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
Open Outlook.
Click on File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
In the Data Files tab:
Select the default data file (usually marked with a checkmark).
Click "Open File Location".
This opens the folder where your Outlook PST file is stored.
Step 2: Run the Inbox Repair Tool (Scan PST)
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.,
Office16
,Office15
, etc.) for ScanPST.exe.Open ScanPST.exe.
Click Browse, then select your Outlook data file (.pst).
Click Start to begin the scan.
Once the scan completes:
Tick the box to Create a backup of scanned file before repairing.
Click Repair.
- You can also refer the below official Microsoft website link where the similar steps are provided:
- https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook_com/forum/all/how-to-fix-error-0x8004010f-outlook-data-file/4d7a5e27-b954-4ab5-95d6-16c4b80903a6
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/repair-outlook-data-files-pst-and-ost-25663bc3-11ec-4412-86c4-60458afc5253
Step 3: Restart Outlook & Test
Close and reopen Outlook.
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:
Close Outlook.
Go to the folder where your PST file is stored (from Step 1).
Move the existing PST file to a backup folder (e.g., Desktop\Outlook Backup).
Reopen Outlook.
Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files tab.
Click Add… to create a new data file.
Give it a name and click OK.
Select the new data file and click Set as Default.
Final Step: Test
Close and restart Outlook.
Send a test email.
The error should now be resolved.