How To Fix Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed Error

outlook data file

One of the most common issues widely prevalent in Outlook 2010 or Outlook 2013 is “Outlook data file cannot be accessed” or “The operation failed. An object could not be found.” Such issues pop up when you try and send an email or receive one.

It is mainly caused by the corrupted Outlook profile. The issue can be resolved by creating a new profile.

Yes, only by creating a new Outlook profile, you will be able to get rid of this tech bug. However, you need to locate the current position of your default Outlook data file and then follow the below-mentioned methods.

There are three ways to fix the error. They are as follows –

outlook data file cannot be accessed

3 Methods to Fix “Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed” Error

Step 1- Identify the Location of Default Outlook Data File

  • Click the ‘Windows’ or ‘Start’ button
  • Then go to “Control Panel
  • Now, click Mail
  • Click ‘Show Profile’ (in the ‘Mail Setup – Outlook’ dialog box)
  • After selecting your current Outlook profile, you must choose ‘Properties
  • Click ‘Data Files(in the ‘Mail Setup – Outlook’ dialog box)
  • Click ‘Data Files(in the ‘Account Settings’ dialog box), and take note of the name and location of your default data file profile
  • Now, click ‘Close’

Step 2 – Create a New Outlook Profile

Method 1: Auto Account Setup to Create POP3 or IMAP Account

If your email server supports both POP3 and IMAP, the auto account setup will automatically come up with an IMAP account (by default). Follow the manual steps and create a POP3 account. If the server supports only POP3, a POP3 account will automatically be created.

  • Click the ‘Windows’ or ‘Start’ button
  • Then go to “Control Panel
  • Click ‘Show Profile’ (in the ‘Mail Setup – Outlook’ dialog box)
  • Click ‘Add’ (on the General tab in the Mail dialog box)
  • Now, give a profile name (in the ‘New Profile’ dialog box) and click ‘Ok
  • Provide email account information (in the ‘Add New Account’) and click ‘Next
  • Once the account is configured successfully, click ‘Finish

Method 2: Create POP3 or IMAP Email Account Manually

  • Click the ‘Windows’ or ‘Start’ button
  • Then go to “Control Panel
  • Click ‘Show Profile’ (in the ‘Mail Setup – Outlook’ dialog box)
  • Click ‘Add’ (on the General tab in the Mail dialog box)
  • Now, give a profile name (in the ‘New Profile’ dialog box) and click ‘Ok
  • Select “Manually configure server settings or additional server types” (in the ‘Add New Account’) and click ‘Next
  • Click “Internet E-mail” (in the ‘Choose Service’ dialog box) and click ‘Next
  • You need to provide your account details in the “Internet E-mail Settings” dialog box
  • Then to test your account, click ‘Test Account Settings’ (if unsure of the correct account details, contact the Internet Service provider)
  • Choose ‘Existing Outlook data File’ and ‘Browse
  • In ‘Open Outlook Data File’ dialog box, select ‘Outlook data file’ that you have previously located
  • Click ‘OK’ and click ‘Next
  • In the dialog box that says ‘Test Account Settings’, click ‘Close
  • Now, click ‘Finish

Step 3 – Configure New Outlook Profile as Default Profile

To set your new Outlook profile as default, you should follow the below steps –

  • Click ‘Always use this profile’ (on the ‘General’ tab of the ‘Mail’ dialog box)
  • Now, you will see a drop-down menu under the ‘Always use this profile’ tab
  • Select the new profile and click ‘OK
  • This will close the Mail dialog box.

Certainly, error messages are pretty common with MS Outlook email client. But these errors can be removed or fixed and you can continue to enjoy the Outlook Mail service. The above methods will help you fix the ‘Outlook data file can’t be accessed’ issue.

Users who fail to get rid of the problem can get in touch with the professionals. Outlook customer service can be sought via the customer care number. The phone number is available for 24/ 7.

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