Fix Error 0x8004010F: Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed

Reasons for Outlook Data File Cannot be Accessed

When MS Outlook is configured with an Exchange or IMAP-based email account, an Offline Storage File (OST) is created on the local system. Similarly, when you add a POP account to Outlook, a Personal Storage Table (PST) file is created.

These Outlook data files (OST and PST) contain a synchronized copy of all mailbox data that is stored on the email server. In a nutshell, an OST or PST file is a replica of the user’s mailbox as it stores all mailbox items, such as emails, attachments, contacts, notes, calendar items, etc. locally.

OST enables users to access their Outlook even if the system is offline or the Exchange server experiences downtime due to technical issues or maintenance. In such cases, the users can continue to work on Outlook without interruptions.

However, users may fail to access the Outlook data file due to many reasons but the following can be regarded as the main ones:

• Conflicting Applications: If an application on the system (like OneDrive) is interfering the Outlook’s access to the data file (if the file is located inside the OneDrive back-up folder), then that can cause the data file access issue in hand.
• Corrupt Outlook Data File: If the Outlook data file itself is corrupt, then it could be the reason for the error under discussion.
• Corrupt Cached Exchange Data: If Outlook is configured to use the cached Exchange mode, then the corrupt cached data of Outlook could be the cause of the Outlook data file access issue.
• Corrupt Office Installation: You may encounter the Outlook file access issue if the installation of the Office suite is corrupt.

Methods to Fix Outlook Data File Cannot be Accessed

Method 1: Restart Outlook and Check Internet Connection

Sometimes, a simple restart may resolve issues with programs and systems. Thus, if you are experiencing Outlook error 0x8004010F, restart Outlook or the system and then check back again. Also, check the internet connection. If this doesn’t fix the error 0x8004010F, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Check Account Settings

Make sure your account settings are correct and the Exchange server is also online. To check this, you may use Outlook Web App (OWA). Try to log in via OWA. This will help you ensure if there’s some temporary connection issue. Also, check with the administrator if they’ve changed any server settings that you may need to change in your Outlook account.

But if you log in successfully on OWA, it may be some other issue. Follow the next methods to resolve the Outlook 0x8004010F error.

Method 3: Create & Use a New Outlook Profile Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed

The easiest way to fix the Outlook data file cannot be accessed error is to create a new profile and use it as the primary profile in Outlook. This will get rid of any issues with the old profile’s configuration and let you start fresh.

Find The Data File Location

You need to first find the location of your Outlook data file by following the steps below:

1. Open Control Panel on your Windows computer.
2. Click View by menu at the top-right corner and ensure the Large icons option is selected.
3. Find and click the Mail option to view your email settings and click the Show Profiles button to view your Outlook profiles.
4. Then choose your current profile from the list and click Properties.
5. Select the Data Files button to see where your data file is saved.
6. The following screen will have a file entry with a checkmark icon next to it. Note the location of this Outlook data file.

Create a New Outlook Profile

You can now create a new Outlook profile to replace your old and corrupted one. Keep your email logins handy as you’ll need them to set up your email account.

1. Open Control Panel and click the Mail option.
2. Select the Show Profiles button to view your profiles
3. Click Add on the following screen to add a new profile.
4. Enter a name for your new profile in the Profile Name field and click OK to save the profile.
5. The email setup wizard will now appear. Select the Manual setup or additional server types option and click Next to start setting up your email account with Outlook.
6. Select your email account type and click Next at the bottom. If you have POP3 or IMAP details for your email account, select that option and you can then manually configure the account settings.
7. Fill in the email account information on the following screen. When you’re done, select Existing Outlook Data File from the Deliver new messages to section and then click the Browse button.
8. Head to the Outlook data file’s path you noted earlier and select that file.
9. Finish the email account setup wizard.
10. Go back to the Mailbox, choose your newly created profile from the Always use this profile menu, and click OK. This will make your new profile the default email profile for Outlook.

Method 4: Repair Outlook

As a final solution, you may attempt to repair the Outlook installation files. You may also try to reinstall Outlook if the repair does not work. The steps to repair Outlook are as follows:

1. Open Control Panel and click on Programs > Programs and Features.
2. Find and click on Microsoft Office, then click Change.
3. Then select Repair and Continue and follow the repair wizard.
4. After the repair, open Outlook and check if the error is resolved.

Conclusion

The error Outlook data file cannot be accessed can be really annoying but it is quite easy to fix once you learn about the cause behind the problem. Depending on the cause behind the issue, you can apply the specific methods mentioned. Hope this article helps you out!