In normal cases, copying Outlook PST files from one location to another is fairly straightforward. Just a copy-paste command will do the trick. However, in rare cases, you may encounter errors when copying PST files from one location to another. In this article, we are going to discuss an error ‘Cannot read from the source file or disk’ that appears when copying PST files. We will also see some simple fixes to resolve this issue.
Solutions to resolve ‘Cannot read from the source file or disk’
Solution 1: Make sure Outlook is closed
If you have your Outlook open, you may not be able to copy or move the PST file since it may be being accessed by Outlook. To avoid this problem, first close Outlook and then try moving the PST file. Ideally, this should help you resolve the problem. However, if this doesn’t help, proceed to the next step.
Solution 2: Compact the PST file
One possible reason for the error ‘Cannot read from the source file or disk’ is that your PST file may be too large. In this case, the issue can be resolved by compacting the PST file. To do so, you can follow the below steps.
- First, remove any unwanted items from your Outlook and clear the Deleted Items folder
- Click File > Account Settings > Account Settings
- Go to the Data Files tab and select the data file that you wish to compact
- Then click Settings > Advanced tab > Outlook data file settings
- In the dialogue box that opens, click on the Compact Now button and then click Ok
Solution 3: Repair PST file
If compacting the PST file doesn’t help you resolve the error ‘Cannot read from the source file or disk’, there is a probability that your PST file may be corrupt. Corruption in PST files can be most often resolved by using the built-in repair tool called Scanpst.exe.
All you have to do is search for Scanpst.exe in File Explorer and select your PST file. Then click Scan for the PST file to be repaired. That’s all you need to do to repair your PST file. However, Scanpst.exe cannot repair major corruption issues and does not work with large PST files. In that case, you can use the dedicated PST repair software called Remo Repair PST.
Remo Repair PST is the best in class PST Repair software to repair PST files. It can be used to repair all types of corruption ranging from simple to complex, irrespective of the reason for corruption. Once the file is repaired, you should be able to copy the PST file without facing the error ‘Cannot read from the source file or disk’.
Remo PST Repair can be used to repair PST in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 and all other versions. Moreover, this software is available for a free trial, download today!
