In Outlook 365 and earlier variations, PST (.pst) recordsdata are used to retailer emails and different info. Generally, whereas accessing a PST file, chances are you’ll encounter the error ‘The archive PST can’t be discovered.’
The error often happens when Outlook fails to find the PST file. On this article, we are going to talk about the best way to repair the error, however earlier than that, let’s see what causes the difficulty.
Causes for ‘The Archive PST can’t be discovered’ error
- Outlook.exe is operating within the background, stopping file entry.
- The PST file is already in use within the background.
- The file is situated in OneDrive, which has sync points.
- The Archive PST file is broken or corrupted.
- Corrupt Outlook Profile.
- The arduous drive storing the archive PST has dangerous sectors.
- The PST file is just too giant.
Strategies to resolve “The Archive PST can’t be Discovered” error in Outlook 365
Generally, outdated Outlook variations could cause bugs or points in Outlook. Be sure that your Outlook utility is up to date to the most recent model. For this, go to File > Workplace Account > Replace Choices > Replace Now, and set up any obtainable updates.
You too can confirm that the PST file you’re making an attempt to open is the best one, and has a .pst extension. If these primary troubleshooting steps don’t work, then run by means of the next:
Technique 1: Transfer the PST file from OneDrive to native storage
You could encounter the error whereas accessing the PST file if it’s saved on OneDrive. This often occurs on account of file locking points or community conflicts. In such a case, you possibly can attempt transferring your PST file from OneDrive to an area folder on the system. Then, attempt opening the file from that location. Observe the steps under:
- Shut your Outlook utility and anticipate 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 > Electronic mail.
- On this window, choose your account identify and click on Change Folder.


- Select your account and click on the New Outlook Information Information possibility. 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 can 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 also happen on account of corruption within the Outlook profile. If that’s the difficulty, you possibly can 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 identify for the brand new profile and click on OK.


- You will note 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 note a dropdown from the place it is advisable 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 for those who don’t have adequate permissions to open or modify the PST file. You possibly can examine and supply the required permissions to repair the difficulty, by:
- Go to the folder the place the PST file is saved. Normally, it’s situated at: C:Customers
DocumentsOutlook Information. - Proper-click on the PST file and select Properties.
- Beneath the Basic part, ensure Learn-Solely just isn’t checked. If checked, uncheck it and click on OK.
- Subsequent, click on Safety and examine the file permissions.
- Be certain that the full management possibility 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, situated in Outlook’s set up listing:
- Find ScanPST and double-click it.
- Within the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Restore Device window, click on Browse to pick the archive PST file you wish 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. Generally, the ScanPST.exe freezes or fails to restore the PST file. This means the chosen PST file is both giant or too severely broken.
On this case, you should utilize a sophisticated PST restore software, like Stellar Restore for Outlook. It could possibly restore severely corrupted, large-sized PST recordsdata to recuperate 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 forestall 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 possibly can restore it utilizing an expert PST restore software, like Stellar Restore for Outlook, which may shortly and safely restore the file with out threat of information loss.
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