Here’s What To Do If You Cannot Open PST File from Network Drive
Despite being one of the most popular email clients in the world, Outlook errors have no limit. One complaint users make about the PST file is that they cannot open PST file from network drive. Though it is very common to store Outlook PST file on Network location for shared usage and backup purpose, reopening a PST file from that location is not always smooth. It often happens that users get error messages while opening the Outlook data file from the network.
If you are getting the same problem and want to avoid it next time, go through this blog. It will share some ingenious ideas to solve the issue.
This is what users are saying about this on different technical forums:
“I have an Outlook PST file saved on a mapped network drive. Now the problem is I cannot open PST file from network drive. Whenever I attempt, I see an error message that says “The file path to file cannot be opened.” After facing the error several times, I copied the file and stored it on a local drive. Surprisingly, now it opens without giving rise to any trouble. Wondering what is wrong with the network stored PST file?“
“Our company recently migrated to Outlook. As a precaution, we are keeping backup of the PST file on the network drive. Some of the files are more than 4 GB. Now the problem is, whenever we want to access those files, we keep getting the error “file cannot be accessed” or “file path cannot be opened.” Then we have to shut down Outlook and re-open it. Sadly, restarting Outlook does not always resolve the issue. Can anyone tell me how can we get this fixed?”
Why You Cannot Open PST File from Network Drive? – Major Causes
- Unfortunately, Microsoft Outlook does not support opening PST files directly from Network Drives, NAS Drives, Mapped Drives, and Shared Folders accessed via SMB.
- Multiple users or processes can access the same PST file using Network drives, however, if Outlook detects sharing conflicts or file locking issues, it refuses to open the PST file.
- Even minor interruptions like network latency and connection drops may cause header damage, logical corruptions, or incomplete read/write operations as Outlook requires constant access to the PST file.
How to Manually Fix “Cannot Open PST File from Network Drive”?
- Close your MS Outlook application completely.
- Copy your PST file from Network drive to a local drive.
- Make sure only one user accessing the PST file.
- Check the file permissions and ownership as incorrect permissions can cause Outlook to block access.
- Check and regulate your PST file size as small sized ones are less prone to any errors.
Et Voila! Upon following these steps Outlook should be able to open your PST file easily. However, if MS Outlook still can’t open your PST file after moving it locally from the Network drive. Make sure you check your file for corruption. If you find minor corruption, use the in-built ScanPST tool, however, if it is severe, repair your corrupted PST file without ScanPST using the automated solution mentioned in the following section of this article.
Cannot Open PST File from Network Drive Due to Corruption Issues? Use This Expert Suggestion
If someone wants to open a PST file stored in Network drive but unable to do so, SysTools Outlook Recovery Software can assist them. This is how the software can help in such a situation:
Opening and Previewing Data: If users want to open PST file from a network location, this application is a brilliant way to do so. This application allows a complete preview of all the Outlook data stored in a PST file. With the help of it, users will be able to access all the items of PST file and be able to open and read them. There are eight previewing modes available in the tool.
Besides the data, all attachments can also be accessed with this tool. Even the damaged and deleted components of Outlook can be recovered with this software. The recovered deleted items are marked in red so that users can easily locate them in the software preview window.
Removing Corruption: PST files are prone to corruption and a PST file from network drive also has high chances of getting corrupted. This automated software can fix all types of corruptions from the file. If users suspect having a high level of corruption, they need to perform Advanced Scan. Otherwise, they can go with Quick Scan. If users cannot open PST file from network drive because of corruption, this feature will resolve it.
Locating PST File from Network: Sometimes, users say that PST file could not be found on network drive. In those circumstances, the software can easily locate the data file. To do that, users have to use the Search File option and then select the Network drive name where the PST file is stored. The utility will search the whole drive and find out all the PST files located there along with the complete directory path.
So, if you are facing the same problem, stop worrying and get this software. The tool can fix “cannot open PST file from network drive” problem in no time without any data loss.
Additional Tips On Avoiding Network Stored PST File Error
- If the PST file size is small e.g., 500 MB, chances are that users can easily open the PST file without facing the above-mentioned error. The mechanism of Outlook PST file requires constant access at the fast speed. When users try to open PST file from network drive, the process becomes slow and gives rise to the error. If the file size is small, the PST file access becomes faster.
Note: Users can Split Corrupted PST File with this application to split a large-sized PST into multiple small size PST file.
- Make sure that only one person is accessing a PST file at a given time. If multiple people try to access the same PST file, there will be issues. It is also possible that others are unable to open the Outlook data file located on network.
- If feasible, users can store the PST on any other location than the network drive. Then they should try reopening the file.
Conclusion
PST files bear great importance to Outlook users as it saves complete data of this email client. When users cannot open PST file from network drive, business productivity and communication hamper. This blog suggested some useful approaches that users can adopt if they are facing the same problem.