Are you also facing the “Outlook Data File PST Not Found” error? If you are also in this distressing situation, it might be happening because of the damage or corruption of the PST file. Because of the said error message that you are getting at the time of opening Outlook. Since this error appears at the very starting, it prevents you to use your MS Outlook application.
Microsoft Outlook is the most usable and stable application even under the most inopportune conditions by many organizations. However, it does not break down easily. But the fact is, it is an application therefore its files get missing or you cannot find them sometimes. When this happens, it displays the error as it cannot find the .pst file.
Read More: Fix Outlook Has Run Into an Error That is Preventing it From Working Correctly Issue
The outlook data file cannot be found on windows 10 is such an error by which you are unable to access the PST files on the desktop. Now, the question arises how to fix this said error and find the file? Therefore, in this article, we will be discussing solutions to solve the PST not found error. So, let’s just begin.
But, before moving further to the solutions, let’s discuss why this error occurs or what are the reasons behind it?
Reasons for Outlook Data File PST Not Found Error
Well, PST stores the messages, events, contacts, and other important items in MS Outlook. Sometimes, it gets affected due to different reason which makes it disappear and cannot be found –
- Corrupted File – One of the reasons could be the corruption of the Outlook Data file PST.
- Exceeds Size Limit– Moreover, another reason could be the size limitation. When the mailbox size exceeds the limited size, it brings various issues while using the Outlook application.
- Plug-ins Conflict – Likewise, the conflicts between the different plug-ins and the Outlook application is the other reason when Outlook.pst cannot be found.
- Damaged Outlook File – Additionally, because of some human error, the PST file can be damaged as well. When it happens you cannot find it in the PC.
- Virus Attacks – Because of the different application installations, there are most of the chances of virus attacks. As a result, Outlook data file PST can be lost somewhere.
- Network Server Error– Last but not the least, the PST files are unable to find because of the non-availability of the network server where the file exists.
Methods to Fix “Outlook Data File PST Not Found on Windows 10” Error
In the last section, you came across the reasons why PST files show errors. So, now, let’s discuss the solutions that can be useful to fix this particular error. For this case, we have piled up a few methods-
- Create a New PST File
- Repair Microsoft Outlook Application
- Use Inbox Repair Tool
- Repair PST File with Deleted Items
Create a New Outlook PST File
When the Outlook file throws “Outlook data file PST not found” for any reason, we recommend you create a new PST file.
You have to configure your email account with IMAP. Add new .pst file by following below steps –
- In the first step, go to Control Panel > Mail option
- Mail Setup > Outlook dialogue box > Show Profiles
- Now, click on the Add button (upload your backup PST file)
- Then, just provide its name and hit the OK button to proceed further
- Now again, Mail > Mail Setup > Outlook dialogue box > Data Files
- After that, select the new Outlook profile from the list, and click Set as Default to make it the default profile
- Lastly, close everything and start Outlook again.
Repair Microsoft Outlook Application
Another way you can try to fix the “Outlook data file PST not found” error is by repairing the Microsoft Outlook application. By doing so, the chances of corrupt files can be avoided. Follow the steps outlined below-
- Initially, go to the Control Panel
- In the Program option, select the Uninstall a Programs
- Doing this, a new window will appear, right-click on Office. Then, just choose the Change option from Uninstall or Change options
- From the new pop-up box click the Yes button
- Now, select the Repair button and hit the Continue to proceed with the repair function
- Finally, you will need to wait until the process is done and then open Microsoft Outlook application.
Fix Outlook Data File PST Not Found Issue Using SCANPST
Another method that you can use to fix said error by using the inbox repair tool also known as Scanpst.exe. You can easily resolve the minor errors associated with the Outlook.pst file. Follow the steps to know about its working –
- First of all, exit Outlook and browse any location-Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16In Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
Or, Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
- Now, from the default location, open Inbox repair tool (SCANPST.EXE)
- Here, Browse to select the Outlook Data File (.pst) you want to scan
- Hit the Start button to find out the present errors
- If the scan finds errors, then, just select the Repair option
- After the completion of the process to resolve Outlook data file cannot be found issue, open Outlook again.
Limitations of Using Scanpst.exe to Find Lost PST File
As it is a manual solution provided by Microsoft Outlook. Though, it’s easy to use but it has some limitations that you will face while fixing the .pst file errors. These are-
- Limited Size – It is only able to recover PST files up to 2GB. Because of the size limitation, the Inbox repair tool fails to repair corrupted PST files larger than 2GB.
- Cannot recover badly damaged PST file – Moreover, it can only fix minor corruption issues of PST data file(s)/folders. This tool performs poorly during the highly corrupted file.
- Unable to repair permanently deleted data – Similarly, if your Outlook PST data file items are permanently deleted, then, you cannot take a help of Inbox Repair Tool to fix them .
- Cannot Recover Orphaned Outlook File At All – If your PST file is not connected with MS Outlook or any server then you are unable to recover the orphaned Offline data file by using this tool.
How to Resolve Outlook Data File PST Not Found Error Instantly?
You can use any above-mentioned method to fix the “Outlook data file PST cannot found” error. However, any of the methods doesn’t have the accuracy to fix major issues. Hence, in this situation, we recommend you to use the SYSDaddy Microsoft Outlook Repair tool. As it will help you to resolve all major Outlook data file errors.
Moreover, you can perform the entire task without installing the Outlook application. Also, there will be no requirements of high technical knowledge because of its easy interface. So, anyone can easily use it and get back healthy Outlook data file along with deleted items.
Features of the Amazing Automated Utility
This tool has multiple special features to fix the Outlook data file PST cannot be found on Windows 10 error. Here, we are sharing a few of them –
- This application helps you to fix highly corrupted file and even permanently deleted emails from the PST file.
- Similarly, it provides you the facility to recover Outlook PST data files and preview deleted data files.
- Not only this, but you can get back all the password-protected Outlook data file PSTs.
- Also, you will be able to recover damaged MS Outlook PST in UNICODE and ANSI format.
- Additionally, you can use resultant healthy PST file(s) in any Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and earlier versions.
Guide to Resolve Outlook.pst Cannot be Found in Windows 10, 11
Firstly, download and install the software on your computer system. After this, follow the outlined steps to know how to operate this tool –
- First of all, select the Add File option from the initial screen
- Then, just navigate the PST file which is having error and click the Next button
- After that, select the file(s)/folder and then, just select Advanced Settings according to your needs
- In the last step, Browse the destination to preserve the healthy file. Hit the Export button to fix Outlook data file PST not found error.
Last Words
In this article, we have discussed multiple reasons for “Outlook data file PST not found” error. Then, we have shared different methods in this article. So, you can use them to fix this “Outlook.pst cannot be found in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7” error. However, you can use manual methods but all of them have some limitations. Whereas, the SYSDaddy Software that we have mentioned above is a reliable solution to fix this error.
FAQ
Q- After creating a new Outlook data PST file, what will I do with the existing PST file?
You can save the existing file as a backup and remove it from MS Outlook account.
Q – Will this utility resolve and recover all deleted data file?
Yes, by using this tool, you will be able to recover all the deleted data files easily by performing a few steps only.
Q – Can I fix large Outlook data PST file using the Inbox Repair Tool?
No, the Scanpst.exe is helpful for fixing the small size of Outlook data file PSTs only. So, for fixing large size of the PSTs you should go for the utility that we have mentioned above.