Error Solved: Cannot Open your Default Email Folders (xxx.pst) in Outlook

Among the most frequently encountered Outlook errors is the PST cannot be opened Outlook 2007/2010/2013/2016/2019 error which keeps resurfacing. More often than not, the causes behind this error can be easily pinpointed and it can be fixed with a few simple steps. In this post, we're directing our focus on this error, its causes, and its simplest solutions.

While a majority of corporate houses, professionals, and home users across the world communicate via Outlook, it is an email client the can be down by errors. And the troubling fact is, most of the time, Outlook errors are only temporarily solved and return before you can even get over their first impact. Therefore, the best way to solve Outlook errors is to get to their actual root and solve the problem right there instead of resorting to workarounds that are nothing more than alluring temporary bandages.

On that thought, this post sheds light on the PST cannot be opened Outlook 2007/2010 error and introduces you to its root causes and most viable solutions. By the end, you should be sufficiently equipped to deal with this error at your end.

An error cannot open your default email folders: the triggers behind it

When launching Outlook, several users report being confronted with the annoying error pop-up that says, "Error: Cannot open your default e-mail folders. The information store could not be opened". When such an occurrence happens, a user obviously cannot proceed with his work and is instead barred from accessing his mailbox. This Outlook 2007 error finds its root cause in multiple triggers.

• If the MS Outlook application is running in compatibility mode, the chances of encountering this error are high
• If Outlook's Navigation Pane Settings file has been corrupted, it can set off this error (though the chances of this happening are quite rare)
• If the Outlook PST file has been damaged or corrupted, or if it has been deleted by mistake, it could lead to this error

Additionally, this error can affect any Outlook version (right from 2003 to 2013) and can crop up without any warning signs. The only way to get on top of it is to resolve it at its base.

Getting rid of cannot open your default email folders outlook 2007/2010 error

We've compiled a list of fairly simple solutions which can be used in order to fix the root causes which set off this error. Follow these solutions one at a time and proceed to the next fix only if the previous one fails.

Switch off Outlook's Compatibility Mode

• Navigate to Outlook installation folder [C -> Program Files -> Microsoft Office -> Office XX -> Outlook.exe]
• Right-click on the file "Outlook.exe"
• Click on "Properties" and navigate to the "Compatibility" tab
• Uncheck the "Run this program in compatibility mode" box
• Click on "Apply"

2. Run Outlook in Safe Mode

Running Outlook in safe mode disables all add-ins that you may have installed to augment the application's functionality. Faulty add-ins can often be the cause of many Outlook errors and thus, it is always a good idea to try this fix out whenever any issue arises.

• Open the Windows Run dialog
• Type outlook /safe in the Run dialog
• Hit Enter

Now check if the error still appears.

3. Repair Outlook PST 2007/2010 with ScanPST.exe

Microsoft's inbuilt Inbox Repair Utility, ScanPST.exe can be used to fix minor damages within the PST file. To use this utility follow these steps:

• Navigate to the Outlook installation folder and locate ScanPST.exe
• Double-click on the application to launch it
• When prompted, browse in ScanPST.exe to select the damaged PST file
• Click on 'Repair' to initiate the process

When the process finishes, a message displaying the result of the operation will be shown. If the PST is repaired, you will be able to launch Outlook without any trouble.

And here's what you should do if nothing else open Outlook default email folders

Though chances of it happening are quite slim, you might be unable to resolve the error even after applying all of the above solutions. If this happens, don't panic. We still have a robust and reliable solution to this and many other Outlook troubles which you can use to overcome your issues. Repair Outlook PST 2007 with Stellar Repair for Outlook. This PST recovery software is the ultimate answer to recurring Outlook errors. Advanced scanning and repair algorithms empower this product to find out and fix problems with Outlook PST file and make it usable again. The software follows a non-destructive approach to fix PST file issues and ensure that you regain access to all your mailbox data in the easiest manner possible.

A quick survey of popular technical forums is enough to come to the conclusion that most MS Outlook errors find their root cause in a faulty PST file. While regular archiving and backing up of the PST is something every user tries to do, sometimes, PST file damage happens regardless. If you can use manual techniques to fix damaged PSTs, they're the best way to get rid of Outlook errors. If not, keeping competent outlook pst repair tools like Stellar Repair for Outlook handy is a good way to ensure that your mailbox data is safe.

This solution works for all Outlook version (2019/2016/2013/2010/2007/2003) & Operating System (Windows 10, Windows 8.1/8.0, Windows 7 and Windows XP).

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About The Author

Charanjeet Kaur

Technical writer with over 7 years of experience