How to Fix "Outlook PST Cannot Be Opened" Error - Useful Guide!

How to Troubleshoot Outlook PST Cannot Be Opened Error?

Error:

Outlook PST Cannot Be Opened

Symptoms:

When your Outlook PST file won't open, you will receive error messages like

• Outlook PST cannot be opened
• Cannot start Microsoft Outlook
• Outlook PST file in use and cannot be accessed
• Cannot open the Outlook window
• The set of folders cannot be opened
• Outlook can't open this set of folders, or if you suspect the file is damaged

Cause:

According to Microsoft, the major reason for Outlook PST cannot be opened error is the corruption in the Navigation Pane Settings. When your Outlook size shows 0, it indicates that the Navigation Pane Setting is corrupted. Corruption in the Outlook PST file, running Outlook in compatibility mode, etc. can also be the reason behind the occurrence of this error message.

Resolution:

Step 1: Reset Navigation Pane Settings

• If you are using Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 or 10 operating system, then go to the Start menu
• In case, you are running with Windows XP, go to Start and open Run window
• Type outlook.exe /resetnavpane and hit the Enter key

This will reset the Navigation Pane Settings and resolves the MS Outlook PST cannot be opened issue.

Step 2: Run Inbox Repair Tool

You can use the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE) to detect and repair errors in the MS Outlook data file PST. To run Scanpst.exe,

• Launch Windows Explorer and navigate to;

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office version– in 64-bit Windows
C:\Program Files x86\Microsoft Office\Office version– in 32-bit Windows

• Or use below paths:

In Outlook 2016-> C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
In Outlook 2013-> C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
In Outlook 2010-> C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
In Outlook 2007-> C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office1

• Search for Scanpst.exe file and double click on it to open
• In the Inbox Repair Tool wizard, click on the Browse button and select the Outlook PST file
• Click Start
• Create the backup file of scanned PST and Repair errors find by ScanPST

Open Outlook with the fixed PST file, after completion of the repair process.

Step 3: Disable Compatibility Mode in MS Outlook

• Find outlook.exe file using Windows Explorer
• Right-click OUTLOOK.EXE and click Properties
• Switch to Compatibility tab, and uncheck Run this program in compatibility mode
• Click OK and start Outlook

Step 4: Create a New Outlook Profile

• Go to Control Panel and select Mail (you can search for Mail in the Control Panel window)
• Select Show Profiles option and click on Add button
• Give Profile name and click OK
• Go back to Mail, select Data Files and set the new profile as Default

Step 5: If you are running an Exchange server email account, then directly delete the offline Outlook Data File (OST). Outlook will recreate the healthy OST file when you open it next time.

Remo Outlook PST Repair utility to fix the issue:

If none of the above solutions solve the Outlook PST cannot be opened problem, then use Remo Repair Outlook and repair the PST file. The tool utilizes fully automated process in fixing the PSt file issues, and so even a novice users can handle the tool easily to fix the issues in Outlook PST file. Follow below mentioned guidelines to fix "Outlook PST cannot be opened" error with Remo Outlook PST Repair utility.

Guidelines to Fix Outlook PST cannot Be Opened Error:

Step 1: Download, and Install Remo Repair Outlook tool on your system. After successful installation, launch the software, and Select the corrupt PST file by choosing Open PST File option (if you know PST location) or Find PST File option (If you don’t know the PST file location) or Select Outlook Profile (If you have multiple Outlook profiles) option.

Step 2: Click on Browse button and select the new location to save repaired PST file. And, hit Repair option to initiate the repair process.

Step 3: The software allows you to Preview the contents of fixed PST file in an Outlook-styled interface. Go through it. Then, import the healthy PST into your Outlook profile.