How to Fix “Not Able to Open Outlook Data File” Error? Solved
Several Microsoft clients reported their problem i.e., not able to open Outlook data file They encounter this issue when they try to access Outlook PST file. Error statements like Outlook cannot open data file personal folders, Outlook data file cannot be opened you don’t have permission, etc., are received by professionals.
Not only that but, there are several causes behind the occurrence of the ‘not able to open Outlook data file’ problem. Since you are here to get a solution for troubleshooting this Outlook error, therefore, we are going to provide you with the same.
Instead of wasting time reading causes for Outlook errors, quickly begin with learning of possible solutions to solve it.
Solve “Not Able to Open Outlook Data File” Error Manually
The solutions that we are going to list down are the possible measures to troubleshoot the problem. So, implement these techniques one after the other; after the execution of each approach check whether you are not able to open Outlook data file.
Method 1: Modify Properties of Outlook PST File
The very first idea is to change the default properties of the .pst file. For this, you have to refer following steps:
- Right-click on the source PST file and then, click on the Properties option.
- Look for the ‘Read-only’ checkbox and uncheck it. Hit on OK to close the panel.
- Give it a try whether your file gets open or not. If the file doesn’t open, move to Step (4)
- Again, open the Properties window of the source PST file and then, hit on the Security tab.
- Click on Edit and tap on the Add button. Type Everyone in the respective field.
- Click on OK. Now, enable the checkbox of Full Control and hit OK for changes.
- Finally, open the Outlook and see whether the Outlook data file problem is solved or not.
Method 2: Open Outlook with Admin Rights
Another measure is to repair inaccessible PST files of Microsoft Outlook by using Administrative privileges. Implement the following guidelines to do this:
- Close the Outlook application, if opened. Right-click on the desktop icon of Outlook program.
- From the displayed menu, choose the Run As Administrator option. Now try to open an inaccessible PST file in the target profile.
Method 3: Open Microsoft Outlook in the Safe Mode
It is an effective approach to fix the ‘not able to open Outlook data file you don’t have permission’ issue. In this, you have to open and use Outlook email client in safe mode. If you are unaware of the steps to do the same, take help of the following steps:
- Open the Run screen on your PC by pressing the Ctrl+R keys from the keyboard.
- Type Outlook.exe/safe in the text field and then, press Enter key.
- A message box appears where you have to click on the Yes button.
- Now, try to open the Outlook data file, which was causing an error while opening.
Method 4: Creating a New Outlook Profile
- Open Outlook and then the control panel.
- Click on the Mail >> Show Profiles options.
- Select the Add button and put the new profile details.
- Click on the OK and then the Finish button.
- After creating the file, set it as the default profile.
After all the steps, restart the Outlook account.
Method 5: Using SCANPST.EXE
- Open scanpst.exe on your system.
- Choose the file that you want to scan, by following this path:
C:\Users\ [Your Name]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook - Now click on the Start button.
- If any error is found, click on the Repair button.
Best Method to Fix “Not Able to Open Outlook Data File” Error
This method calls for a standalone utility named OST file viewer or PST file viewer. It is a 100% free-of-cost and secure solution to Open PST File without Outlook. The software guarantees troubleshooting of errors that are associated with opening or accessing Outlook data file.
Whether Microsoft Outlook is present or absent on the source computer, the application will fetch content from browsed PST / OST files. The orphaned database file of the Microsoft Outlook profile will be easily accessible in this free app. In order to fix the ‘not able to open Outlook data file’ issue via this freeware, implement the following instructions:
Steps to Solve “Outlook Data File Cannot be Opened” Error
- Launch the Outlook File Viewer program on your computer.
- Click on the Open button to add the Outlook data files.
- Use the Choose Folders or Choose Files option to upload files.
- Browse the location, where your files are located.
- Now you can analyze the emails and other data on the software panel.
Why Advanced Tool to Solve “Not Able to Open Outlook Data File” Error?
- The software can load the Outlook profile data directly from the default storage location automatically.
- Also, if users have corrupted, damaged, or orphan files, then this tool will easily open those files by using the Choose Files and Choose Folders options.
- The software load and preview the complete data of the Outlook profile on the software panel, so that users can analyze the required data.
- It maintains the original folder hierarchy and email components including Bcc, Cc, To, From, Subject, Date, Formatting, Image, etc.
- Also, users can open and analyze the all data of Outlook profiles including emails, contacts, calendars, notes, journals, tasks, etc.
Time to Wrap Up
How to troubleshoot not able to open Outlook data file error? An answer to this question has been provided in this post. We guarantee you that one or the other measures will definitely solve your problem and you will be able to view the content of PST files with or without Outlook. For individuals who don’t have a Microsoft Outlook mail client present on their PC, they don’t have to panic. Simply opt for Microsoft Outlook file viewer to resolve your issue.
