If you are currently reading this I am going to assume that your Outlook PST File Cannot Be Found. Is it a bad situation to be in? Yes. Is it a bad situation that you have to stay in? Maybe not.
People lose Outlook PST files all the time or may encounter an “Outlook PST Cannot Be Found Error”. Here, I will try my best to ensure that you are easily able to locate your missing PST file.
How to Find Outlook PST File?
People aren’t able to find their Outlook PST files for several reasons, see if you can relate to any one of the common causes listed below-
1. Manually Check the Default PST File Location
Suppose Outlook is unable to detect your PST file. You will be shown an “Outlook PST file Cannot Be found” error. Usually, a file address is provided within the error message itself. If not you can try accessing the file location using the control panel.
1. Open Control Panel.
2. Using the Control Panel search bar, locate and click on Mail.
3. Click on Show Profiles.
4. Click on Properties.
5. Click on Data Files.
6. elect your PST File and click on Open File Location.
If you can locate your file despite the error message claiming otherwise, there may be an issue with the PST file itself. If you cannot open it with Outlook, then your PST file might be corrupted.
Use Professional Repair Software
When faced with this issue, there is a good chance that your PST file is damaged and needs to be repaired. There are 2 amazing options that can help repair your PST file.
1. ScanPST- ScanPST is a free software that is ideal when you can locate your PST file.
2. Rikvr Repair For Outlook- It is ideal when you are unable to locate your PST file or if ScanPST can’t repair the damaged Outlook data file.
1. ScanPST
ScanPST is not only free but is already installed on your PC. It is a great tool that you can use to repair minor problems on your PST file. Take a look at the instructions below to try it out for yourself.
1. Locate the ScanPST application using the given addresses-
- Outlook 2021: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
2. Open the ScanPST application, use the Browse… option to import your PST file
(If you are unable to locate your PST file, then you can use Rikvr Repair For Outlook to automatically locate and repair the PST file.)
3. After ScanPST has identified errors and inconsistencies within your PST file, use the Browse option to select a save location and click on Repair.
4. After repair, go to the save location and verify the repaired PST file.
If the issue persists, you can try Rikvr Repair For Outlook by referring to the resection below.
2. Rikvr Repair For Outlook
some cases where a fie is corrupted or has a lost header, it can’t be read by the system. In such cases, Rikvr Repair For Outlook Is the way to go. The software has an inbuilt PST file locator tool to find your PST file easily and its advanced algorithm can repair the issue within minutes.
1. Download, Install, and launch Rikvr Repair For Outlook.
2. Use the Find All Your PST Files option to import your damaged PST file. Here, the software will scan your entire drive and list the ones it can detect which may also include PST files that go undetected by the OS.
3. Choose the scan option, select a save location for your PST file, and click on Repair.
4. Preview the results and save the repaired file by clicking on Save.
To Conclude
I hope that you were able to resolve the “Outlook PST file Cannot Be Found” error. Several things could cause such an issue. Creating a backup file is a safe way to protect yourself from a setback like this. If you have any feedback or related feedback, please do reach out.
