Outlook (classic) · Windows
Outlook PST Cannot Be Accessed (0x80040116)
The error "Outlook.pst cannot be accessed – 0x80040116" means Outlook can't open its main data file (the .pst that holds your mail). Usually the file has been moved, set to read-only, is sitting inside a synced folder like OneDrive, or has minor corruption. Here's how to find it, unlock it and repair it safely. Rated 4.9 on Google.
- ● Classic Outlook
- ● POP/PST accounts
- ● scanpst.exe repair
Why it happens
What error 0x80040116 actually means
Error 0x80040116 appears when Outlook tries to send, receive or open your mailbox but can't get to its Outlook Data File (.pst) — the file that stores your emails, contacts and calendar for a POP account. Outlook can't read it, so it stops.
The common causes are simple: the .pst file has been moved or renamed, it's marked read-only or blocked by Windows, it's stored inside a OneDrive or other synced folder (which locks the file while it syncs), or it has some corruption that needs repairing. An oversized .pst can also be a factor. The good news is that all of these are fixable, and your mail is inside that file the whole time.
Before you start: once you've located the .pst, copy it somewhere safe (like your Desktop) as a backup before repairing — that way you always have the original if anything goes wrong.
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The fix
How to fix "Outlook.pst cannot be accessed"
Work through these in order:
- Find where Outlook expects the file. Open File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files tab. Note the full path shown, then click Open File Location to jump straight to the folder in File Explorer and check the .pst is actually there.
- Move it out of any synced folder. If the path is inside OneDrive, Dropbox or another synced folder, that's the problem — those services lock the file. Close Outlook, move the .pst to a normal local folder such as
C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Outlook Files, reopen Outlook and point it at the new location if asked. - Unlock the file. Right-click the .pst, choose Properties, and at the bottom untick Read-only. If you see an Unblock tickbox, tick it. Click Apply, then OK.
- Run the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe). Close Outlook first. On a modern Microsoft 365 / Office install, scanpst is usually at
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SCANPST.EXE(for 32-bit Office on 64-bit Windows it's underC:\Program Files (x86)\...). Run it, click Browse, select your .pst, then Start. Leave the "Make backup of scanned file before repairing" box ticked. If it finds errors, click Repair. It may need a few passes on a large file — that's normal. - Set a healthy file as default, or make a fresh profile. Still stuck? In the Data Files tab, select a working .pst and click Set as Default. If the file is beyond repair, create a new profile via Control Panel > Mail (Microsoft Outlook) > Show Profiles > Add and re-add your account — for a POP account, keep the old .pst so you can open it and drag your mail across.
None of these steps deletes your email; scanpst repairs the file in place and, with the backup box ticked, saves a copy (a .bak file) first.
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Frequently asked
What does "Outlook.pst cannot be accessed 0x80040116" mean?
It means Outlook can't open its main data file (the .pst that holds your mail). Usually the file has been moved, set to read-only, is inside a synced folder like OneDrive, or has minor corruption. Locating, unlocking and repairing the file fixes it.
Will I lose my emails fixing this error?
No. Your mail lives inside the .pst file the whole time. With the "Make backup" box ticked, the repair tool (scanpst.exe) saves a copy before it starts. As a precaution, also copy the .pst somewhere safe before repairing so you always have the original.
Where is my Outlook .pst file located?
Open File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files and read the path shown, then click Open File Location. It's often in Documents\Outlook Files or under your user profile. If it's inside OneDrive, move it to a normal local folder to stop the file being locked.
Where is scanpst.exe on my PC?
On a modern Microsoft 365 or Office install it's usually at C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SCANPST.EXE (or under Program Files (x86) if you have 32-bit Office). Close Outlook, run it, browse to your .pst and click Start, then Repair if errors are found.
Why does this error happen with OneDrive?
Outlook data files should never live inside OneDrive or another synced folder — the sync service locks the file while it uploads, and Outlook then can't open it. Move the .pst to a normal local folder such as Documents\Outlook Files and the error clears.
Can you fix the 0x80040116 error for me remotely?
Yes. We connect via secure remote support (you watch throughout and we phone you first), locate your .pst, unlock it, run the repair tool and get you back into your email — usually within minutes. Call 01202 775566.
Can't get Outlook open at all?
We'll connect remotely, locate your .pst, unlock it, run the repair tool and get you back into your email — usually within minutes. You watch the whole time, we phone first, and access ends the moment we're finished. Your mail stays on your PC throughout.
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