Fix Error: Cannot add PST “An Unknown Error occurred error code 0x8000ffff”

This post examines the error – ‘Cannot add PST “An Unknown Error occurred error code 0x8000ffff…”’ the reasons that cause this error, and the types of errors that appears as a consequence. It also mentions an automatic solution to get rid of the error message in order to gain access to PST data and continue the application normally.

Cannot add PST “An Unknown Error occurred error code 0x8000ffff…” is a common error Outlook users encounter frequently. In the majority of cases, users confuse themselves while detecting if the persisting error 0x8000ffff in Outlook 2010 is application-related or if it is a Windows-bound error. In both the cases, it is important to rectify the same without any delay to enjoy the never-ending features of the application.

To examine this error, it is important to discuss some related aspects in order to make it simple for all user types.

Let’s first understand what Windows errors are and how to detect them in the case of failure.

Understand Windows & Outlook Application Errors

Windows errors can be explained as an interruption that appears during any unfavourable or unexpected condition or when an operation being implemented to rectify any issue has failed. Errors can cause the system to sleep or can cause any running program or application to crash and freeze subsequently. It may not harm any incorporated data, but makes the situation critical.

The fix required to correct a particular error may not work on another one. Windows errors can be fixed by users implementing D-I-Y solutions. The resolutions are only available if there is any technical cause responsible behind the occurrence of error; else user has to look forward to an alternate fix. Specifically, when the error is caused due to virus attack or malware, the only solution that works to fix Outlook 0x8000ffff error is the professional file repair tool.

Since the persisting error occurs in Outlook 2010 while performing email send/receive operation or while attempting to access the message, possibilities are that the PST file may have turned unreadable. Deploying Outlook PST Repair software will help gain access to the mailbox folders stored inside the corrupted or damaged PST file.

The professional software works in three simple steps. After uploading the affected file, the tool runs an effective scan, fetches all incorporated data and repairs all selective items. In short, the software scan, retrieve and repair data from the damaged PST file. Being integrated with powerful scan algorithms, it performs a thorough scan on the file.

When The PST File is Highly Corrupt!

While employing any alternate third-party solution to resolve ‘Cannot add PST “An Unknown Error occurred error code 0x8000ffff…”’, the major attribute to look upon is if the tool allows repairing highly damaged Outlook PST file.

Here, the answer is ‘Yes’, the PST Repair tool allows gaining access to data in all types of affected PST files, irrespective of the level of damage they possess. To ensure this, the trial version can be utilized for free access to all the features and functionality of the software.

Types of Windows Application Errors & Causes

• System File CorruptionError 0x8000ffff in Outlook 2010 may have been caused due to system file damage, and corrupt file entries may be responsible for the error. If so, then it is imperative to take immediate recovery steps in order to protect the system and data from being scattered and lost. In severe cases, the consequence could be a blue screen.

• Blue ScreenBlue Screen or Blue Screen of Death is commonly known as bug check screen or stop error screen. It appears only in case of fatal system error or being displayed by Microsoft Windows family of Operating Systems when a critical error is detected. It gets displayed when Windows detect a non-recoverable error that can cause the system to crash subsequently.

In addition, the blue screen may have appeared due to hardware failure or driver malfunction. Also, unsuspected error in system drivers can be responsible for the cause and existence of blue screen.

• DLL Error Cannot add PST “An Unknown Error occurred error code 0x8000ffff” error message may appear due to missing DLL. Dynamic Link Library is considered a necessary component of any application or program. In a case of missing DLL, the application will not work properly as expected.

Several DLL files are shared among numerous users, due to which they may turn corrupt or get accidentally deleted. This affects the functionality of the application and, in turn, reflects the error code 0x8000ffff.

• Application FreezeFrequent and sudden Outlook freeze can be an alarming sign that there is something wrong with the application. In such cases, the app does not allow performing any workaround as it shuts down abnormally while you attempt to execute any task. Another error could be computer screen freeze; when a system runs but the screen does not respond appropriately.

This may occur when there are multiple apps running on the screen or in the background. This can be prevented by closing the background apps from the Task Manager. To do this, you will need to run the Task Manager and then click on each individual task under Processes and click the End Task button.