outlook classic pst data files copied /duplicated in one drive

Mark Gingell 0 Reputation points
2026-09-18T16:12:35.7466667+00:00

one drive pst file cant be synced and cant be located 0x800401of error received is their an easy repair?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. Vikki-T 10,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-19T08:58:07.3266667+00:00

    Hi Mark Gingell,

    Error 0x8004010F usually means that classic Outlook can no longer access the data file configured in the current profile. Since the PST is stored in OneDrive, Outlook may still be pointing to an old location, or OneDrive may be unable to sync the file while Outlook is using it.

    Before making any changes, could you confirm whether this PST belongs to a POP email account or is only being used as an archive? Also, under File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files, does Outlook show the PST as the default data file, and what path is listed there?

    As a first step, close Outlook completely and make a backup copy of the PST. Then follow Microsoft’s instructions to move the active PST to a local folder outside OneDrive and reconnect Outlook to that local copy: How to remove an Outlook PST data file from OneDrive

    If Outlook still cannot open the local copy, use the Inbox Repair Tool to check the PST for corruption: Repair Outlook data files with the Inbox Repair Tool

    If the file opens correctly but error 0x8004010F remains, creating a new Outlook profile may be necessary because the current profile may still contain an invalid data-file reference. Please avoid deleting any PST copies until you have confirmed that the local file opens and the required messages are present. Thank you so much for your understanding.     

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-18T16:12:53.05+00:00

    Yes. The simplest supported repair path is:

    1. Close Outlook.
    2. Move the active .pst file out of OneDrive to a local folder that is not synced by OneDrive. Storing active Outlook .pst files in OneDrive can cause sync problems and corruption symptoms.
      • Common local location: C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files
    3. In Outlook, check where the data file is currently expected:
      • File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files
    4. Run the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) against the .pst file:
      • Close Outlook first.
      • Start Scanpst.exe.
      • Browse to the .pst file and select Start.
      • Run it several times if needed, because one pass may not fully repair the file.
    5. If Scanpst.exe created a .bak file, try recovering additional items:
      • Find the .bak in the same folder as the original .pst.
      • Copy it and rename the copy to *.bak.pst.
      • Import that file into Outlook to recover extra items.
    6. If the error continues after repair, create a new Outlook profile:
      • Close Outlook.
      • Open Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
      • Select Add and create a new profile.
      • Add the email account again.
      • Start Outlook with the new profile.

    For .ost files only: if the account is Exchange-based, the offline data file can be deleted and Outlook will recreate it the next time Outlook opens.

    References:

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