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How To Fix “Unexpected Error Prevented Access To This File” Outlook Error

Error Message

“An unexpected error prevented access to this file. Use ScanDisk to check the disk for errors, and then try using the Inbox Repair tool again”.

Reason

The error displays when we try to repair PST file using inbox repair tool. There are many external factors can cause thus error. But main reasons behind the error are as follows:

  • Selected PST file is damaged badly so that even repair tool is unable to recognize it
  • The selected file is of wrong unsupported format
  • Damaged disk storage

Solutions

Method 1: Select proper PST file

First check the file you selected for repairing is of right format. Make sure it is valid PST file. If you select the file other than PST then this error will arise. Try to find proper location of valid PST file. Don’t select file of unsupported format.

Method 2: Check disk for errors

Sometimes damaged storage can cause file access and related issues. Corrupt filesystem can cause such problems. To fix file system errors you can run build in ‘chkdsk’ tool. Follow below steps to scan and fix disk errors:

1. Go to Start > All Programs and search for ‘cmd’.

2. Type ‘chkdsk /r [drive name]’Ex. For C drive command is

chkdsk /r C:

3. The disk will be scanned and errors will be fixed.

4. Once process completed restart the computer and start Outlook again.

Method 3: Use third party tools

This is final solution which works most of the times. If you are completely sure that you selected valid PST file then it means inbox repair tool is unable to repair the file. This is because the PST file is badly corrupted. In such cases you need to use third party PST recovery software.

Such tools are available in market for free as well as in paid versions. These softwares comes with bunch of features which collectively enables fast and efficient resolution of Outlook errors. These tools have optimised algorithms which can repair PST file with high success rate and speed.

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