Outlook offers many services and possibilities to its users as well as problems. One of the common problems people are facing is something is wrong with your data file.
In 2020, after releasing the Outlook Version 2005 Build 12827.20470, users started to complain about this matter the most. It feels irritating when you encounter this issue, and Outlook prevents you from sending or receiving an important email.
This problem mainly occurs after a new update or restarting the app. There are some particular reasons behind this case. However,
you can resolve the case very comfortably.
Read the full articles, and don’t miss a line to fix your issue.
Why Outlook Showing Something Is Wrong With Your Data File?
Outlook shows something is wrong with your data file due to errors in the office program, corrupted data files, system crashes, inappropriate termination, or malware invasion. This issue prevents the user from sending or receiving any email.
Error with data files can stop you from accessing your email account. A lot of reasons can cause data file corruption. Let’s know more about the reason behind the error.
Here are the reason behind the Outlook data file issue:
Error in office
Outlook is a part of Microsoft Office Suite. A corrupted office file can affect Outlook from accessing your data file.
If Outlook fails to get complete access to the data file, it will show the error and block you from accessing the email service.
Also, check out our separate post on how to Add Teams Meeting in Outlook.
Outlook update issue
Microsoft addressed that the issue occurs when upgrading to Outlook Version 2005 Build 12827.20470 and higher. This often appears after you update your Outlook to a new version.
Also, using an old Outlook version increases the chance of getting this error.
Installation error
When installing a new Office or Outlook version, network devices such as routers, hubs, repeaters, and firewalls can cause Outlook data file corruption.
Corrupted data file
Data file corruption is the common reason behind this error. Your data file can be corrupted at any time. Using the same data file folder for other applications can corrupt Outlook data files.
Inappropriate Outlook termination
Closing the application before storing all the data is a good reason behind something wrong with the data file error. If you terminate Outlook when it’s saving the data to the file, the data file has a high chance of getting corrupted.
System crash
Your computer system can crash for many reasons, mostly for software or hardware issues. Power failure can shut your PC suddenly.
Immediate system crashes can corrupt files on the PC. If you were working with Outlook at that moment, there’s a high chance of getting the file corrupt.
Conflict with other application
Using the same folder to store data for Outlook and other applications can create a conflict. Cache files of other applications may affect Outlook data files.
Additionally, antivirus software can detect the data file as a threat to the PC and create issues.
Malware invasion
Malware invasion on your PC can hamper your data files. Malware can modify or change your data file. As a result, Outlook may not access the file correctly, leading to the error.
Here’s a complete guide on Block a Sender by Email Address in Outlook.
How to Fix Something Is Wrong With Your Data File in Outlook
When something is wrong with the data file error appears, Outlook closes automatically. This problem can be fixed by tweaking some registry files, repairing or updating office apps, creating new profiles, repairing inboxes, and some additional steps to fix the Outlook data files issue.
It may seem tricky at first. But follow the procedure carefully to fix the problem with your Outlook data file.
Here are the fixes for the Outlook data file issue:
1. Repair Office
Outlook can be affected by a bug or error in the Microsoft Office Suite. Repairing the Office should solve an issue with the Microsoft application.
Here are the steps to repair the Office:
- Search Control Menu from the search menu.
- Find Program & features.
- Select Office and press on Change.
- Choose Quick Repair and confirm.
You can select Online Repair if you need further repair.
2. Update Outlook
Using an old Outlook version is highly likely to face data file issues. Keep your Outlook up to date to avoid the problem.
Here is the procedure to update Outlook:
- Launch MS Outlook.
- Select File from the top left bar.
- Click on Office Account.
- Press on Update Options on the right.
- Click on Update Now.
The Outlook update process will begin, and it will install the latest version.
Check out the easiest way to Fix: @Mentions Not Working on Outlook.
3. Edit registry
You must delete some corrupted files from the registry to fix the data file error. Editing registry can be cautious. Follow the steps carefully to edit the registry.
Here are the steps to edit the registry:
- Search Registry Editor from the Windows search menu.
- Press Yes to give access control.
- Go to the directory HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\PST
- Under the PST category, delete LastCorruptStore and PromptRepair files.
- Restart Outlook.
Deleting the corrupted data files from the directory should resolve the issue in Outlook.
4. Run the inbox repair tool
Outlook data files can be scanned and repaired by the Outlook inbox repair tool. It can be found in the Microsoft Office directory in program files.
Here are the ways to run the inbox repair tool (For Outlook 2019 & 2016):
- Open your file explorer.
- Navigate to the location,
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Run SCANPST.exe.
- Select your Outlook data file.
- Click on Repair.
- Reopen Outlook.
Here are the steps to run the inbox repair tool (For Outlook 2013):
- Start the file explorer.
- Go to the location,
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
- Open SCANPST.exe.
- Choose your Outlook data file.
- Press on Repair.
- Open Outlook again.
The Outlook inbox repair tool will scan the file and repair the data file. Repairing a data file will help you keep the data file and fix your Outlook issue.
5. Open Outlook in safe mode
Add-ins or other programs can prevent MS Outlook from running correctly. Run Outlook in the safe mode to check if any other variables are creating problems with the email client.
Here is the procedure to run Outlook in safe mode:
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R key.
- Type outlook.exe /safe.
- Click on OK.
If your Outlook runs without any problem, it means some other application or add-ins are causing issues in Outlook. Remove those apps, and it will fix the data file.
Check out our separate post on how to Change Client-Only Rule to Server in Outlook.
6. Delete your calendars
If you still face a problem, delete the internet calendar in Outlook. Some users suggested deleting the calendar to fix the case of the data file.
Here is the process to delete an internet calendar in Outlook:
- Open MS Outlook.
- Go to Files.
- Press on Account Settings.
- Move to the Internet Calendar.
- Delete the internet calendar file.
7. Create a new Outlook profile
Create a new Outlook profile and add your email to your new profile. After that, attach the data file to your new profile.
Here is the way to create a new Outlook profile:
- Launch Outlook.
- Open Files from the top left side.
- Go to Account Settings.
- Select Manage Profiles.
- Click on Show Profiles.
- Add a new profile.
Now, attach the data file to your new profile.
Here is the procedure for attaching the data file:
- Go to Account Settings.
- Select Data Files.
- Choose the data files as the default ones.
For some users, it worked as a fix for the data file issue.
8. Rename the Outlook folder
Renaming the Outlook folder from the registry editor is a known fix for some users. Give it a try to see if this fixes your case too.
Here are the steps to rename the Outlook folder:
- Open Registry Editor.
- Go to the location, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0.
- Right-click on the Outlook folder.
- Rename it to OutlookOld.
- Restart your PC.
- Launch the Outlook application.
9. Contact support
I hope the above solution has solved your issue. But if these don’t work for you, contact Microsoft support. They will gladly help you further.
Check out our separate post on Disable Outlook Deleting Confirmation Message.
FAQs
What is an Outlook data file?
The Outlook data file is where Outlook keeps the data of your email, task, calendar, and other Outlook-related information.
Do I need the Outlook data file?
Outlook items such as email information, tasks, calendar, and other things saved on your computer are kept in the Outlook data file.
Can I delete AppData local Microsoft Outlook?
To delete the .ost file, exit Outlook and go to the C:\Users\User-Name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook directory to find the .ost file.
Conclusion
Outlook data files on your computer are essential because it contains important data of your emails, tasks, and other valuable information.
Anything wrong that happens with your data files can make you worry. Some causes can corrupt your data file.
In this article, I’ve provided the solutions to overcome this issue and how you can recover your data file. I believe you’ve solved your problem by following the above article. Yet, if the problem stays, comment below.
Cheers!
