How to Backup Outlook Emails if PST is disabled?

These days Microsoft Outlook has become very popular among both normal and professional users. It supports two different formats to save Outlook email database i.e. PST and OST. But, at times, several users face challenges when using Outlook email application. One of the main error that most of the Outlook professionals discover is “Outlook Data Files (.pst) Usage is Disabled on this Computer”.  Therefore, to resolve the issue, one should switch off the option “Prevent User from Adding New Data to Existing PST File”. Thus, in the further segment, we will explain the manual procedure which can be done using Outlook settings or Outlook registry. But before proceeding with the solution, let us explore the detailed write-up using a scenario discussed below –

Common Scenario

I am using Microsoft Outlook 2013 from a long time. But, as I try to open Outlook suddenly, I encounter an error i.e. Outlook Data File .pst usage is disabled on this computer Outlook 2013. So, I am not able to understand the reason behind getting the same error again and again. Can anyone suggest me different procedures to fix the issue.

Outlook Data File (.pst) Usage is disabled on this Computer- [Guide 2025]

Go through the methods discussed below to fix “Outlook Data File PST usage is disabled”. The message appears when importing PST files or importing a new data PST file is disabled in Outlook account. There is nothing to take worries as this is an Outlook setting option offered by Outlook for users. So, this is easy to resolve. Simply disable the option “Prevent Users from Adding New Data to Existing PST File” in Outlook settings. Now, let’s take a look –

Method 1. Resolve Outlook Issue Manually

Here, we have discussed the below steps as per Outlook 2010. In case you are using any other version, the steps will be similar –

Step 1. Go to MS Download center and install Office Administrative 2010 Template.

Step 2. The two versions are available – 32-bit & 64-bit. Select the necessary version as per the installed Office version.

Step 3. Open Policy Management Support and choose the GPO which will be requested Custom Settings. Then right-click at Default Domain Policy and choose Edit.

Step 4. Go to Outlook 2010 settings and continue navigating until you discover Outlook options.  Now, tap “Other” and select Auto-Archive. Here, enable the disabled data file. Then, Exit Archive Option and Disable the Auto-Archive settings.

Step 5. Open Outlook 2010 and navigate to PST Settings. Here, disable the option “Prevent User from Adding New Data to Existing PST file or Prevent using Sharing Exclusive PSTs”.

Note. In case if you do not want a user to add new content to existing PST file, then click enable and navigate towards option “No PSTs can be added”.

Step 6. Then the option “Prevent User from Adding new Data to Existing PST File” is disabled.

Therefore, on the local machine, run gpudate or force to quickly apply GPO and login. Afterwards, you will discover that the final user is not restricted from carrying out Outlook .pst related tasks. Similarly, the “Open MS Outlook Data File” option will appear after clicking the File in Outlook 2010.

Method 2. Resolve the Error using Registry

If you made incorrect changes in the registry, then also Outlook can show this error. Before, performing any alteration, take the registry backup for restoration if any issue occurs. There are two ways to do the job –

• Enable users to add new data in already existing PSTs.
• Enable users to add new .pst file.

Approach 1. Enable or Prevent Users from adding New Data into existing PST file

To restrict a user from adding a new data into existing PST file, make the changes in PSTDisableGrow registry entry and keep the asset value to 0. To implement the same, follow the below steps –

Step 1. Open Registry Editor.

Step 2. Find and go to the mentioned registry subkey:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\.0\Outlook\PST

[The .0 placeholder states MS Outlook version]

Step 3. From Edit, go to New and select DWORD Value.

Step 4. Specify PSTDisableGrow and tap Enter.

Step 5. Right-click on the PSTDisableGrow registry entry that is created earlier and select Modify.

Step 6. In Value data box, type 0 and tap OK.

Note. The PSTDisableGrow registry entry will be set as per the values given –

0 = It is a default value. Users can add new data to already present PST file.

1 = It will prevent users from adding new data to existing PST.

Approach 2. Enable or Prevent Users from adding New PST File

To restrict a user from adding single PST in Microsoft Outlook, then make changes in DisablePST registry entry and set value to 0. This will help in resolving “Outlook Data File (.pst) Usage is Disabled on Computer. To do the same, follow the steps below –

Step 1. Open Registry Editor.

Step 2. Locate and click the registry subkey mentioned below –

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsof\Office\.0\Outlook\

[The .0 placeholder indicated Outlook version.]

Step 3. From Edit, navigate to New Option, and click DWORD Value.

Step 4. Enter DisablePST and click Enter.

Step 5. Perform the right-click on DisablePST registry entry that is created and choose Modify.

Step 6. Enter 0 under the Value Data box and tap OK.

Note. The DisablePST registry entry can be set as following –

0 = It is a default value which allow users to add .pst files.

1 = Prevent users from adding .pst files.

2 = Allows to add exclusive sharing .pst data such as SharePoint .pst files.

Note. To fix disable PST usage, follow the above discussed steps and prevent others from accessing .pst files.

Automated Solution to Backup PST Files when it is disabled

To fix the issue in the best way, make use of MacMister PST Converter for Mac & Windows application and backup PST files if disabled. It is a method that allows users to backup .pst files into 15+ saving options such as PDF, EML, CSV, HTML, DOC, IMAP, Gmail, Office 365, and more. The tool is easy and effective. It is programmed with a GUI that is operable by all users effortlessly.

Furthermore, it is programmed with wonderful features that enable users to backup .pst files according to the requirements. Download its free demo and evaluate its procedure in detail for free.

Epilogue

In the write-up, we have explored different techniques to fix “how to backup Outlook emails if PST is disabled”. The first part has offered manual approach. Users can use the apply them as fix the issue. The second part where automated approach is discussed will help users to backup disabled .pst files.  It will help in transforming .pst files into many different saving options. It also has a freeware version which allows users to backup first 25 PST files for free.

Quick Note. You may also try MacMister Email Backup Software Mac & Windows. It has over 30 email sources and 15+ saving options. Choose the required source and destination and backup emails of different email servers with ease.