How to Fix Outlook Error 0x8004010F: Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed

• The article explains how to fix the Outlook error 0x8004010F that occurs when sending or receiving emails due to corrupted profile, changed data file location, or incorrect data file settings.
• The article provides three methods to fix the error: creating a new Outlook profile, changing the data file location, and repairing the data file settings using the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe).
• The article also gives some tips on how to prevent the error from happening again and answers some frequently asked questions related to the topic.

Outlook is one of the most popular email clients that allows users to manage multiple email accounts, calendars, contacts, tasks, and more. However, Outlook users may sometimes encounter errors that prevent them from sending or receiving emails. One such error is 0x8004010F: Outlook data file cannot be accessed. This error usually occurs when the Outlook profile is corrupted or the data file location is changed. In this article, we will explain what causes this error, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening again.

What Causes Outlook Error 0x8004010F?

The Outlook error 0x8004010F can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Corrupted Outlook profile: The Outlook profile contains the settings and information for each email account, such as the server name, password, data file location, etc. If the profile is damaged or corrupted, Outlook may not be able to access the data file and display the error 0x8004010F.
• Changed data file location: The data file is where Outlook stores all the emails, contacts, calendars, and other items for each account. The default location of the data file is C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook. However, some users may change the location of the data file to another folder or drive for backup or storage purposes. If Outlook cannot find the data file in the original location, it may show the error 0x8004010F.
• Incorrect data file settings: The data file settings determine how Outlook interacts with the data file, such as whether to use cached mode, offline mode, encryption, compression, etc. If the data file settings are incorrect or incompatible with the Outlook version or configuration, Outlook may not be able to access the data file and generate the error 0x8004010F.

How to Fix Outlook Error 0x8004010F?

There are several methods to fix the Outlook error 0x8004010F, depending on the cause of the problem. Here are some of the most common and effective solutions:

Method 1: Create a New Outlook Profile

If the Outlook profile is corrupted or damaged, creating a new profile can resolve the error 0x8004010F. To create a new profile, follow these steps:

1. Close Outlook if it is running.
2. Open Control Panel and click on Mail.
3. In the Mail Setup dialog box, click on Show Profiles.
4. Click on Add to create a new profile.
5. Enter a name for the new profile and click on OK.
6. Follow the prompts to add your email account and configure your settings.
7. Click on Finish to complete the process.
8. In the Mail dialog box, select Always use this profile and choose the new profile from the drop-down list.
9. Click on OK to save the changes.
10. Restart Outlook and check if the error 0x8004010F is fixed.

Method 2: Change the Data File Location

If you have changed the location of the data file to another folder or drive, you need to update the data file location in Outlook to fix the error 0x8004010F. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Close Outlook if it is running.
2. Open Control Panel and click on Mail.
3. In the Mail Setup dialog box, click on Data Files.
4. In the Account Settings dialog box, select your email account and click on Settings.
5. In the Change Account dialog box, click on More Settings.
6. In the Microsoft Exchange dialog box, click on Advanced tab.
7. Click on Offline Folder File Settings.
8. In the File box, enter or browse to the new location of your data file.
9. Click on OK to save the changes.
10. Restart Outlook and check if the error 0x8004010F is fixed.

Method 3: Repair Data File Settings

If there are any issues with the data file settings, such as encryption, compression, or compatibility mode, you can repair them using the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe). This tool can scan and fix any errors or corruption in your data file. To use this tool, follow these steps:

1. Close Outlook if it is running.
2. Locate your data file in your computer. The default location is C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook.
3. Copy your data file to another location as a backup.
4. Locate scanpst.exe in your computer. The default location is C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 for Office 2016.
5. Double-click on scanpst.exe to launch the tool.
6. In the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool dialog box, click on Browse and select your data file.
7. Click on Start to begin the scan.
8. If any errors are found, click on Repair to fix them.
9. Restart Outlook and check if the error 0x8004010F is fixed.

How to Prevent Outlook Error 0x8004010F?

To prevent the Outlook error 0x8004010F from happening again, you can follow these tips:

• Keep your Outlook profile and data file updated and backed up regularly.
• Avoid changing the location of your data file without updating the settings in Outlook.
• Use compatible and secure data file settings that match your Outlook version and configuration.
• Scan and repair your data file periodically using the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe).
• Use a reliable antivirus and firewall software to protect your computer from malware and hackers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What is the difference between OST and PST files?

Answer: OST and PST are two types of data files that Outlook uses to store emails, contacts, calendars, and other items. OST stands for Offline Storage Table, which is a cached copy of your mailbox on the server. PST stands for Personal Storage Table, which is a personal archive of your items on your computer. OST files are used by Exchange, Outlook.com, and IMAP accounts, while PST files are used by POP3 accounts.

Question: How can I find out which type of data file I am using?

Answer: You can find out which type of data file you are using by following these steps:

1. Open Outlook and click on File tab.
2. Click on Account Settings and then Account Settings again.
3. In the Account Settings dialog box, click on Data Files tab.
4. You can see the type, name, and location of your data file for each account.

Question: How can I backup my data file?

Answer: You can backup your data file by copying it to another location, such as an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or a cloud storage service. To copy your data file, follow these steps:

1. Close Outlook if it is running.
2. Locate your data file in your computer. The default location is C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook.
3. Right-click on your data file and select Copy.
4. Navigate to the destination where you want to backup your data file and paste it there.

Summary

In this article, we have explained how to fix the Outlook error 0x8004010F that occurs when sending or receiving emails. We have provided a detailed problem description and an explanation of the solution, supported by references and supplementary materials. We have also given some tips on how to prevent this error from happening again and answered some frequently asked questions related to the topic. We hope this article has helped you resolve the Outlook error 0x8004010F and improve your email experience.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The author and publisher are not liable for any damages or losses that may result from following the instructions or using the tools mentioned in this article. The user is responsible for verifying the accuracy and suitability of the information before applying it to their situation. The user should also backup their data before making any changes to their system. The user should also consult a qualified technician or Microsoft support if they encounter any problems or have any questions.