting in cannot be found error.
• Outlook will not be able to locate the PST File if it is renamed, moved, or deleted.
• A misconfigured Outlook may fail to locate the PST File, especially after updates or system changes.
• Network interruptions during the syncing process can block Outlook from accessing the PST file.
• Firewalls or anti-virus programs could restrict Outlook from accessing the PST File.
• If another application is currently using the PST File, Outlook might fail to open it.

How Do I Fix the Outlook PST Cannot be Found Error?

Users can choose to resolve this issue, either manually or using an automated recovery solution for a faster approach. First, let’s take a look at the manual methods.

Update Outlook

Updating Outlook to the latest version can resolve problems like file access and overall functionality. Sometimes, bugs or outdated software lead to errors like this.

Update MS Outlook by following the steps given below:

1. Open MS Outlook.
2. Go to File > Office Account > Update Options.
3. Click on the Update Now option.

Check the Location of your PST File

One of the most common causes of error is that the Outlook data file is renamed, removed, or corrupted. Therefore, to fix “Outlook Data File Cannot be Found”, the user needs to verify the file’s location. 

These are the steps to check the PST File location:

1. Open the Outlook application.
2. Navigate to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files.
3. Manually look through your PST File and click on Open File Location.

Create a New PST File

With this approach, the user can create a new file while keeping any data from the recoverable file. It is useful when the Outlook file is severely corrupted and is not recoverable or repairable. 

Instructions to create a new PST File:

1. Follow the same steps as the above method till step 2.
2. Then, click on the Add button to create a new PST file and set it as the default.
3. Select the desired location to save your PST file.

Repair the PST File

It is a built-in utility in Microsoft Outlook called, Inbox Repair Tool. It scans the PST File for errors and helps to repair them.

Steps to repair the PST File:

1. First, close the Outlook application completely.
2. Now, locate the scanpst.exe, which will be in your Outlook installation folder.
3. Run the scanpst.exe and locate your PST File location.
4. Click on the Start button to start the repair process.

Check and Recreate Corrupted Outlook Profile

The Outlook export the file .pst cannot be found is linked to issues with a corrupted or misconfigured Outlook profile. The Outlook profile contains the settings associated with your email accounts. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Open the Control Panel on your system and go to Mail.
2. Click on Show Profiles and select the desired profile that you want to fix.
3. Press Remove and confirm.
4. After that, create a new profile by clicking on Add. Follow the same process as discussed above. 

Disable Anti-Virus Programs

Turn off the antivirus software and firewalls temporarily, as they may be blocking Outlook from accessing the PST File. Check if the issue is resolved and try adjusting your software’s settings accordingly. 

Resync Cloud or Network Files

When the PST File is located on cloud services or a network drive, make sure it is properly synced. Test your internet connection and resync the file. 

Expert-Recommended Tool to Fix “Outlook PST Cannot be Found”

The Outlook PST Repair Tool is highly efficient and reliable for restoring damaged or corrupted PST Files. It allows bulk recovery for multiple accounts and can handle both minor and severe corruption. With its flexible recovery modes, it guarantees precise and accurate results. With full compatibility with various versions of Outlook and Windows, it is the perfect solution for IT professionals and enterprises.

Instructions to fix Outlook.pst cannot be found:

1. First, download and open the recovery tool on your system.
2. Press the Open button and select the damaged Outlook PST file.
3. Select the recovery mode and click on Ok.
4. When the scan is finished, click Ok.
5. Now, preview the data that was recovered to check its contents.
6. Click on Save to export the file and select your desired file format.
7. Hit Ok to start the recovery process.

Conclusion

The Outlook PST cannot be found issue must be resolved to maintain the business workflow and productivity. This blog highlights several ways to fix the problem. While manual approaches like updating Outlook, verifying anti-virus programs, rebuilding Outlook profile, etc, can be useful. Alternatively, the Outlook PST Repair Tool provides a comprehensive fix for recovering damaged or corrupted PST files. The tool not only recovers the damaged PST Files but also ensures data integrity. By using these solutions, users can also avoid potential data loss.

Related Guide: Import MS Outlook PST File to Gmail.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q- What is the repair tool for the Outlook PST file?

Ans- The repair tool for the Outlook PST File is the Inbox Repair Tool. It is also known as Scanpst.exe, which is the tool within Microsoft Outlook. It helps detect and resolve issues in corrupted PST Files. 

Q- How to fix the Outlook data file that cannot be accessed?

Ans- There are several ways to resolve this issue:

• Try updating MS Outlook
• Create a new PST file and set it as the default
• Run Scanpst.exe and repair the PST File
• Temporarily disable the Anti-virus programs
• Recreate the Outlook profile, etc.

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