In Outlook 365 and earlier variations, PST (.pst) information are used to retailer emails and different info. Typically, whereas accessing a PST file, chances are you’ll encounter the error ‘The archive PST can’t be discovered.’
The error normally happens when Outlook fails to find the PST file. On this article, we’ll focus on find out how to repair the error, however earlier than that, let’s see what causes the problem.
Causes for ‘The Archive PST can’t be discovered’ error
- Outlook.exe is working within the background, stopping file entry.
- The PST file is already in use within the background.
- The file is positioned in OneDrive, which has sync points.
- The Archive PST file is broken or corrupted.
- Corrupt Outlook Profile.
- The laborious drive storing the archive PST has unhealthy sectors.
- The PST file is just too massive.
Strategies to resolve “The Archive PST can’t be Discovered” error in Outlook 365
Typically, outdated Outlook variations could cause bugs or points in Outlook. Be certain that your Outlook utility is up to date to the newest model. For this, go to File > Workplace Account > Replace Choices > Replace Now, and set up any obtainable updates.
It’s also possible to confirm that the PST file you’re attempting to open is the correct one, and has a .pst extension. If these primary troubleshooting steps don’t work, then run via the next:
Technique 1: Transfer the PST file from OneDrive to native storage
You might encounter the error whereas accessing the PST file if it’s saved on OneDrive. This normally occurs on account of file locking points or community conflicts. In such a case, you may attempt transferring your PST file from OneDrive to a neighborhood folder on the system. Then, attempt opening the file from that location. Observe the steps under:
- Shut your Outlook utility and await a couple of minutes for OneDrive sync to finish.
- Find the OneDrive folder containing the PST file after which copy the PST file to a brand new location in your native storage.
- Rename the PST file with .pst extension.
- Now, open Outlook and navigate to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > E mail.
- On this window, choose your account title and click on Change Folder.


- Select your account and click on the New Outlook Information Information choice. Go to the brand new location of the PST file, choose it, and click on OK.
- Within the Information Information tab, choose the Outlook information file in OneDrive and click on Take away. This may disconnect the file from Outlook.


- Shut Outlook and delete the file from OneDrive, if required.
Technique 2: Create new profile
The archive PST file can’t be discovered error may happen on account of corruption within the Outlook profile. If that’s the problem, you may create a brand new profile. The steps are as follows:
- Shut Outlook and open the Management Panel.
- Navigate to Consumer Accounts > Mail and click on on the Present Profiles button.
- Then, click on Add.


- Kind any title for the brand new profile and click on OK.


- You will notice a sign-in wizard. Enter your e-mail account credentials, like username (e-mail) and password.
- As soon as the sign-in is profitable, restart Outlook.
- You will notice a dropdown from the place it’s worthwhile to select your profile. Select the brand new profile and click on OK.
Technique 3: Examine and grant file permissions
You will get “The archive PST can’t be discovered” error in case you don’t have adequate permissions to open or modify the PST file. You possibly can verify and supply the required permissions to repair the problem, by:
- Go to the folder the place the PST file is saved. Normally, it’s positioned at: C:Customers
DocumentsOutlook Information. - Proper-click on the PST file and select Properties.
- Underneath the Normal part, be sure that Learn-Solely shouldn’t be checked. If checked, uncheck it and click on OK.
- Subsequent, click on Safety and verify the file permissions.
- Be sure the full management choice is enabled. If not, then grant the permission. Click on Apply after which OK.
Technique 4: Restore your PST file
The ‘archive PST can’t be discovered’ error might happen if the .pst file is corrupted or broken. You possibly can restore it with Outlook’s built-in utility, ScanPST.exe, positioned in Outlook’s set up listing:
- Find ScanPST and double-click it.
- Within the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Restore Instrument window, click on Browse to pick out the archive PST file you need to restore.


- As soon as the file is chosen, click on Begin to provoke the scanning course of.
- If any errors are discovered, click on Restore to repair.
The restore course of might take some time to finish. Typically, the ScanPST.exe freezes or fails to restore the PST file. This means the chosen PST file is both massive or too severely broken.
On this case, you need to use a sophisticated PST restore device, like Stellar Restore for Outlook. It will probably restore severely corrupted, large-sized PST information to get better emails and different objects shortly. It additionally permits you to preview the recovered information earlier than saving, and helps Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and earlier.
Conclusion
The ‘archive PST can’t be discovered’ error in Outlook 365 can stop you from restoring previous mail objects from an archive file. You possibly can comply with the strategies mentioned above to resolve the error. If corruption in PST file has triggered this error, you may restore it utilizing knowledgeable PST restore device, like Stellar Restore for Outlook, which might shortly and safely restore the file with out danger of knowledge loss.
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