How to Fix Outlook PST Not Found Error in Microsoft 365

Key Notes

  • Modify the PST registry key for potential fixes.
  • Cleanup older PST files to free up space.
  • Create a new PST file if the existing one is damaged.

Troubleshooting the “Outlook PST Cannot Be Found” Error

Encountering the error message “Outlook PST cannot be found” in Microsoft Outlook can halt your productivity. This guide will provide actionable solutions to restore functionality to your Outlook application swiftly.

Step 1: Modify the PST Key

Step 1: Access the Registry Editor

Press the Windows button and type “ regedit ” to open the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to the PST Key

Go to the path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office.0\Outlook\PST. The “ 16.0 ” key may vary based on your Office version.

Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value

Right-click in the right-hand tab, select “ New> ” and then choose “ DWORD (32-bit) Value ”.Name it “ UseLegacyCacheSize ”.

Pro Tip: Remember to set this value to “ 1 ”.Click “ OK ” and restart your computer to apply changes.

Step 2: Clean Up the Older PST File

Step 4: Open Mailbox Cleanup Tool

In Outlook, click on the “ File ” button, navigate to “ Tools ”, and select “ Mailbox Cleanup ”.

Step 5: Check Mailbox Size

Click on “ View mailbox size… ” and select the correct email account to view all folder sizes. If you hit storage limits, consider deleting unnecessary emails, especially those with large attachments.

Step 3: Create a New PST File

Step 6: Locate the Current PST File

Open the Outlook panel, find “ Outlook Data Files ”, right-click it and select “ Open File location ” to backup files as needed.

Step 7: Create a New Profile

Open the Control Panel, set “ View by: ” to “ Small icons ”, and navigate to “ Mail ”.Click “ Add ”, name the new profile, and follow prompts to complete setup.

Step 8: Set the New Profile as Default

In the “ Mail ” panel, select “ Data Files ”, find your new profile and click “ Set as default ”.Ensure to apply changes.

Pro Tip: This action ensures that you are using the new PST file as default in Outlook.

Step 4: Repair the PST File

Step 9: Use the Inbox Repair Tool

Close Outlook, open File Explorer, and navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office19. Locate “SCANPST” and double-click it to launch the tool.

Step 10: Repair the PST File

Select your Outlook data file, click “ Browse ” to locate it, and then click “ Start ” to begin the repair process. Follow prompts to complete.

Step 5: Repair the Office Files

Step 11: Run the Office Repair Tool

Hit the start button and enter “ appwiz.cpl ” in the search to open Programs and Features. Find “ Microsoft Office ”, right-click it, and select “ Change ”.Opt for “ Quick Repair ” and then tap “ Change ” to initiate the repair.

Pro Tip: This process will fix Outlook issues including the annoying “PST cannot be found” problems.

Summary

To resolve the “Outlook PST cannot be found” error, you can modify registry settings, clean up older PST files, create a new PST file, and use built-in repair tools for both the PST file and the Microsoft Office suite. Implement these solutions step-by-step to restore full functionality to your Outlook.

Conclusion

Encountering the “Outlook PST cannot be found” error may seem daunting, but with the right steps and methods outlined above, you can swiftly regain access to your Outlook and prevent future disruptions. Take action now and ensure your email experience remains seamless.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What should I do if the error persists after trying all fixes?

If the error continues, consider contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance or check for any updates that may resolve the issue.

Is it safe to modify the registry?

Yes, but be cautious. Modifying the registry can affect system performance. Always ensure you back up the registry before making changes.