How to Fix Outlook PST Cannot Be Found Error


Microsoft Outlook is one of the most favorite email clients among the users. But there are some errors and technical glitches users face during its operations. Outlook uses some file formats like PST, OST etc to store users data. These technical glitches are related to these file formats. Outlook PST file can not be found error is related to PST file format.


In this technical guide, we will discuss “How to Fix Outlook PST Cannot Be Found Error” using different methods. But first of all let's know something about Outlook PST file format.


Outlook PST File


In Microsoft Outlook PST means Personal Storage Table. It is a file format that is used to store personal data of users including contacts, messages, calendar events etc. These PST files help users to do their task on Outlook. That means PST files maintain functionality of Outlook applications. But, sometimes, while using Outlook PST file an error message displayed showing PST file cannot be found. There may be different reasons which caused this error. Let's have a look into different factors that are responsible for this error message.


Reasons for PST Cannot be Found Error 


There are mainly two reasons which cause Outlook displaying this error message. Either the PST file is unavailable on the Exchange server or the PST file gets corrupted.


  1. PST File Unavailable on Server


If the Outlook PST file is unavailable on the server, that file is not located on the Exchange server. In this case, you can not open emails, contact list, calendar events details etc.


  1. Corrupted PST File


There is a high chance of PST file corruption that causes this PST file error message. There are many factors which are responsible for PST file damage like virus intrusion or malware attack, sudden power failure, Outlook program itself etc. However, you can use Outlook inbuilt utility to repair your damaged PST files. You can also prefer professional tools like Cigati PST Repair to recover your corrupted PST files.


After understanding different reasons responsible for the PST file cannot be found error message. Now, let’s move towards the solutions of this error.


How to Fix Outlook PST Cannot Be Found Error Using Manual Method


Manually we can fix ‘Outlook PST cannot be found error’ using Microsoft inbuilt utility named Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe). This Inbox repair tool is used to recover OST and PST files. This scanpst.exe detects and repairs corrupted PST files. You can use this tool by following these sets of instructions:


  1. Go to the Start Search option.

  2. Click on the Files.

  3. Now, in the box named Search for Files/Folders enter scanpst.exe and hit Search Now icon.

  4. Double click on scanpst.exe file.

  5. Now, click on Browse option and find the damaged PST file.

  6. At last click Start.


There is a backup option in the inbox repair tool by using that you can take backup of your important files. Backup of files will save from any type of data loss.

Although the Inbox Repair Tool available in Outlook to repair PST file cannot be found error-issue. But this manual method is not suitable for high levels of PST file corruption. This method is also cumbersome to the users without any technical knowledge. However, it is recommended to use a third party tool to fix damaged PST files and overcome these difficulties.


Third Party Tool to Repair PST


As we discussed above, manual method and its shortcomings. It is always advisable to use any professional software available in the market to  recover your PST files. Cigati Outlook Email Recovery is one of the most trusted PST repairing software. This tool has some great features which repair your PST in a fraction of seconds.


Conclusion


In this technical note, we try to know the basic causes of PST file cannot be found error. We tried to understand  “How to Fix Outlook PST Cannot Be Found Error” manually and automatically. We find out that manual method to fix the error is free but hard to execute by a novice user.

On the other hand, a third party professional tool method is the best for any type of user. It is also simple and easy to repair damaged PST files without any hassle. If you want to view OST files without Outlook installation, you can use the free OST file viewer.



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