If you're seeing the error “Outlook data file cannot be accessed” when trying to send an email from outlook, follow the steps below to fix the issue.


 Step 1: Open the Outlook Data File Location

  1. Open Outlook.

  2. Click on FileAccount SettingsAccount Settings.

  3. In the Data Files tab:

    • Select the default data file (usually marked with a checkmark).

    • Click "Open File Location".

  4. This opens the folder where your Outlook PST file is stored.


Step 2: Run the Inbox Repair Tool (Scan PST)

  1. In the file location, look for a tool called ScanPST.exe.

    If you don’t see it, check this location:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16

    Look under your version folder (e.g., Office16Office15, etc.) for ScanPST.exe.

  2. Open ScanPST.exe.

  3. Click Browse, then select your Outlook data file (.pst).

  4. Click Start to begin the scan.

  5. Once the scan completes:


Step 3: Restart Outlook & Test

  1. Close and reopen Outlook.

  2. Try sending an email to see if the issue is resolved.


Step 4: Create a New PST File (Only if Issue Persists)

If the issue is still not resolved, you may need to create a new PST file.

Important:

  • Only perform this step if the above steps don’t work.

  • This process will archive the old PST and create a fresh one.

Here's How:

  1. Close Outlook.

  2. Go to the folder where your PST file is stored (from Step 1).

  3. Move the existing PST file to a backup folder (e.g., Desktop\Outlook Backup).

  4. Reopen Outlook.

  5. Go to FileAccount SettingsAccount SettingsData Files tab.

  6. Click Add… to create a new data file.

  7. Give it a name and click OK.

  8. Select the new data file and click Set as Default.



Final Step: Test

  1. Close and restart Outlook.

  2. Send a test email.

  3. The error should now be resolved.