8 Proven Ways to Fix Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File!

Updated On - October 9, 2024 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 6 minutes

These days we are receiving constant queries related to the Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File. Various users are facing errors in creating an Outlook data file in the latest and some previous Outlook versions. This error mostly usually appears when you are trying to add a new account, creating a new Outlook data file, or even trying to save an existing file. There are many more reasons for the occurrence of this error. In this article, we will share some common ways to fix this error and some common ways of the occurrence of this error. Without any delay let us get started with the article.

Why Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File Appears?

Below are some common reasons why Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File appears. Have a look at them in the below section of the article.

• Storage Issues: The most common issue why this error appears is the storage space. Outlook needs enough space on the drive you have chosen to create the data file.
• Corrupted Data File: If your Outlook data file is corrupt then a corrupted existing data file can be the reason for an issue related to the creation of a new file.
• Missing File: Sometimes, when you install Outlook, there can be a missing or corrupted file that can lead to this Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data file.
• Insufficient Space: There can be another program that is coming in between while Outlook is trying to create a file.

Now, that you have seen the reasons for the occurrence of the Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data file. Let us move ahead and observe some solutions to fix this Outlook error.

How to Fix Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File?

There are various methods that are floating over the SERP, although not every solution is tried and tested. However, to save you time in finding the best solution, we have gathered the expert-recommended 6 solutions for you in the below section of the article.

#1 Look for Some Free Up Space in the Outlook Data Files

The problem is your disk where you are trying to save the data file has to have enough free space. A disk that is full of space can prevent file creation. Here are some steps that you can follow to avoid this error.

1. Firstly, click right on the folder in which you want to save the file.
2. Now, tap on the Properties.
3. Hit on the Security option and proceed ahead.
4. Lastly, tap to verify your permissions.

#2 Run Outlook As An Administrator

To solve this problem you can also try this solution, in which you can run Outlook as an Administrator. To use this solution, you can read the given steps.

1. Firstly, right-click on the Outlook icon on your desktop.
2. Now, click on the “Run as Administrator” option.

This will launch Outlook with all permissions, which will help resolve the “Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File” error if it’s caused by permission issues. If running Outlook as administrator doesn’t solve the problem, here are other solutions that you can try.

#3 Cross Check File/Folder Permissions in Outlook

While using Outlook, sometimes, you may face there is an issue while creating or adding new data files because of the permissions issues. Here is how you can check and fix this issue.

• Firstly, click on the Windows Key + R on your keyboard. A box will appear, and type “%localappdata%/Microsoft/” (without quotes). Tap the Enter or hit OK.
• After that, search for the highlighted Outlook folder, where OST is kept.
• Click right on the Outlook folder and then tap on the Properties.
• Search for the Full Control permissions. If you do not own this, click on Edit.
• Go ahead with the given instructions to add your account. It will help you to change permissions.
• In the Allow section, assign the correct permissions.
• At last, click Apply and then hit OK to save the changes.

If the error is not resolved yet, then you should proceed ahead and try the next tried and tested solution. In the next solution, we will fix the error using the Safe method. To know about it in detail, read the given article in detail.

#4 Resolve Error Using Safe Mode

At times, Outlook has issues because of add-ons or extensions. To see if these are creating the problem and resolve it, you can try to run the Outlook application in safe mode.

1. Click Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
2. After that, type “Outlook/safe and click OK.
3. Once Outlook starts, go to the File menu at the top and click options, and then go to the File menu.
4. Tap the Options and choose Add-Ons.
5. Click on the Go button and then you will witness a list of the add-ins.
6. Untick them to disable them and then click OK to save the changes.
7. Turn off Outlook in safe mode and Open Outlook again.
8. If the error does not show up, one of those add-ons might be causing the problem.
9. To find the one add-on that is causing the problem, start to enable add-ons one by one.
10. After enabling the errors one by one, use the Outlook application if the error returns.
11. Repeat the process to find the add-ons which is causing the problem.
12. Once you find the problematic add-on, remove it to fix the error.

If the error is resolved, it is a go-to approach for you. However, if the “Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File” still persists, then you should continue trying the next solutions in the below section of the article.

#5 Fix Outlook Error by Reinstalling

One of the most common reasons for Outlook can be that is the way how it was set up. Here is an easy and quick way to fix the Outlook problem. Follow the given steps to fix the error.

1. Go to the Control Panel, where, you can look for the Settings on your PC.
2. After that, search for the Programs option in the Control Panel and then tap the Programs and Features.
3. You will get a list of the programs installed on your PC. Look for Microsoft Office or Microsoft Outlook in that list.

#6 Resolve Outlook Errors by Repairing

Another common solution that you can try to fix the Outlook error is by repairing the Outlook application. To do the same, you can follow the given steps.

1. Firstly, click right on the Microsoft Office or Microsoft Outlook.
2. Tap the Change button and a Window will pop up.
3. Pick Repair and go ahead with the instructions on the screen.
4. Once the repair process finishes, restart your PC.

If this, also is not your solution to the problem, then do not worry much as there are a quite number of solutions left. You can try them out to find the perfect solution that revolves Outlook error.

#7 Fix Outlook Error by Temporarily Disabling Antivirus for Outlook

Sometimes, the programs like antivirus software cause trouble for Outlook. This problem can lead to the Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File. To check if the antivirus is causing the problem or not, you can continue reading the given article.

1. Look for the antivirus program on your PC. It might have an icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Open the antivirus program on your PC and search for an option to turn it off. It will say something like Disable or Turn off Protection.
3. Tap on that option and follow the given instructions to turn off the antivirus.
4. Once the antivirus is turned off, try using Outlook again.

Keep in mind that, this is a temporary solution to check if the antivirus is creating the issue. Additionally, turn on your antivirus back later to keep your PC protected from viruses and other threats.

#8 Create a New Outlook Profile and Fix Errors

If you are facing the error in which Outlook showing the error: Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File, then in that case you should try fixing the error message by creating a new Outlook profile. Here is the procedure to fix this.

1. Make sure you properly shut down Outlook before starting the process.
2. Now, search for the Control Panel on your computer.
3. Here search for the User Accounts option and proceed ahead.
4. Thereafter, click on the Mail(32-bit) option.
5. In this Mail Setup Window, tap on the Show Profiles option.
6. Hit on the Add button to add your account.Enter a name to your new profile and tap OK.
7. Now, follow the instructions to add your email account to your new profile.
8. After your profile is set up, make this your default profile.
9. To do this, look for your old profile and click on the Remove option.
10. Click on the Yes button to confirm your action.
11. Finally, launch Outlook and open Outlook again to see if the error is resolved or not.

When you create a new Outlook profile and replace the damaged or corrupted Outlook profiles, you may be able to resolve the “Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File”. Although your Outlook data files can become damaged while restoring your Outlook account. If there is a same to the same case, then you must repair your old damaged OST files. For this scene, choose for the Regain OST File Recovery tool. This tool is competent enough to fix the Outlook error.

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Conclusion

In this blog, we have covered some solutions to resolve the Outlook Error: Couldn’t Create Outlook Data File. The error can arise due to several reasons and there are a multiple solutions to resolve the error. We have mentioned all the possible expert tested solutions. You can apply the solution step by step to rectify the Outlook error.