Fix Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed Send/Receive Error

Antonio Gosling ~ June 11, 2025 ~ 9 Minutes Reading

While using Microsoft Outlook, users often encounter issues, with ‘Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed’ being a common error caused by several factors. In this guide, We have explained the causes of the error and how to resolve it by scanPST Repair and using automated software.

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most widely used desktop email clients, offering a range of features to manage emails, calendars, and contacts. A critical component of Outlook functionality is its Outlook data file. Which stores Outlook mailbox data such as emails, contacts, calendars, and all other data in two formats, OST and PST file formats? When Outlook is configured with IMAP, then it will create an OST file locally while you can export mailbox data from Outlook as a PST file.

Common Scenarios When Outlook Data File cannot be Accessed Error

  • When a user wants to migrate from one Outlook account to another.
  • If Outlook data file was moved, renamed or deleted.
  • Outlook File corruption due to improper shutdown or storage failure.
  • Conflicts with antivirus, firewall or add-ins.
  • Network or permission issues with the corporate environment.

Common Causes for Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed!

  • The Outlook data files become corrupted over time due to corrupt shutdowns, malware, or file size exceeding, making them inaccessible.
  • Misconfigured or corrupted Outlook profiles can become issues with accessing the associated profile.
  • If you are using an Exchange account with an OST file, synchronization problems between the local OST file and the exchange server can prevent access to the data file.
  • You might not have the permission to access the folder where the Outlook data file is stored, causing the error.
  • If Outlook was not properly closed during a previous session, it might prevent access to the data file in the next session.

How to Resolve Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed Error Using Automated Software?

If an OST file gets corrupted or converted into an orphan then we recommend using Jagware Microsoft OST to PST Converter to safely convert and restore your Outlook data file. This software can easily convert single or batch OST file with maintained attributes.

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  1. Download automated software and run it on your computer.launch software
  2. Click on select OST files and and choose as you wish to convert. select ost file
  3. After that, Click on destination path and choose folder where you wish to export. select destination path
  4. Next, Click on convert button to get the resultant file instantly.click on convert
  5. View the live progress report and use the stop button to interrupt the process if needed.see live progress report
  6. After completing the process, it will show a completion message, and click on ok to close it. Error Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed! fixed successfully

Top-Notch Elements of the Professional Solution

  • This software provides users with the ability to convert both single and batch OST files efficiently.
  • Whether you have just one OST file or up to 10, it simplifies the process by creating a single PST file for easier management and access.
  • This software efficiently converts single or batch OST files, including oversized or corrupted ones.
  • It allows to convert complete OST file data such as email, contacts, calendar, tasks, journals, and all other mailbox data.
  • With this wizard, you also get the maintained folder structure intact as it presents in the OST file.
  • This software can easily convert an OST file without installing any other application or even Outlook to complete the process.

How to Fix Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed Error?

Method 1. Relaunch Outlook and Check Connectivity

  • Start with basics, restart Outlook and check your connectivity is stable. Sometimes, a simple clears temporary glitches that cause Outlook data files to be unable to access errors.

Method 2. Using ScanPST Repair Tool?

If the Outlook data file cannot be accessed by error due to file corruption, then you can take advantage of the Outlook inbuilt ScanPST Repair Tool that can repair your corrupted Outlook data file. Here is how you can use it:

  1. ScanPST file located in the default location: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\
  2. Now, Run ScanPST.exe and Click on browse button to locate Outlook data file.Browse PST file
  3. If you have configured it with IMAP, then select OST; otherwise, choose PST file.Make backup of scanned file before repairing
  4. Click start to begin the process. The tool will check eros available in the file, and it shows details.
  5. If any errors are found, tap on repair, and the tool will attempt to fix the error.Outlook Repair Complete

Method 3. Verify File Location and Permission

  1. Check that Outlook has read/write permissions.
  2. Avoid syncing your Outlook data files with OneDrive or Dropbox.

Method 4. Disable Add-ins and Modify Security Settings

  1. Launch Outlook in Safe Mode Using the Run Command.Outlook.exe /safe
  2. Click on the File Option Located in the Upper-Left Corner and Access Outlook Options.Select options
  3. Now, Navigate to Add-ins option and select COM Add-ins and press Go button.Click on COM Add-ins in Manage
  4. Here, Choose non-crucial add-ins and click on Remove button.Remove unnecessary add-ins
Method 5. Create a New Outlook Profile and Reattach Data File
  1. Now, Press Win+S and type Control Panel and click to open it.Open Control Panel
  2. Now, Choose Mail((Microsoft Outlook) and click on Show Profiles.Click on Mail(Microsoft Outlook)
  3. Then, Click on Add to create a New Profile.Click on Add to create new profile
  4. At final, Configure your email and attach your existing PST file.
Challenges of the ScanPST Tool
  • It can only fix structural PST tools, so it may not recover complete PST file data if major corruption happens.
  • The Scan PST tool cannot recover any data if any data gets deleted when Outlook data files get corrupted.
  • It may not handle more than a 2GB PST file, or it will take too long to repair.
  • Tools need to run multiple times to fix errors. Even after multiple scans, some issues may persist. Requiring further troubleshooting or alternative methods.
  • If the Outlook data file cannot be accessed due to connectivity, then scanning the PST solution is not effective in resolving the error.
Advanced Fixes for Stubborn Errors
Solution 1. Edit Windows Registry or Update File Path

If PST or OST files were moved or renamed, then errors appear Outlook data files cannot be accessed after moving post.

  1. First, Press Win+S and type regedit.Regedit
  2. Now, Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\\Outlook\ProfilesHKEY Current User
  3. After that, Find the entry of your Outlook data file and update the path to the correct location.
  4. Finally, Relaunch Outlook to see changes.
Solution 2. Repair Corrupted Outlook Data Files
  • If ScanPST fails to recover then you can use Jagware OST Converter as it allows to repair corrupted, damaged, inaccessible Outlook data files.
Preventive Best Practices
  • The Outlook PST file has a max size limit of 50 GB . Exceeding it can lead to corruption and Outlook data files cannot access send/receive errors.
  • Creates regular backup of PST files to prevent data loss. Use cloud storage service or an external drive. It ensures you have fallback if the file gets corrupted or accidentally deleted.
  • Never place Outlook data files in OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive folders. These syncing services can lock or corrupt Outlook data files.
  • Keep Outlook and Windows updated to fix bugs and compatibility to prevent these types of Outlook errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does 0x80004010f Outlook data file Cannot be accessed?

Error 0x80004010F in Outlook means the data file cannot be accessed. This issue typically occurs due to corrupted Outlook profiles or damaged PST/OST files.


How do I Get Rid of Outlook Data File Error?

To fix Outlook data file errors, try creating a new profile, repairing the file with ScanPST, or using an automated tool. Check account settings and restart Outlook.


What causes Outlook Data File Corruption?

Outlook data file corruption due to various reasons such as malware attacks, virus attacks, server failure, misconfigured profiles, and many more.


Why Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed Shared Mailbox?

Outlook data file cannot be accessed in a shared mailbox due to permission issues, OST file corruption, or sync problems. Verify permissions and repair the file if needed.


Can I Open a Data File from a Different Outlook Version?

Yes, You can open Outlook data files on different Outlook versions by using PST Viewer as it supports both ANSI or UNICODE PST files and allows to preview all PST folders such as emails, attachments, contacts, calendar and all Outlook data files containing data.


Is it Safe to Edit the Registry to Fix File Paths?

Editing the registry to fix file path errors but should be done carefully. A wrong change can affect Outlook or system stability. Always backup the registry before making any changes.

Time to Wrap Up

In this tutorial, we’ve outlined various methods to resolve the “Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed” error, including both manual solutions using the ScanPST tool and automated approaches. For minor damage to PST files, a manual approach may be sufficient. However, for significant issues or with OST files, we recommend using an automated tool to ensure a comprehensive recovery without any data loss.