Solve Outlook Data Files Usage is Disabled on This Computer

  

Mark Regan
Published: August 22nd, 2024 • 7 Min Read

Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer is a common error faced by many users. This error cam prevent users from getting new PST files or adding data to the ones already existing in Microsoft Outlook. This problem often comes up as a result of settings configurations, corrupt files, or even incompatible add-ins. Knowing what causes it and simplifying it through the correct troubleshooting procedure can enable you to easily rectify the error message Outlook data files (.pst) usage is disabled on this computer.

In this article, we will explore why Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer error cause and provide you the step-by-step solutions to easily get rid of it. Here we will convert the common causes, practical troubleshooting steps, and preventive measures to avoid this issue in the future. So, keep reading this helpful guide to learn how to fix Outlook data file usage is disabled on this computer in a hassle-free manner.

Outlook Data Files Usage is Disabled on This Computer – Root Causes

• Corrupted Outlook data files (PST/OST)​: OST and PST both are Outlook data files. Any form of damage to these files may hinder their use. However, resolve it, and instantly repair OST or PST files.
• Misconfigured Outlook settings: Also, an incorrect Outlook setup can make your data file inaccessible. Ensure that the data file usage option is not disabled.
• Conflicts with add-ins or extensions: Several incompatible add-ins and extensions in Outlook can cause Outlook data files usage is disabled.
• System or software changes: Hence, you might have recently updated your systems, used incompatible antivirus software, or made changes in firewall settings.
• Issues within the Outlook profile: In addition, issues within the Outlook profile will make it difficult for you to correctly work with Outlook data files.

How to Resolve Outlook Data Files Usage is Disabled on This PC?

Here are several methods to fix Outlook data files (.pst) usage is disabled on this computer:

1. Resolve the Error Using Registry Editor

Follow these steps to enable pst file usage on the computer by DisablePST registry entry:

1. Firstly, Press Windows + R, type regedit and press Enter.
2. Then, Go to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office.0\Outlook\PST.
3. Create a new DWORD value named PSTDisableGrow and set its value to “0”.
4. After that, Go to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office.0\Outlook.
5. Then, Create a new DWORD value named DisablePST and set its value to “0“.
6. Save the changes and restart your computer.
7. Afterward, Open Outlook to see if the issue is fixed and you can use the Outlook data file on computer now.

Note: Hence, if you’re still having trouble to resolve Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer, contact your administrator to check if PST usage is restricted by server policies.

2. Use Office Administrative 2010 Template

Here’s how to set up your Office Administrative settings for Outlook:

1. Firstly, Download and install the “Office Administrative 2010 Template.”
2. Open Policy Management Support and choose your GPO (Group Policy Object).
3. Edit the Default Domain Policy by right-clicking it.
4. After that, Outlook settings – Options > Other > Auto-Archive.
5. Turn on “Turn Off Data File and Archive to Exit.”
6. For MS Outlook, disable PST Settings “Do not allow user to add new data into existing PST file” or “Confirm use sharing exclusive PSTs“.
7. Then, Run gpupdate/force for the changes to take effect.
8. Lastly, Log in again to check if the changes worked.

3. Repair Outlook Profile

To resolve Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer by fixing a corrupt Outlook profile, follow these steps:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Then, Go to Mail > Show Profiles.
3. Select your email account or profile from the list provided.
4. Click Repair button on Microsoft Office Diagnostics dialog box displayed
5. Then, Wait until repair is finished.
6. Restart Outlook application.

4. Repair Outlook PST file

To repair a damaged Outlook data file (PST) using SCANPST.EXE, follow these steps:

1. Initially, Close Outlook.
2. You can go into:
   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Officexx
   or, depending on your Windows or Outlook version:
   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Officexx.
3. Afterward, Locate and open the SCANPST.EXE application.
4. To find your PST file, select Browse. It is commonly located in:
   %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook or C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Local\Microsft Outlook.
5. Start by choosing the PST file.
6. Errors will be scanned in the PST file by this tool.
7. Hit Repair once scanning is complete.
8. Restart Outlook after complete repair of it.

5. Repair Outlook to Fix Outlook Data Files Usage is Disabled on This Computer

To repair Outlook, follow these steps:

1. Firstly, Close Outlook.
2. Open Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
3. Select Microsoft Office (or Outlook) and click Change.
4. After that, Choose either Quick Repair or Online Repair and click Repair.
5. Wait for the repair to finish.
6. Lastly, Restart your computer, then open Outlook.

6. Disable Add-Ins

To find and remove problematic add-ins in Outlook and solve Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer error, follow these steps:

1. Initially, Close Outlook.
2. After that, Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
3. Type Outlook.exe /safe and press Enter to start Outlook in safe mode.
4. Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
5. Afterward, Click the Go button.
6. Then, Uncheck all the checkboxes for the add-ins.
7. Click OK to disable them.
8. Finally, Restart Outlook normally.

7. Update Outlook or System to Fix Outlook Data Files (.pst) Usage Disabled

To update Outlook and fix Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer, follow these steps:

1. Firstly, Open Outlook.
2. Then, Click on File > Office Account.
3. Click on Update Options > Update Now.
4. Download and install any available updates.
5. Afterward, Restart Outlook.

If it does not work, then update the system you are using.

8. Create a New Outlook Profile

If fixing your Outlook profile doesn’t work, then try creating it anew using these steps:

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open Control Panel and go to User Accounts > Mail.
3. Then, Click Add and enter a name for the new profile. Click OK.
4. Sign in with the same email account on the new profile.
5. Finally, Set this new profile as the default and start Outlook.

Hence, if Outlook works without the Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer error, you can remove the old profile and import your mail items from the old PST file.

9. Reduce Outlook Mailbox Size

However, if you get an error about Outlook data files (.pst) usage is disabled on this PC, it might be because your mailbox is too large. Here’s how to make it smaller:

1. Go to File > Info > Tools and click on Clean up old items.
2. Now, you can decide to archive either an email account or mail folder.
3. Choose a date from the drop-down list under “Archive items older than”.
4. Click “Browse” and choose where you want to save your new PST file.
5. Click OK to move all emails that are later than a certain selected date(s) into the newly created PST file.
6. Doing this will reduce the size of your PST file and may resolve your problem.
7. Afterward, check and empty your Deleted Items and Trash folders.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are encountering Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer error then you must immediately understand its root cause and follow the appropriate troubleshooting steps to resolve it. by using the quick solution introduced in the article, you can quickly and efficiently fix this issue.