How to Fix Office Error outlook-pst-error — Outlook PST File Error [2026]

Office Error outlook-pst-error: Outlook PST File Error

This error typically occurs when pst file exceeding the 50gb size limit for outlook 2010 and later. Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.

What Causes Office Error outlook-pst-error?

Office error outlook-pst-error (Outlook PST File Error) can be triggered by several issues:

PST file exceeding the 50GB size limit for Outlook 2010 and later
PST file corrupted due to improper Outlook shutdown or system crash
Disk errors on the drive storing the PST file
Network drive storing PST causing connection interruptions
PST stored on OneDrive or Dropbox causing sync conflicts

How to Fix Office Error outlook-pst-error — Step by Step

Run SCANPST.EXE (Inbox Repair Tool)

Close Outlook. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SCANPST.EXE (path varies by Office version). Click Browse and select your .pst file (usually at C:\Users\[username]\Documents\Outlook Files\). Click Start, then Repair after the scan.

Compact the PST file

With Outlook open: File > Account Settings > Data Files > select your PST > Settings > Compact Now. This reduces PST size by removing deleted items and white space. Run after emptying Deleted Items.

Create a new PST and import

File > New > Outlook Data File > create a new .pst file. Then File > Open and Export > Import/Export > Import from another program or file > Outlook Data File > select your old .pst > import all folders.

Move PST off OneDrive and Dropbox

PST files must not be stored in sync folders. Outlook keeps PST files open continuously, which conflicts with sync clients. Move the PST to a local non-synced folder like Documents outside any sync folder.

Check disk health

Run CMD as Admin:
chkdsk C: /f /r
Or use CrystalDiskInfo to check SMART status. Disk errors can corrupt PST files over time.

Still Getting Error outlook-pst-error?

IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.

Call (581) 398-1270 Book Remote Session

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PST file?

A Personal Storage Table (.pst) file is a local file where Outlook stores emails, contacts, and calendar items. It lives on your computer, unlike an Exchange or Microsoft 365 account that stores data on the server.

How do I find my PST file?

Outlook > File > Account Settings > Data Files tab. The Location column shows the full path to each PST file.

What is the maximum PST size?

For Outlook 2010 and later: 50GB by default, configurable up to 2TB via registry. For Outlook 2007 and earlier: 20GB hard limit.

Can SCANPST recover all my emails?

SCANPST repairs the PST structure and recovers most content. Severely corrupted PST files may lose some emails. Third-party tools like Stellar Repair for Outlook can recover more from badly damaged files.

Why does my PST keep getting corrupted?

The most common causes are: storing PST on a network or sync drive, not closing Outlook properly before shutdown, and antivirus scanning the open PST file. Store PST locally and add it to antivirus exclusions.

How to Fix Office Error outlook-pst-error — Outlook PST File Error