Outlook PST File Not Opening? Causes and Practical Solutions

Seeing errors like Outlook PST file not opening when sending or receiving emails can be very distressing. This error might often seem very common but can cost you a lot if it contains years of accumulated emails and contacts. Sometimes, a simple uninstallation and reinstallation or a network fix resolves the issue. But when these solutions fail to help, you need reliable workarounds to handle your PST file efficiently.
Let’s see what the major reasons are for a PST file not opening in Outlook issue and how you can troubleshoot it to fix the Outlook PST file and access your mailbox data with minimum downtime.

Why am I unable to open PST file in Outlook?

Let’s scroll down to find major reasons restricting access to the Outlook PST file:

Your PST file is damaged

When your PST file is damaged or corrupted due to sudden power crashes, abrupt shutdown, improper Outlook exits, or hard drive errors, you can have issues in opening the PST file.

PST is open in other application

When your PST file is already being accessed in another application or Outlook, you may face different problems. Sometimes when you exit Outlook, the process continues to run in the background.

Your PST is stored on network or external drive

A PST file might start showing errors and issues in opening in Outlook if it is stored on a network drive, removable media, or external drive.

You have an oversized PST

When there is an oversized PST file, the Outlook application starts malfunctioning and freezing, making it difficult to access the mailboxes.

PST can't be located by Outlook

If a PST file stored on your PC was deleted, or renamed, relocated, or moved from its original location, you might not be able to find and open it anymore.

Faulty add-ins creating problems

If you’ve enabled add-ins within Outlook that are faulty or interrupting the mailbox functioning, Outlook might not be able to open the PST file.

Issue with the security software

Sometimes the security software or antivirus or anti-malware programs installed on the system restricts the access of PST file and mailboxes within Outlook.

Read also: 5 Signs That Your PST File is Corrupted

Solutions to resolve the error “PST file not opening in Outlook”

Follow the solutions provided below to fix the Outlook PST file not opening in Outlook issue:

Solution 1: Check the file location

The first and foremost solution to avoid the issue should be verifying the saved location of the PST file. Check that the file is stored at its correct path and you’ve the necessary permissions to access it. Follow the steps given below:

1. Open Outlook and then go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
2. Click on Data Files and copy the file path if the required file is stored in that location.
3. Now right-click on the PST file, select Properties, and check that the file isn’t set to be Read-only.

Solution 2: Try opening Outlook in Safe Mode

Another solution that might help you open your PST file is accessing Outlook in Safe Mode.

1. Use the Windows and R keys together to open the Run window.
2. Type outlook.exe /safe and hit the Enter button.
3. When Outlook opens in safe mode now, click on File, then Options, and select Add-ins.
4. Now try disabling the add-ins one-by-one to detect the faulty ones. Finally, you can remove or disable the add-ins that are causing the issue.

Solution 3: Manage the PST file size

Since your PST file is too large, you can face complications in opening the PST file. Here is how to archive old emails and compress the file size.

1. In Outlook, go to File, then Tools, and click on Mailbox Cleanup.
2. Click on AutoArchive to archive old items or delete unnecessary data.
3. Now click File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files.
4. Select your PST file and then click Settings and Compact Now to compress the file size.

Solution 4: Run ScanPST.exe utility

Microsoft Outlook comes with a built-in utility that helps in repairing PST file corruption and make the mailbox items accessible. Here is how to use it:

1. Go to the location where SCANPST.exe is stored: -For Outlook 2016/ 2019/ 2021/ O365: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 -Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15 -Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
2. Launch the utility and click Browse to open your PST file.
3. Click Start to scan the files and click Repair if errors are found.
4. Once done, launch Outlook again to see if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

The overall essence of the article explains that the error in the PST file can be due to damage or corruption in the PST file. To resolve the error, you can use the methods as explained above. However, the issue might get serious if you’re unable to open the file even after using these solutions. Therefore, use an Outlook PST Repair tool to repair PST file while retaining all data, metadata, email attributes, and the original folder structure.