However, if your email server supports ONLY a POP3, auto account setup will create a POP3 account. More often than not, it’s caused by either a corrupted Outlook profile or a change in the data file’s location. And though an error credential loop in Microsoft 365 message might look worrying, you may be able to fix the problem.

Fixing 'Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed' Error on PC

Then, in the next window, make sure you're on the tab marked \"Sync and backup\". On the righthand side of the window, choose the button to \"manage backup\". In that window, ensure the \"Documents\" folder is not enabled to sync to OneDrive. You may need to move the Outlook data file back down from OneDrive. Outlook profile repair and recovery steps Sometimes, rather than keeping a backup it actually takes the files off your system and moves them up to the cloud.

• I tried using the repair process (SCANPST.EXE) which appeared to detect issues but also appeared to complete a successful repair, but the issue persists.
• Creating new Outlook profile or rebooting the computer fixes the issue.
• Before joining Secure Data, he worked as a freelance technical writer.
• When you want to replicate a copy on the cloud, manually copy the PST in the OneDrive folder.
• Then, in the next window, make sure you're on the tab marked "Sync and backup".

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By default, the Outlook data file resides in your local user's \"Documents\" folder. So you'll want to make sure OneDrive is not syncing that folder. By default, the Outlook data file resides in your local user's "Documents" folder. In the Folder Pane, you might see a folder named Recovered Personal Folders that contains your default Outlook folders or a Lost and Found folder. Although the repair process might recreate some of the folders, they may be empty. The Lost and Found folder contains any folders and items recovered by the repair tool that Outlook can't place in their original structure.

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I tried using the repair process (SCANPST.EXE) which appeared to detect issues but also appeared to complete a successful repair, but the issue persists. I tried to manually access the OST file location and I could read the file just fine. If this diagnostic step works and fixes the error, disabling your add-ins should help prevent it from happening again. Creating new Outlook profile or rebooting the computer fixes the issue. Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent. You can check the location of your Outlook Data Files in Outlook.

Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost)

It even comes with features like auto-split to split large PST files and export the PST contents directly to Microsoft 365. You can create a new Outlook Data File and drag the items in the Lost and Found folder into the new data file. After you've moved all the items, you can remove the Recovered Personal Folders (.pst) file, including the Lost and Found folder. To create a new Outlook Data File, go to Create an Outlook Data File. If your email server supports both IMAP and POP3, auto account setup will create an IMAP account by default. You will need to follow the manual steps in order to create a POP3 account.

Method 2 - Manually create an IMAP or POP3 email account

Try a free demo of our Outlook Express File Repair to recover your data or run through our troubleshooting guide to understand several ways to fix Outlook error 0x f. That is the file Outlook uses to cache your mailbox not updating on IMAP mail on the system. Before you change any settings or troubleshoot further, use these steps to check your connectivity and settings, and try restarting Outlook and your computer.