“I am using the Outlook 2016 application. Yesterday, when I tried to open and import my old PST file in Outlook but I got an error message saying– “Outlook file access denied. You do not have the permission required to access the file”. Even I tried twice but failed to open it. Is there any solution to fix the Outlook file access denied problem? Please suggest a reliable solution to fix the error.”
Many Outlook users have reported this problem that they can no longer access the Outlook PST file. This happens whenever you try to open the Outlook PST data file in Outlook 2016 and you get encountered with an error. The error message will look like the below-mentioned screenshot.
Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook window. The set of folders cannot be opened. File access is denied. You do not have the permission required to access the file
C:\Users\Robert\Documents\Outlook Files\Robert.pst.
The following reasons may lead to Outlook “FILE ACCESS DENIED” error:
Irrespective of any reasons that result in unable to access PST files or Outlook file access denied error, you can still easily fix the issue using various DIY methods mentioned in the next section.
Note: DIY methods work effectively on minor corruption on data files in Outlook, but if the Outlook files are severely corrupted, the manual method fails to fix the issue completely. In that case, it is recommended to use an effective Outlook PST repair tool to get access back to your Outlook files.
Remo Outlook PST Repair is a comprehensive tool designed to fix the Outlook file access denied error and unable to access PST file issues by repairing the data file. The software works on a copy of the Outlook file, prioritizing the safety of the original Outlook data file. It can repair any PST file that is severely damaged or corrupted on all versions of Outlook. Download and install the tool now to eliminate the error and access the important Outlook files.
Here are a few manual methods using which you can fix the Outlook error: ‘Outlook File Access Denied: Cannot Open PST or Import PST file.
Modifying the properties in the Outlook PST file may bypass the “File Access Denied” error in Outlook. To do that:
Go to Control Panel and search for Mail. Click on the mail option and the Mail Setup window will open up.
The very next solution is to run Outlook with Administrative privileges to repair inaccessible Outlook data files. In order to do this,
Starting Outlook in Safe Mode is an effective way to resolve the Outlook cannot open pst file error. Follow the steps to resolve the Outlook error:
Note: While processing if account credentials are asked, enter your password and select Accept.
Tip: If Windows can't find Outlook.exe /safe, try using the full path to Outlook (for example C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX, where XX is your version number).
Hopefully, now you will be able to open or import the Outlook PST file successfully. However, if the error ‘Outlook File Access Denied: Cannot Open PST or Import PST File’ still pops up while you try to open the PST file; there is a high probability that the PST file is corrupted.
You can make use of the Outlook Inbox Repair tool to get rid of the error and open the PST file if the PST file corruption is minor. However, it is recommended to use a professional PST repair tool like Remo PST Repair. It is because if the damage is severe then the Inbox Repair tool won’t be able to fix the issue. Moreover, there are chances that it can further damage the PST file as it works directly on the original file.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to repair the PST file, by using the “Inbox Repair Tool”:
Recommended: If you have deleted any folder in Outlook and are looking to recover, make use of a reliable PST file repair software.
Note: The path will vary with the Outlook versions! Click here to know more on ScanPST location
If none of the above troubleshoots help and the problem is not resolved yet, then it indicates that the PST file is severely corrupted. It can only be resolved with the help of a professional PST file repair software - Remo Repair Outlook PST. This tool can fix PST files and recover its folders like emails, contacts, calendars, journals, notes, etc.
To fix the Outlook error, download the Remo Repair Outlook (PST) tool and install it on your drive.
These solutions will help you fix the error in simple steps. However, be cautious while working with the PST file, and make sure you use some preventive measures.