***Unable to Open PST File in Outlook 2013 Or 2016***
Outlook is the most popular emailing client application. It is used in almost all organizations as well by individual users for communication purpose.
Even though Outlook is commonly used as an email app, it also includes a lot of other features. Mainly, calendar, task manager, contact manager, notes, journal, web browsing and more are the added skins of Outlook.
Outlook can be used as a stand-alone application, or it can work with MS Exchange Server and MS SharePoint Server for organizations. Thus, users can accomplish the concept of shared mailboxes, calendars, public folders, SharePoint lists, and meeting schedules. Also, Microsoft has launched apps for the mobile platforms, counting iOS and Android.
The data file used in Outlook to store individual user’s data is called Personal Storage Table (for POP3 and IMAP accounts). This is commonly known as PST file.
However, in many situations, users cannot open PST file in Outlook 2013/2016 and etc. versions. There might be numerous reasons such as an error code that make you unable to open PST file in Outlook 2013/2016 like,
- Large sized PST file
- Damaged file contents
- PST file Corruptions
- If the PST file is set to Read-Only attribute etc.
So, if you are unable to open PST file in Outlook 2016 or 2013, then there must be some issues like stated above (or might be others too). And, this editorial has few techniques that show how you can gain access to such PST files.
Resolution: Cannot Open PST File in Outlook 2013/2016
To be able to open your PST file and access the data such as emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, etc. saved on it, you would have to repair your PST file.
But, before you start repairing the PST file, check its Read-Only property. If the PST file’s read-only feature is enabled, then you cannot open the respective file. So, disable the Read-Only attribute existing in the properties of PST file first.
Now, start fixing your PST file.
How to Repair Outlook PST File?
Consider Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) as the first choice, for repairing the damaged or corrupted PST file.
Try These Steps for Repairing PST Files in Outlook 2013:
Step 1: In Outlook 2013, go to File -> Account Settings -> Account Settings -> Data Files. Click on Open File Location. Note down the PST file path.
Step 2: Exit Microsoft Outlook. Navigate to the Office folder and then double-click on the Scanpst.exe file.
Follow the below table to reach the Office folder on your computer. The file or folder may be in a hidden state. If so, then unhide them, using your operating system documentation.
Step 3: In the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair tool, enter the path of your PST file or click on the Browse button to locate the PST file. Hit the Start key after selecting the file.
Step 4: The tool starts scanning the selected PST file. After the check, the utility gives an analysis report. The report encloses a number of found folders and items, along with the error detection state.
If you see a message that Errors were found in this file, enable “Make a backup of scanned file before repairing”. Mention the location to save the backup file. And, hit the Repair button.
The tool fixes issues with the PST file and gives you a confirmation message after the process.
Follow the Below Steps for Fixing PST File in Outlook 2016:
Step 1: Go to File -> Account Settings -> Account Settings -> Data Files in Outlook 2016. Opt Open File Location. Note down the PST file path.
Step 2: Close Outlook. Open the Office folder and double-click on Scanpst.exe.
Use the below table to find the Office folder in your system.
Step 3: Next, in the Inbox Repair tool window, enter the PST file path or use the Browse button to select the PST file. Click on the Start button to begin the scanning.
Step 4: After completion of the scanning, the tool shows information regarding the scanned folders, items, and errors; if any are found.
If you get the message Errors were found in this file, then Make a backup of the scanned file before repairing. Then, specify the location to save your backup file. And, click on the Repair button.
The tool repairs the PST file and displays a confirmation message on-screen.
Note: Not just Outlook 2013 or 2016, you can implement the same technique on other versions of Outlook to repair the PST file.
What If Inbox Repair Tool Fails?
The scanpst.exe may not be able to repair your PST file if, it is severely corrupted or damaged. So, what to do then?
Don’t worry! If the Inbox Repair Tool fails, try Yodot Outlook PST Repair software. This utility is an ace in repairing damaged, inaccessible, or corrupted Personal Folders files (both PST and OST). This potent tool even has the ability to recover all deleted attributes from the corresponding PST file. Also, it works with any version of Outlook and Windows OS.
So, with the help of this program, you can restore all your deleted or lost emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, journals, etc. items effortlessly; along with repairing the PST file. Moreover, this ideal tool even helps when your moved PST Outlook data file cannot be accessed on the new computer or profile.
The tool has a simple interface so that you can complete the PST repair process within 3 to 4 steps without any difficulty.
All you have to do is,
- Install and run the tool
- Select your PST file and apt scanning mode
- Click on the Repair button
That’s it! A healthy and brand-new PST file (as the tool doesn’t work on your original PST file) is ready to access.
So, going the Yodot way is a picture-perfect solution to repair your Outlook data file. So, don’t forget to try its trial version, whenever you are in need to repair your Outlook data file.
