Forum Discussion
Outlook error "We couldn't create the Outlook datafiles"
Hello,
I installed Windows 11 (clean install) but I can't register any email account in Outlook (version 2304). I get the error "We couldn't create the Outlook datafiles". I've tried to change the storage folder, but I get the same error.
Any solution would be much appreciated,
Thanks
Hi Unplowed,
If you're encountering the error "We couldn't create the Outlook data files" while trying to register an email account in Outlook, please follow these steps:
1. Run Outlook as Administrator: Right-click on the Outlook shortcut or executable file and select "Run as administrator" to run Outlook with administrative privileges. This may help resolve any permission-related issues that could be causing the error.
2. Disable Antivirus/Firewall: Temporarily disable your antivirus software or firewall and try adding the email account again. Sometimes, security software can interfere with the creation of Outlook data files.
3. Check Outlook Data File Location: Ensure that the default Outlook data file location is valid and accessible. By default, Outlook saves data files in the Documents folder. You can check and change the location by going to File > Options > Advanced > Outlook Data File Settings.
4. Create Data File Manually: Instead of letting Outlook create the data file automatically, you can try creating it manually. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files. Click on "Add" and choose "Outlook data file." Give it a name and select a location to save the file. Afterward, try adding the email account again.
5. Repair Office Installation: Use the built-in Office Repair tool to repair your Office installation. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features, select Microsoft Office, and click on "Change." Choose the repair option and follow the prompts to complete the repair process. Afterward, restart your computer and try adding the email account again.
6. Create a New Outlook Profile: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, it's possible that your Outlook profile is corrupted. Create a new Outlook profile and try adding the email account in the new profile. To create a new profile, go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > Add.
Kindest regards
Leon- thank you for your reply.
I've just tried everything, point by point, but I still have this f*ck*ng error 😞
Hi Unplowed,
Your appdata folder is possibly corrupted.
Can you try this action plan:
- sfc /scannow and reboot
- DISM.exe /online /cleanup-Image /restorehealth and rebootIf the above steps don't resolve the issue: create a new Windows user account and try registering the email account in the Outlook Desktop App.
MathieuVandenHautte Thank you for your answer,
The problem is not the folder "Appdata" because when I try to change de data files location (to another Drive) I still get this error 😞
I can try to create another account, but if I need to switch accoun to check my emails...
- Unplowed and others (I lost the long thread on this subject logging in to post a response):
I too have spent hours and hours on this problem and the repetitive solutions provided. What finally seems to have worked for me (fingers crossed) on Windows 11 was to close Outlook, then go to Control Panel, Mail (Microsoft Outlook). I created a new profile then added Email Accounts through that same panel. One worked fine (Comcast), the second (Yahoo Plus) I had to change the default profile from POP to IMAP with correct gateways. Seems to be working now.
RoMo
