Outlook - Cannot open your default e-mail folders. File access is denied

Issue

Upon opening Microsoft Outlook the following message is being displayed:

• Cannot open your default e-mail folders. File access is denied. You do not have the permissions required to access the file C:\Users\path_to_.pst file.
• Clicking on the OK button closes Outlook.

Solution

This happen when you have moved the PST file from its orignal location and replaced it again.

• Click in Start > Control Panel > Mail
• The Mail Setup dialog shall open up, click on Data Files button.
• Now you may be confronted to 2 situations:
  • Path to .pst file is already present----> select the mail folder (highlight) and click on "Set as Default".
  • .pst file is absent -----> click on Add -----> browse for mail folder and click on "Set as Default".
• Close the Mail Setup dialog.

Note that: Prior to these manipulation, make sure that your .pst file is not locked in read only mode.

• Right-click on the file > Properties > Uncheck "Read-Only" attribute.

See also

Knowledge communities.

• Forum
• Outlook forum
• Office software forum
• Internet forum

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