Outlook is one of the most easy-to-use Email applications used for both official and personal purposes. With frequent updates, Outlook 2019 is the latest version on the internet at the time of writing this article.
Developed by Microsoft, it is easily compatible with most other Microsoft applications but supports both Windows and Mac OS.
However, many Windows users have reported facing an unknown error 0x80070002 while creating a new email account in Outlook, which left them puzzled.
If you are having a similar error and searching for ways to fix this issue at once, tag along. This article will guide you through the best-proven methods to solve error 0x80070002 once and for all.
So, without wasting further time, let’s jump in.
Follow our guide to fix Outlook can’t create file error when opening attachment.
Why Does Unknown Error 0x80070002 Occur in Outlook?
The major causes for error code 0x80070002 to pop up in outlook are having a corrupted PST file structure, an inaccessible directory where Outlook creates and saves PST (Personal Storage Table) files or a faulty windows file structure causing system error.
When you try to create a new Outlook email account, you can see a screen prompting An unknown error occurred, error code 0x80070002. Many times, compatibility issues with the OS, specifically Windows, are found at the root of this error, affecting the functionality of the Outlook application.
Here are the reasons for the 0x80070002 error in Outlook:
Corrupted PST Files
Outlook may generate a faulty PST file if the application is not closed properly or it is affected by malware and viruses. Having corrupted PST files on your PC is the most common cause for Outlook to prompt the error.
Inaccessible Directory of PST Save Folder
Outlook can not access and create PST files if the directory of the Save folder is broken. While creating a new Outlook account, Outlook fails to save new PST files in this location and displays you the error.
Windows System Error
Your system can fail to operate correctly if the file structure is broken or changed. Any system errors from Windows can clash with the Outlook apps, thus showing you the error text.
Also, check out our separate post on disable Outlook deleting confirmation message.
How to Fix Microsoft Outlook Error 0x80070002
The causes for the discussing error can seem complicated initially, but their solution is relatively straightforward.
To get rid of the outlook unknown error 0x80070002, you have to fix the inaccessible PST folder directory by modifying Registry settings, repair corrupted PST files using the in-built outlook tool or use 3rd party repair tools to recover faulty PST files.
Let’s discuss each method with a step-by-step process to make it simple and easy enough for you.
Here are the ways you can fix outlook error 0x80070002:
1. Fix Inaccessible Directory of PST Save Folder
Outlook pops up the unknown error if it can not access the PST saving folder while creating a new account.
Outlook creates and saves it’s PST files in two directories by default. These are as follows:
- C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
- C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\Outlook Files
To go to the Appdata folder, press WIN+R button to open Run > type %localappdata% and click Enter.
Navigate to the paths, and see if the directories are accessible. If not, it confirms that Outlook displays the error for not being able to access the required directories to save PST files.
Check out our separate post on how to view message headers in Outlook.
In such cases, we must manually create paths by altering Windows Registry to eliminate the error.
Follow these steps to fix the inaccessible directory of PST save folder:
- Go to C:\Users\User name\Documents and create a new folder named OutlookNew.
- Copy the OutlookNew location path.
- Type regedit on the Search Bar and open the Registry Editor App.
- Navigate to the following path HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\
- Open the folder according to your Outlook version
Outlook 2007 = \12\
Outlook 2010 = \14\
Outlook 2013 = \15\
Outlook 2016 & 2019 = \16\
The path directory will look like; HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office<yourOfficeVersion>\Outlook
- Select Outlook on the left panel.
- Right-click on the blank region on the right panel.
- Click on New and open String Value.
- Rename it ForcePSTPath and press Enter.
- Right-click on it and choose Modify.
- Paste the previously copied Outlook New location under Value Data.
- Hit OK and close the Registry editor app.
After executing all the steps, your PST files will now be saved to the new PST directory.
Run your Outlook app and try to open or add an account. Check if the issue still persists.
Here’s a complete guide on how to add email signature in Outlook.
2. Repair Corrupted PST Files using the in-built Outlook Tool
Corrupted PST files can result in the unknown error prompt in Microsoft Outlook. Fortunately, Outlook has a built-in tool to repair its corrupted file.
The repair tool named Scanpst.exe is located in different directories corresponding to the Outlook versions.
In outlook 2007, 2010 and 2013, the paths are as follows:
- C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office(Outlook version number)
- C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\Office(Outlook version number)
For outlook 2016, the path is:
- C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
For Outlook 2019,
- C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
After locating the tool, you can now start repairing the corrupted PST files.
Here are the steps to repair corrupted PST files using Outlook’s in-built tool:
- Run exe and click on Browse.
- Navigate to the PST files directory.
- Click on Start to launch the repairing process. After finishing the process, it will display errors if found.
- Press Repair to remove the problematic files.
Now check whether your problem is solved, or else try the next method.
Also, check out our separate post on how to view message headers in Outlook.
3. Use Third-Party Tools to Recover PST Files
The in-built repair tool by Outlook can fix corrupted PST files almost every time. Yet, for highly damaged or broken PST files, the Scanpst tool gets frozen and fails to operate the repair process.
To avoid such complications, using 3rd party tools like Stellar Repair for Outlook, Restoro Repair Tool and Kernel for Outlook PST Repair are recommended. These apps are supported by all versions of outlook and available for free.
In my case, I have used the Stellar repair for Outlook tool to recover all the broken OST files.
Here is how you can recover corrupted PST files using Stellar Repair:
- Download the latest tool.
- Install the app and run the software.
- Click on Home and hit Select Outlook PST. A new window will pop up.
- Choose Browse and enter the directory of the damaged PST files. (Click on Find, If you don’t know the PST directory,).
- Press on Repair and start the process. After scanning, a list of restored files and folders available in PST files will be displayed.
- Choose the required files and folders.
- Hit Save Repaired File under Home tab.
- Pick a file format for the repairing data.
- Select Browse and Enter the location to save the repaired files.
- Press OK.
4. Use System Restore Feature
When the error is caused by the Windows system conflicting with Outlook, following both the above steps may come to no use.
In such rare cases, the System Restore feature provided by Windows itself comes in handy. It reverts the system to a previous restore point when the outlook was working correctly.
Here are the steps to use the System Restore option to fix Outlook error:
- Type System Restore in the Search bar and launch it.
- Hit on Recovery and open Advanced Recovery Tools.
- Select Open System Restore.
- Choose a restore point when Outlook is working correctly.
- Finish the Restore process.
5. Re-install Latest Windows
If the windows file structure is damaged and restoring the system fails to solve your problem, the very last option left is to re-install your windows.
This may take a lot of time and completely reset all your existing apps and settings. Therefore, be 100% certain that the other fixes are not working for you and then take this final measure.
Try all the mentioned methods one by one until you find the one that repairs your problem.
FAQs
Why do I see an unknown error code 0x80070002 in my Outlook?
If outlook can not access the directory of the PST files or there are corrupted PST files and broken windows file structure, you can see the error code 0x80070002.
How do I fix error code 0x80070002 in my Outlook?
To fix it, create an alternative path for your inaccessible PST save folder, repair corrupted PST files or initiate the System Restore feature of Windows.
What does error 0x80070002 mean?
It means that the system update of your PC has failed, and the data are not matching.
Final Thoughts
Though a very user-friendly email application, Outlook does sometimes bring up an irritating issue like the unknown error code 0x80070002.
It may seem tricky at first glance, but following methods like fixing inaccessible PST save file directory through the Registry Editor and repairing corrupted PST files using in-built Outlook repair tool or third-party tools can resolve the problem in no time.
If the problem is caused due to System failure, then complete System restoration or updating to the latest windows is the ultimate solution for this problem.
Hopefully, this article has resolved your issue and allowed you to use Outlook steadily without further trouble.
If you have further questions or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comment box below.
