Summary: Unable to copy PST file, and encountering ‘Cannot read from the Source file or Disk’ error at the same time is a problem, no matter whether you are copying the PST file from one storage device to another or from one location to another on the same device.
The situation — unable to copy a PST file and access the stored mailbox data — becomes dire in a business setup, which if not fulfilled could cause not just data loss but substantial financial and reputation loss.
This blog explains different methods to fix the error and get rid of the issue. Read on to know more…
Solutions for Outlook error: ‘Cannot read from the Source file or Disk’
The available solutions to fix ‘Cannot read from the Source file or Disk’ error are as follows:
- Close Outlook before copying the PST file
A probable cause of this Outlook error is that you are trying to copy the PST file while Outlook is open. An already open Outlook application prevents copying of PST file. Therefore, you can try to fix the error by closing Outlook and then copy the PST file from one device to the other or one location to another, depending on the requirement.
- Change the Antivirus Settings
Many antivirus software scans, hold and sometimes keep Outlook busy, thereby preventing Outlook to open. Further, the error prompt appears on the screen. Therefore, check if this is the cause and accordingly change Settings in the antivirus software installed on your system. If you are not aware of the process steps and method to verify the reason, contact your antivirus provider to get help.
- Restart the System and boot using Safe Mode
In several situations, indexing results in this problem and causes the error, i.e. the PST file gets indexed while trying to copy Outlook PST files. To overcome the issue, execute the following: restart your system, boot in Safe Mode, and then copy the PST file from source to destination.
- Repair Microsoft Outlook PST file
Another likely cause of this error in Outlook is damaged or corrupt PST file. Hence, try fixing the error and overcome the ‘unable to copy the PST file’ issue by repairing PST file.
Now, the question is how to repair a damaged or corrupt PST file?
Being an Outlook user, you may be familiar with Outlook’s inbuilt Inbox Repair Tool also known as ‘scanpst.exe’. Therefore, run the tool and check if you can repair the damaged or corrupt PST file. Nonetheless, consider two factors before using this tool viz. PST file size and severity or level of damage in PST file. The reason being, if the PST file is more than 2 GB in size or extremely corrupt the scanpst.exe fails.
In situations of Inbox Repair Tool failure, we advise you to use a PST file Repair software such as Stellar Repair for Outlook. Professionals and industry experts say that it is a user-friendly, self-explanatory, and effective software to repair PST file. They also recommend it over ScanPST.exe.
Plus, the software is known for delivering quick results in situations of time-constraint, i.e. when you require to access the stored mailbox data at the earliest. It has given the desired result as per user requirement.
Conclusion
Consider this situation— a business meeting is due in a few hours …and you need to access crucial information stored in a PST file to make the presentation. You are unable to copy the PST file. It popup the error ‘Cannot read from the Source file or Disk’ and access the stored data even after trying multiple times.
What will you do to quickly sort out this problem and access the stored mailbox data?
In such a scenario— if you’re aware that the PST file is damaged or corrupt— we advise using Stellar Repair for Outlook to get a quick resolution.
Thanks for sharing! It’s very helpful as an instant solution.
After implementing all manual solutions, I can’t fix Outlook error. Please provide more methods.
One possible reason for the error is PST file size is too large. In this case, you can resolve this issue by compacting the PST file. You can follow below steps:
1. Open MS Outlook
2. Clear Deleted items folder
3. Click on File > Account Settings > Account Settings
4. Go to Data Files Tab and select the data file
5. Click on Settings > Advanced Tab > Outlook data file settings > Then dialogue box appears
6. Click on Compact Now button > Click OK button
If compacting doesn’t help you resolve the error then try repair PST in Outlook tool such as Stellar Repair for Outlook. This is a suitable tool to fix Outlook errors.
I have easily recovered PST file and fix this error by using Stellar software. I’m very happy with the performance of the software.
Thank you for your feedback.
Share your feedback on social media. It will be helpful for other users also.
I have saved encrypted PST file with using password. But now I forgot the password. What’s the way to recover the encrypted PST file?
To recover the Encrypted PST file, visit below the blog post.
https://www.stellarinfo.com/blog/recover-emails-encrypted-pst-file/
I need to repair PST file and save into MSG format. How can I perform this operation?
You can perform this operation by using Stellar Repair for Outlook tool. Through this tool, you can repair PST file as well as save into MSG format.
In MS Outlook 2016, I have faced Outlook error while copying the PST file from C drive to E drive. I have contacted to IT department and they have used scanpst.exe repair tool to fix this error but still error persist.
Please provide any full proof method.
In the situation of Scanpst.exe failure, we advise you to use Stellar Repair for Outlook professional tool.
I want to try Stellar Repair for Outlook tool. Is free demo version of this tool is available?
Yes!
You can try free trial version to scan & preview your recoverable mail items.