Fix: Outlook PST File In Use and Cannot Be Accessed” Error [2025]

Summary: Microsoft Outlook is an indispensable tool for managing emails, calendars, contacts, and more. However, users may encounter the ‘Outlook PST file is in use and cannot be accessed’ error, which disrupts workflow. This error generally prevents Outlook from accessing the PST file. Therefore, it hinders normal Outlook operations. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of this error and provide effective solutions to resolve it. If the problem is due to PST file corruption, using Outlook PST Recovery Software is the best way. Download Now   Purchase Now

What is the Outlook PST Cannot be Accessed Error?

Solutions to Resolve Outlook PST File is in Use and Cannot be Accessed

This section describes the stepwise procedure to troubleshoot the error. Firstly, try the manual steps; if it did not work, run the professional software.

1. Terminate Outlook-Related Processes

First of all, you need to ensure that no Outlook processes are running in the background. Do as follows:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Under the Processes tab, look for processes like Outlook.exe, Lync.exe, Communicator.exe, or UCMAPI.exe.
3. Select each and click End Task.
   
4. After that, restart MS Outlook.

2. Disable Cached Exchange Mode

If the local cache is causing the issue, try disabling Cached Exchange Mode. Here is how to do it:

1. Ensure MS Outlook is closed.
2. Go to Control Panel > Mail > Email Accounts.
3. Next, select your account and click Change.
4. Uncheck ‘Use Cached Exchange Mode’.
5. Click Next > Finish > Restart Outlook.

3. Run Outlook in Safe Mode

If any faulty add-in is causing the error ‘Outlook PST file is in use and cannot be accessed’, run Outlook in Safe Mode. This will help to disable add-ins that might be causing conflicts. Follow the steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type outlook.exe /safe, and press Enter.
2. If Outlook opens without errors, an add-in is likely the culprit.
3. Disable add-ins by going to File > Options > Add-ins.
4. At the bottom, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
5. Uncheck all add-ins and restart Outlook.
6. Enable add-ins one by one to identify the problematic one.

4. Use the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe)

Microsoft provides a built-in tool to repair corrupt PST files. ScanPST.exe (or Outlook Inbox Repair Tool) helps in cases where you encounter such an Outlook error and the PST cannot be accessed. Here are the steps to run it:

1. Locate Scanpst.exe on your system (Search in the Outlook installation directory).
2. Run the tool and browse to the location of your PST file.
3. Click on Start to begin the PST scan.
   
4. If any error is found, click on Repair.
5. Once completed, open Outlook to check if the issue is resolved.

This is a free tool by Outlook to repair PST files, but for severe PST corruption, it may fail. Therefore, you can purchase premium software to fix the Outlook PST is in use and cannot be accessed error.

5. Best Way to Resolve Outlook PST File is in Use and Cannot be Accessed

Using a professional PST repair tool works better if you have a PST file corruption. Aryson Outlook PST Recovery Software is the most demanded utility among Outlook users to fix all PST errors. This tool has a simple interface, thus facilitating quick data recovery. Moreover, it can handle all levels of PST corruption with three recovery modes.

With this excellent software, you can also save PST data as a backup in MBOX, DBX, EML, MSG, New PST, or Save for Archive. Even users can restore only selective data after recovery, to prevent the oversized PST issue.

Follow the Steps to Fix “PST File Is in Use and Cannot Be Accessed” Error:

1. Install and launch the Aryson PST Repair software.
2. Click on the “Open” and choose your PST file to repair.
3. Select a scanning mode, Standard, Advanced, or Deep, based on your needs.
4. Choose the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit), then click “OK” to begin scanning.
5. Preview the recovered Outlook mailbox items with their details.
6. Select folders from the recovered data preview to restore.
7. Click on the Save button > choose “Save as PST”.
8. Opt for other options needed and select your desired location to save the file.

To know more about the software, try the free demo tool that only restricts restoring data for free.

Also Read: How to Fix Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool Not Responding?

Conclusion

The Outlook error- “Outlook PST File is in Use and Cannot Be Accessed” can entirely disrupt your workflow. However, it is curable with the right methodology. With the various manual and professional solutions outlined above, you can resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences. Moreover, if you ensure regular maintenance and are cautious of faulty add-ins, you can keep Outlook running smoothly. However, we have suggested a professional software for cases where you face PST file corruption.

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