Fixing: “Outlook cannot be accessed” in Microsoft 365

I hope you have never encountered something like: “Outlook cannot be accessed” in older Outlook versions?

17:36 22 April 2021

Anyhow, we now have a new one, maybe you have already heard about the latest pack, named Microsoft 365? This one should be much better, I suppose. However, I do not see any improvements, neither in new features nor in security options. I do not understand why they release the same pack for a higher price. Like before, I encounter the same issues, such as “Outlook data file cannot be accessed” in their email client from time to time. Like before, its inbuilt recovery options cannot help. Finally, like before, there is only Recovery Toolbox for Outlook https://outlook.recoverytoolbox.com/outlook-data-file-cannot-be-accessed.html can help me.

 

 

Trying Inbox Repair Tool

 

Since Recovery Toolbox for Outlook is paid, let us try another option of accessing corrupted Outlook data files. First, have you ever heard of Inbox Repair Tool? This application is developed by Microsoft precisely for this purpose: rebuilding damaged Outlook folders. However, I believe they should improve it from time to time, don’t you think so? For now, I do not perceive their efforts. Let us check together. Microsoft 365 package still uses an older version of the Inbox Repair Tool. I think so because the required ScanPST.exe file is located exactly in the same folder as its older version—Outlook 2019. Let us also check the path of Microsoft Office 2019 and make sure it is no different. Besides the path, I have not seen any other difference of ScanPST.exe interface inside Microsoft 365 with its previous version, inside Microsoft Office 2019. So, let me explain how it works:

 

1. Start ScanPST.exe and use the “Browse” button
   
   
2. Select a data file of PST format in a popup window
   
   
3. Enable the option of backing up examined files before restoring
   
   
4. Click “Start” and stand by until the session of data processing is completed
   
   
5. Click “Repair”

 

 

When done, it rebuilds mailbox files to be opened in Outlook Microsoft 365. When you open it, double-check all folders and objects appear as expected and make your own opinion about the program efficiency. If it does not recover a sufficient data amount, try Recovery Toolbox for Outlook.

 

Why Recovery Toolbox for Outlook

 

I would advise Recovery Toolbox for Outlook because it helps when the Outlook data file cannot be accessed. This tool has several modes, and some of them do not cost anything. For example, it allows opening corrupted folders of Outlook Microsoft 365 for free, just to see the contents. However, if you’d like to create a new file of PST format, openable in Outlook, Recovery Toolbox for Outlook cannot do it in its free demo mode. Here is how it works:

 

1. Get the installation file from Recovery Toolbox, Inc website: https://outlook.recoverytoolbox.com/outlook-data-file-cannot-be-accessed.html
   
   
2. Install the program by clicking the setup file of Recovery Toolbox for Outlook
   
   
3. Open it and select a file of Outlook Microsoft 365 format to access
   
   
4. Open the mailbox in use and preview it from within the tool
   
   
5. Export data into a clean and openable PST file
   
   
6. Open the newly created PST file in Outlook Microsoft 365 and enjoy

 

 

Note the last options, 5 and 6, are not available until you register this tool. Think twice if you need this paid option, only to preview some notes or contacts inside. This software works on Windows computers only, but you can still recover Outlook Microsoft 365 files from any other device.

 

Fix Outlook Folders Online

 

Besides offline options, provided by Recovery Toolbox for Outlook, users may access Outlook folders online from any smartphone or tablet, anything different from Windows. It works independently from the operating system because it does not try to parse Outlook files locally. In the online mode, users simply send a file of Outlook Microsoft 365 format for analysis and download results. Look at the brief guidelines below to understand how it works:

 

1. Go here: https://outlook.recoverytoolbox.com/online/
   
   
2. Find a local OST or PST file to upload
   
   
3. Enter a valid email address and verification code
   
   
4. Upload Outlook Microsoft 365 folders
   
   
5. Make a payment for the service
   
   
6. Get a new and clean mailbox in Outlook Microsoft 365

 

Conclusion

 

I am genuinely disappointed by the new Microsoft 365 pack because I expected to see something unique for its higher price. The Microsoft corporation has developed this material, as you may guess from its name, and it has a prominent outstanding feature. I am not sure if it is an advantage or disadvantage, but this pack is distributed by subscription, which permits earning more money from its users. Just imagine, they get your credit card number and charge a certain sum every month. Every monthly payment is smaller than a full license fee, but the total amount is more considerable if you total all of them. I would agree to pay more if they could improve something. It’s like a loan; you should pay every month to renew a subscription. But, unlike loans, it never ends; you should pay a certain amount regularly, with no exceptions. Maybe it’s a good idea if you are working on a temporary computer, just to finish a project? But I would never recommend such an option for your PC; better buy a full license. Remember that there are many alternatives to Microsoft if you are pressed for money at all.

 

Events show that users begin thinking about computer security measures after the occurrence of the first incident. You can also think about possible easy steps, even for beginners, and it saves your funds. Right now, you can think about backups, either for Outlook files or for other important documents. There is no better way to protect data. It does not require configuring any parameter. Just copy a file to a more reliable media outside of your local PC. The same for restoration; just get a copy and replace a local corrupted file.

 

In most cases, it takes a minute of your time only. Unlike data recovery tools, backups are always free. Who can refuse this option? So, protect yourself right now before it is too late. You’ll have excellent chances to avoid losses.