Problem Solved: Unable to Open Archive PST File in Microsoft Outlook

Let us tell you one of the best ways to retain the Outlook mailbox size is to frequently archive old emails and use a new PST file to store the data. By doing this, a user can access the data by downloading the archive PST files into Outlook. But what will you do if you are unable to open archive PST file in Microsoft Outlook? If you are facing this problem and looking for a solution, then continue reading the blog as we have discussed the ways on how to resolve the problem. This blog discusses several ways to rectify the error so that you can access the files without any hassle.

Archive PST files are generally, saved on the computer as it safeguards the security of the data and prevents corruption of files. In order, to access the files, the user needs to opt for the 'Import and Export Wizard' option. This procedure is really quick, however, if there is corruption or any technical issues, then the users are unable to open archive PST file in Microsoft Outlook. They can rectify the error by using several methods we have listed in the blog.

Reasons behind the Error

Let us find out what causes the error to occur:

Virus attack
Bugs
Bad sectors located on the hard drive
Incorrect installation of Outlook
Faulty add-ins
Sudden termination of Outlook

The above-mentioned are some of the reasons why an error occurs and this is one of the major reasons why it is always a better idea to have a backup of PST files. Most of the users don't have a backup and gets a message, 'unable to open archive PST file in Microsoft Outlook', then don't worry as we have mentioned a few solutions to fix the error in the next section.

List of the Several Methods to Fix the Error

Open the Archived File in a New Outlook Profile

If you are unable to access the Archived data, then try to open it in a new Outlook profile. It is a possibility that in your existing Outlook profile, there might be an error. We suggest you make a new profile by importing the archive PST files into your new Outlook profile and then try to open it.

Open Other Archived PST Files

If you are able to open other archived PST files, then it implies that the issue is in the current PST files and not in Outlook profile. This way, you can detect the real issue and resolve the error accordingly.

Fix Archived PST Via ScanPST.exe

Another way to fix archived PST files is by using 'ScanPST.exe'. The 'Inbox Repair Tool', ScanPST.exe can detect minor errors and fix it, however, it cannot resolve any major error. Let us find out how to fix the archived files via 'ScanPST.exe':

Shut down Outlook and locate 'ScanPST.exe' from the Outlook installation directory.
Start it by clicking on it and mention the file that you want to fix.
Click on the 'Start' option.
If the inbuilt utility is able to locate the error, then start the 'Repair' process.
Click on 'Repair'.
Click on 'Finish'.

Once you execute the above-mentioned steps, then restart Outlook and open the archive PST again.

Fix Archived PST Files Via PST Recovery Tool

If none of the above methods is able to resolve the error, then we suggested you pick KDETools PST Recovery Tool. Fixing archived PST files can be a difficult task; however, by using the tool a user can easily access the archived files. The software is well-equipped with advanced features and has a simple interface that enables the user to fix the error in just a few steps. The PST Recovery Tool is the right solution to repair archived PST files without corrupting the data.

Summary

If you are unable to open archive PST file in Outlook, then don't worry as this blog entails the details on how to fix the issue. In this blog, we have discussed multiple methods to fix the error so make sure you pick the right one.