How to fix 'Outlook data file cannot be accessed' error?
When Outlook prompts "Data file cannot be accessed", it is usually caused by path errors, file corruption, insufficient permissions, or configuration problems. Solutions include: 1. Check and correct the data file path, confirm the correctness of the path through account settings and reposition it; 2. Use the SCANPST.EXE tool to repair the damaged PST file and backup it in advance just in case; 3. Ensure that the PST file has correct access rights and release the program from the program, and restart the computer if necessary; 4. Create a new Outlook configuration file and add the data file to eliminate configuration exceptions. Trying these methods one by one in sequence usually solves the problem.
This error usually occurs when you try to open Outlook and prompts "Outolk data file is inaccessible", which is commonly found for users using PST or OST files. This problem may occur, including corruption of the file, incorrect path, insufficient permissions, or Outlook settings issues. The good news is that it can be fixed in most cases, here are some practical methods.

Check if the data file path is correct
Outlook records the path to the PST or OST file, and if the file is moved, renamed, or a hard disk error occurs, the path will fail.
- Open Outlook → File → Account Settings → Account Settings...
- Switch to the Data Files tab to see if the listed file path is correct.
- If the path is wrong, you can click "Change" to relocate the file's location.
Sometimes changes in the system drive letter (such as changes in the external hard drive drive letter) can also cause the path to fail. At this time, you can manually adjust the drive letter or path.

Repair corrupt data files using Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE)
PST file corruption is a common cause of this error. Microsoft provides a built-in tool called SCANPST.EXE , which is specifically used to fix these problems.
- Search for
scanpst.exe
on your computer, which is generally located in the following path:- Outlook 2019/2016:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX
- Outlook for Microsoft 365: The path is similar, and the specific version number may vary slightly
- Outlook 2019/2016:
- After opening the tool, select the PST file you want to repair (if you don’t see it, you can select “Browse Files” to search manually)
- Click "Start" to scan and repair
Note: It is recommended to back up the PST file before running to avoid repair failure affecting the original data.

Check file permissions and lock status
Sometimes PST files are inaccessible due to permission issues or are occupied by other programs.
- Right-click the PST file → Properties → Security tag to confirm that the current user has read permission
- If the file is in the network path, make sure the network connection is normal and you have access permissions
- Close all programs that may access the file, such as another Outlook instance, mail archiving tools, etc.
If the file is locked, try restarting the computer and then trying again.
Create a new Outlook configuration file and re-add the data file
If none of the above methods work, it may be that there is a problem with the current configuration file in Outlook.
- Open Control Panel → Mail (or search directly for "Mail and Fax") → Display configuration files
- Create a new configuration file, then start Outlook and re-add your data file (PST or OST)
Doing this is equivalent to "reinstalling" Outlook's user environment, and often it can bypass hidden problems.
Basically these common solutions. In some cases, multiple methods may be required to combine, such as checking the path first and then processing it with a repair tool. Although it seems a bit troublesome, it is not complicated most of the time, and it is easy to ignore some small details.
The above is the detailed content of How to fix 'Outlook data file cannot be accessed' error?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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