Microsoft Outlook personal folder (also called PST file) is used to store local copies of data. Starting from MS Outlook 97 to MS Outlook 2002, this file is encoded in ANSI format, which sets a maximum file size limit of 2 GB. In MS Outlook 2003 and later versions, the format has been changed to Unicode that permits a user-definable maximum file size limit of 20 GB. But at times, you encounter issues while starting MS Outlook. The application crashes down and you can’t access the PST file. One of the prime causes of this behavior could be PST file corruption. To restore complete data in such situations, you should use your recent file backup or scan the damaged file with Outlook PST Repair applications (If file backup seems to be invalid or is absent).

As a practical example, while using Microsoft Outlook, you might receive the following error message:

“Microsoft Office Outlook: The set of folders could not be opened.”

Further, when you click Help button in this error, you receive the below error message:

“This error usually appears if the OST or PST file you are using is:
- Unavailable
- Protected with file permissions
- On a share on a server and the network is down
- Corrupt
To correct this problem, store the OST or PST file on the local computer. You may also want to run the scanost.exe and scanpst.exe tools to verify file integrity. More information about this error message online.”

Cause

PST file is corrupted or damaged. However, other possible causes are that the PST file is read-only.

Solution

To correct the above issues, try these methods:

  • Make sure that PST is not marked as read-only
  • If problem persists, the file might be damaged. Run Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) to fix corruption errors. If this doesn’t resolve corruption problems, you need to Repair PST using third party applications.

Outlook PST Repair software are safe and advanced tools designed to scan and restore damaged PST files. Such software Repair Outlook PST using powerful scanning algorithms and provide intuitive interface and automated recovery options.

Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair Software is a comprehensive product to repair damaged PST files. It supports repair for Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002, and 2000. Phoenix

This Software is a read-only tool that restores all email messages, notes, journals, tasks, and other Outlook objects. The software is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2003, 2000 and NT.