Error "Outlook PST File Cannot be Found" - Resolved!

Error:

Outlook.pst Could Not Be Found

Symptoms:

Upon starting Outlook application, you may receive “file name.pst could not be found” error message. After clicking OK button on the error code dialogue box, the Outlook further displays Create/Open Personal Folders File message.

Causes:

The error “Outlook PST file cannot be found” indicates, Outlook cannot find the associated PST file (your previously used PST file). And this, PST file not found error might be caused due to any of the below two reasons.

1. PST file on the server is not available.

2. Your PST file is corrupted.

First of all, you must be wondering why this error message occurs? Well, usually such error messages occur when the PST file is corrupted. Any issue with the PST file affects Outlook and the PST file needs to be repaired to get back to work. You can use the Inbox Repair tool to fix Outlook issues, however if the PST file is severely corrupted, then the ScanPST tool is no longer a feasible option.

How To Fix Outlook PST File Cannot Be Found Error Manually?

Method 1: Fix Outlook PST file Cannot be Found by Creating a PST File

Step 1: Detect the PST File

• When your PST file, located on the server is no longer available, then Outlook can’t access your emails, contacts, etc., and displays error Outlook.pst not found. Follow the steps below to locate the PST file.
• Go to the Outlook and click on the File option and navigate to the Account and then select Account Settings.

Once you have navigated to the Account Settings you can create a new Outlook data file by follow the points mentioned in steps 2.

Step 2: Create a New Outlook Data File

• To create a new data file once you have navigated to the Account Settings select Add option and then click on the OK option.
• Then create a new PST file and set the latest created PST file as default.
• Now close the setup wizard and restart your MS Outlook.

If following the above method did not help you then you can ask your system administrator can resolve this issue after verifying the Exchange server infrastructure of your organisation. So, contact your system administrator.

Method 2: Repair File Outlook.pst Cannot be Found Using Inbox Repair Tool

The server is accessing your PST file and still Outlook displays Outlook PST file not found error, then there might be chances that your PST is corrupted. Follow the steps below to repair your PST file using the Inbox Repair tool.

• Exit the Outlook and navigate Outlook location:
• Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
• Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
• Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
• Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
• Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12
• Type Scanpst.exe in the Search Bar.
• Double-click on the returned Scanpst.exe file.
• Browse and select the corrupt PST file. Click on the Start button.
• If Inbox Repair tool finds error, opt to Make backup of scanned file before repairing. Give name and location to save the backup file.
• Click on the Repair button.

Generally, you can use the Inbox Repair tool to fix the minor issues and errors on the Outlook PST files. However, if the PST file is severely corrupted or damaged, the ScanPST tool is no longer a feasible option. However, you can make use of the Remo Repair Outlook PST tool.

Method 3: Fix the Error Outlook PST cannot be accessed using Outlook PST Repair tool

To easily and safely fix ‘Outlook PST file cannot be found’ error make use of Outlook PST Repair Tool. This read-only application will fix the corrupt PST file and resolve the error message without hampering the contents on the original file. The tool can help you recover emails with attachments, Bcc, cc, subject, etc. It supports all Outlook versions including Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, etc.

Steps To Fix Outlook PST Cannot Be Found Error

Step 1: Launch Remo Repair Outlook tool and click on the Open Default PST File button to select the corrupt PST file. If you don’t know the PST location, then Select PST File Manually. If you have multiple Outlook accounts, go for Find All Your PST Files.

Step 2: Select scanning method, provide the destination path where you want to save the repaired PST file using Browse option and click on the Repair button.

Step 3: After completion of the repair process, the software provides an option to Preview repaired PST file along with its recovered attributes.

Verify the repaired PST file, import it to Outlook and check whether the error “PST file not found” is resolved.