How to Fix “Outlook Data File Not Closed Properly” Error? – 2025 Guide

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients for professionals and organizations worldwide. It helps users manage emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, and notes in a single platform. However, Outlook sometimes displays a recurring error: “Outlook Data File was not closed properly. This file is being checked for problems.”

This issue is commonly reported across different versions of Outlook, including Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and even Microsoft 365. It usually occurs when Outlook fails to shut down correctly, background processes remain active, or the PST data file becomes corrupted.

If you’re facing the error “Microsoft Outlook exited without properly closing” or “Something is wrong with one of your data files and Outlook needs to close”, this guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions—from quick manual fixes to a professional repair method.

User Query: “How to Fix Outlook Data File not Closed Properly” Error

Common Reasons Behind the “Outlook Data File not Closed Properly” Error

This error is mainly caused in Outlook 2007 usually when Outlook data file header is corrupted and damaged in any activities. Other basic factors that cause this error in MS Outlook 2007 data file are:

• MS Outlook data file cannot be closed if it is already opened by several programs
• When some other programs trying to associate with Outlook application
• If the Outlook PST file become corrupted/damaged and restrict from closing Outlook
• When different Add-Ins are checked in Outlook program

Manually Solve “MS Outlook 2007 Data File not Closed Properly” Error

A Microsoft Outlook user can repair this error manually. This manual solution is divided into the main 5 workarounds. You can select any one of them as per your need. We discuss all the workarounds to fix Outlook data file not closed properly in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2000. You just need to follow all the described steps in a sequenced manner to get the better outcome.

: Using Task Manager to Close Outlook Data File Properly Every Time

Most of the times, when you exit Outlook application it does not get closed and still kept open in the background by some another procedure. In that condition, you can use an option to Task manager for navigating all the processes. Where Outlook is open already to check this follow the steps as outlined below:

1. Firstly, right-click on the “Task Bar” located at bottom of your local machine and then, select “Start Task Manager” as an option
2. Then hit on “Processes” after that “OUTLOOK.EXE” as an option to proceed forward
3. Lastly, select the “End Process” button to end up the procedure

#2: Disable all Unwanted Add-Ins from Outlook

Add-Ins might be the reason for Microsoft Outlook did not close properly error. To repair the issue, you have to uncheck all unwanted Add-Ins that are checked in Outlook, follow the below steps:

1. Initially, start MS Outlook application and hit on “File” then choose “Options” as an option after that click “Add-Ins”
2. In this step, navigate to “COM Add-ins” option and select “Go”
3. At the final step, unmark all available Add-Ins that are already checked and choose “OK” button

#3: Using “regedit.exe” Command

Changing Registry key with the help of this regedit.exe command. Might help you to solve or fix Outlook data file not closed properly error. But, editing registry needs more technical knowledge. So, this is not advised if you do not have much knowledge about Windows Registry.

1. 1. At the first step, go to  the “Start” button and type “Run” in the search field. After that, you have to type “regedit.exe” in the Run dialog box
   2. Here, in Registry Editor, navigate to this path:

“HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook\Addins\”

1. Now, you have to choose numerical subkey and then, enter DWORD value`
2. RequireShutdownNotification in this subkey.
3. Right-click on a precise value in the details pane and then hit on “Modify” as an option to proceed forward.
4. Finally, in the “Value Data” box, add the digit 1.

#4: With Inbox Repair Tool to Scan PST if it’s Corrupted

When MS Outlook PST file becomes damaged or corrupted, users should repair inaccessible or damaged personal folder data file. The in-built tool helps to fix those damaged data files. Follow below-listed steps for running SCANPST.exe utility:

1. First, you have to find the location of SCANPST.exe and double-click to run Inbox Repair Tool.
2. Then, opt the Outlook PST file for scanning procedure after that “Start”.
3. As per the Outlook version, you can navigate the location of SCANPST.exe utility. Simply follow the below-outlined paths:
   • Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\
   • Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\
   • Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\
   • Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\
   • Outlook 2003: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office11\

#5: Repair Program Integration Problem

There are several alternatives that can be associated with Outlook and able to restrict MS Outlook email applications from closing but users are unable to review the extract program that is trying to hinder Microsoft Outlook from closing. When the ‘Microsoft Outlook data file not closed properly. This file is being checked for problems’ error occurs, then the user can try disabling all programs given below.

Below is the list of Programs that cooperates with the Outlook application and prevent closing: disable all of these programs.

1. Spam email removal software like Spamihilator, SPAMfighter Pro.
2. File synchronization utility (iTunes, Goodsync).
3. Anti-virus tools (Mcafee, Bitdefender, Avast) are some virus scanners that interact with Outlook.
4. Fax software containing metrofax, PamFax, maxemail, and so on.
5. Skype (View >> Show MS Outlook Contacts).
6. Sidebar Outlook: It is the Windows gadget (Vista and Windows 7) that helps to manage Outlook inbox with the sidebar.

Expert-Suggested Way to Fix Outlook Data Corruption

The user can choose the manual solution to fix Outlook data file not closed properly. But, this approach has some drawbacks that affect the procedure directly. So, we come up with an alternate method to fix the same issue. This is a third-party tool such as SysTools Outlook PST File Repair Software.  With the help of this utility, you can easily and instantly repair the corruption without any hindrance.

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In fact, this is one of the best alternatives for ScanPST, by using this tool you can easily repair Outlook PST files without ScanPST. This software is equipped with advanced technology that it is capable to recover hard and permanently deleted data. The facilitates an understandable interface, that even non-technical users can also work with it without taking expert help.

Tool for Mac Outlook

Facing any issue with Mac Outlook, then try the Mac Outlook Recovery Software to troubleshoot all the OLK14, OLK15, OLM file-related issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why does my Outlook say the data file was not closed properly?

A1: This error usually occurs when Outlook remains running in the background, add-ins interfere, or the PST file is corrupted. Improper shutdowns and antivirus conflicts can also cause it.

Q2. How do I fix an Outlook data file not closing properly?

A2: Try ending Outlook processes from Task Manager, disabling add-ins, repairing the PST file using ScanPST.exe, or using a reliable automated tool like the one from SysTools (mentioned above).

Q3. Can ScanPST.exe fix the “Outlook not closed properly” error?

A3: Yes, ScanPST.exe (Inbox Repair Tool) can repair minor PST file corruption. However, for severely damaged PST files, we recommend you opt for a professional tool.

Q4. Is it safe to use a third-party tool?

A4: Yes, trusted software like SysTools is safe and effective. It prevents data loss and can recover even permanently deleted Outlook items.

Q5. How can I prevent Outlook from showing this error again?

A5: Always close Outlook properly, keep add-ins minimal, avoid forced shutdowns, and regularly back up PST files. Running maintenance checks also helps prevent future corruption.

Wrapping It Up

The “Outlook Data File not Closed Properly” error is a common issue that can interrupt your workflow and risk data corruption. While manual methods like disabling add-ins, using Task Manager, or running ScanPST.exe may fix the problem, they are not always reliable. For a faster and more secure solution, we recommend using a professional tool such as Outlook Recovery. It not only repairs corrupted PST files but also ensures zero data loss.

By following the steps in this guide, you can quickly resolve the error and prevent it from recurring in the future, keeping your Outlook running smoothly without interruptions.