Outlook PST Cannot be Found: 4 Ways to Fix This Error

This issue may come up if the PST file is corrupt

5 min. read

Updated onFebruary 19, 2024

updated onFebruary 19, 2024

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Lately, many users report receiving the error Outlook.pst cannot be found when starting the Microsoft Outlook app on their PCs. It indicates the software cannot locate the Personal Storage Table (PST) file.

Hence, this article will discuss ways to resolve the error and get Outlook working again. Also, you can read our article abouthow to save your Outlook emails using OST to PST Converteron your PC.

Why can’t I find my Outlook’s PST file?

Outlook PST file cannot be found error message can occur for numerous reasons such as:

Nevertheless, we’ll take you through some solutions to fix Outlook data file issues and get it to work.

What can I do if the Outlook PST file cannot be found?

Go through the following before trying any advanced troubleshooting:

If you can’t resolve the error, proceed with the steps below:

1. Repair PST file via Inbox Repair Utility

Repairing the PST file can fix it if it’s corrupted or damaged and resolve the Outlook PST file not found error.

2. Recreate the PST file manually

Creating a new profile allows Outlook tocreate a new PST filefor its operations. Check the methods for fixingcorrupt Outlook profileon Windows 11.

Before trying this solution, you also might want to check yourOutlook PST file locationand make sure it’s properly configured.

3. Repair Microsoft Office

Repairing Microsoft Office will fix issues that can cause PST file errors on Outlook and other Office apps that may interfere.

4. Reduce Memory Cache size for the PST file

Reducing the memory cache size for the PST file will fix large Outlook data files causing the error. Check how to fix theOutlook folder if it’s disappearingon your PC.

In addition, do not hesitate to explore our article on fixingOutlook crashing after Windows updateson your PC. Likewise, you may be interested in readinghow to fix Outlook if you can’t delete a folderwith a few steps.

Even more, EML files can open natively in Outlook. However, in the case of using an older version, it is not as easy as you think, yet you may check our guide onhow to open EML files in Outlook.

In some cases, you might even have to remove anddownload Outlook for Windows 11again to fix this problem.

Kindly leave your suggestions and questions in the comments section.

Outlook PST Cannot be Found: 4 Ways to Fix This Error#

Why can’t I find my Outlook’s PST file?#

What can I do if the Outlook PST file cannot be found?#

1. Repair PST file via Inbox Repair Utility#

2. Recreate the PST file manually#

3. Repair Microsoft Office#

4. Reduce Memory Cache size for the PST file#