How to Resolve An Unknown Error has Occurred 0x80040600 in Outlook?
If you’re a Microsoft Outlook user and you run into the error message “An unknown error has occurred 0x80040600” while trying to read, send, receive, or delete an email, the issue is almost always linked to a corrupted or damaged Outlook PST file. When this happens, you may suddenly lose access to all the information stored in Outlook such as your tasks, calendar entries, journals, emails, contacts, and more. Because this error can disrupt your workflow and prevent you from accessing important data, fixing the Outlook error 0x80040600 becomes essential. Below, you’ll find effective methods to help you resolve this issue and restore access to your Outlook data.
Effective Methods to Resolve Outlook Error 0x80040600
Since the Outlook error 0x80040600 typically occurs due to a corrupted or damaged PST file, the solutions mainly focus on repairing the Outlook data file. Below are the methods you can use to resolve this issue and restore your Outlook data.
Manual Solution: Repair Outlook PST File Using the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe)
Microsoft Outlook includes a built-in utility called Scanpst.exe, also known as the Inbox Repair Tool, which helps fix minor corruption issues within the PST file. Follow the steps below to repair your Outlook data file:
Step 1: Find the Default PST File Used by Your Outlook Profile
- Open the Control Panel on your PC.
- Click on Mail (or Mail (32-bit) depending on your system).
- Select Show Profiles.
- Choose the Outlook profile that is experiencing the error, then click Properties.
- Click on Data Files.
- Locate and note the path of the default PST file.
Note: The default PST file is marked with a black circle containing a checkmark, indicating that it is the primary data file used by Outlook.
Step 2: Run the Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.exe) to Fix the PST File
Once you have located the PST file, the next step is to repair it using Outlook’s built-in Inbox Repair Tool, also known as SCANPST.exe. Follow the steps below:
- Close Microsoft Outlook completely.
- Launch SCANPST.exe (the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool).
- In the tool window, browse and enter the path of the PST file in the field labeled “Enter the name of the file you want to scan”.
- Tick Start to initiate scanning the PST file for errors.
Note: You must know the correct location of the SCANPST.exe tool on your system. Its location varies depending on your Microsoft Outlook editions.
Locations of the Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.exe) by Outlook Version
Outlook 2019 / Office 365
- Click-to-Run or Windows installation: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office19
MS Outlook 2016 / Office 365
- Windows (32-bit): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16
- Windows (64-bit): C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16
- Outlook (64-bit installation): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16
- Click-to-Run version: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
Microsoft Outlook 2013
- Windows (32-bit): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\
- Windows (64-bit): C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15\
- Outlook (64-bit installation): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\
Outlook 2010
- Windows (32-bit): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\
- Windows (64-bit): C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\
- Outlook (64-bit installation): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\
Outlook 2007
- Windows (32-bit): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\
- Windows (64-bit): C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\
Advantages of Using the Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.exe)
- Completely free, since it is a built-in Microsoft utility.
- Does not require third-party software.
Limitations of the Inbox Repair Tool
- The process can be time-consuming.
- May require technical understanding to navigate file paths and repairs.
- Does not always repair severely corrupted PST files.
- Often needs multiple attempts to complete a successful repair.
Method 2: Create a New Unicode PST File and Import Your Old Data
If the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) fails to fix the corrupted PST file, you can try creating a new PST file and transferring your old data into it. Follow the steps below:
- Create a new Unicode PST file in Outlook.
- Set this newly created PST file as the default data file for your Outlook profile.
- Import your emails, contacts, calendar items, and other data from the old PST file into the new one.
Advantages of This Method
- Completely free to use, since Outlook offers PST creation and import features.
Disadvantages of This Method
- The process can be long and time-consuming.
- Requires a certain level of technical understanding.
- May not work if the old PST file is heavily corrupted.
Method 3: Repair the PST File Using Professional PST Recovery Software
If both manual methods fail, the most reliable solution is to use a professional PST repair tool. These tools are designed to fix severely damaged PST files and recover all data including emails, tasks, notes, attachments, calendar items, and contacts.
Ultimate Tool to Fix Damaged Outlook PST Files
If you’re looking for a reliable, all-in-one method to repair a corrupt Outlook PST file, BitData Migration Outlook Converter is an excellent option. This tool is designed for Outlook users who experience errors like 0x80040600 or other PST-related issues while working in the Outlook email client.
The software helps scan, repair, and restore data from damaged PST files. After the repair process, you can recover and access all essential Outlook items such as emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and journals. Once the data is restored, it can be imported back into Outlook using the built-in Import & Export Wizard.
Final Thoughts
Using the recommended BitData Migration PST Converter makes repairing a damaged PST file far simpler and more reliable than manual methods. While manual fixes may not always succeed especially with severely corrupted files, this tool streamlines the entire process and increases your chances of restoring your Outlook data without complications.
