After a power cut Outlook 2016 shows Cannot open your default email folders. The information store could not be opened. What does this mean?
Outlook: cannot open default email folders, information store
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Email & Outlook
LO
Leah Ortiz November 8, 2026
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This message means that Outlook can not open the data file that your profile points to. Check in this order.
1. Find the file. In Control Panel > Mail > Data Files see where the PST or OST is and whether the file still exists at that path.
2. If it is a PST and was damaged by the power cut, close Outlook and run the Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE), which comes with Office. Make a copy of the file before you repair it.
3. If it is an OST for an Exchange or Microsoft 365 account, rename the OST file, so that Outlook creates a new one from the server.
4. Create a new profile if the old one is damaged.
Also check that the disk has free space and the file is not read-only.
SCANPST repaired the PST and Outlook opens now. Thanks.