Repair MS Outlook PST file issue

If Outlook 2010 shows “data file cannot be accessed” during Send/Receive, the PST file may be corrupted or its path/access permissions may have changed.

A common troubleshooting sequence is:

Close Outlook completely.
Find the PST location from Control Panel → Mail → Data Files.
Make a backup copy of the PST before repairing it.
Run Microsoft's Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) and select the PST file.
Let it scan and repair the file, then reopen Outlook.
If the problem continues, create a new Outlook profile and add the PST again.
Also check that the PST is stored on a local drive and that you have read/write permission.

For important or business mail, don't work directly on the only copy of the PST—keep the original unchanged and repair a copy.

1 Reply

Know the answer? Post it — somebody with the same question will find it here.

Tuhin Paul11h ago
If Outlook 2010 shows “data file cannot be accessed” during Send/Receive, the PST file may be corrupted or its path/access permissions may have changed.
A common troubleshooting sequence is:
1. Close Outlook completely.
2. Find the PST location from Control Panel → Mail → Data Files.
3. Make a backup copy of the PST before repairing it.
4. Run Microsoft's Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) and select the PST file.
5. Let it scan and repair the file, then reopen Outlook.
6. If the problem continues, create a new Outlook profile and add the PST again.
7. Also check that the PST is stored on a local drive and that you have read/write permission.
For important or business mail, don't work directly on the only copy of the PST—keep the original unchanged and repair a copy.
0