Outlook PST File Copy Error – Unable to Copy or Move Outlook PST File

Are you taking support of Microsoft Outlook email client to manage both personal and professional email communication? It is common way to copy data preserved in PST file from a disk or a folder. So, the blog here will address the related issues encountered by users when they attempt to copy or move Outlook.pst file from its source or disk. To understand more about the issues and the solutions, go through the further segment.

Know How to Resolve Outlook PST File Copy Error

At times, while copying Outlook PST data files from any other storage device such as USB Drive or hard disk, users face an error displaying ‘Cannot copy or move Outlook.pst file error; cannot read from source file or disk. Although, it is a frustrating error message that raises the concern about the robustness of their disk and the database stored in it. There can be many reasons behind the occurrence of the error. The mismatch of a file system is one of the common reasons for the same. In the write-up, we will explain all the possible reasons causing the error.

Cause 1. Bad Sectors are Present on a Source File

Fix. In case a source file is suffering from bad sectors, then make sure to scan and fix the issue. In order to perform the same, Windows provide an inbuilt Scandisk utility called CHKDSK. So, run the Command Prompt as an admin and type ‘CHKDSK drive letter: f’ and press Enter.

Cause 2. FAT32 or NTFS File Systems are mismatched

Fix. Mismatch of file systems is one of the primary causes resulting “cannot read from the source file or disk error” message. In case you are using Windows 10 or 8, it is highly possible that the file system is NTFS. Alternatively, if you are using Windows 7, then you could be utilizing either FAT32 or NTFS. For Windows XP, file system is usually FAT32. Therefore, it is important to know that both the file systems are different, as NTFS is capable to handle large size files as compared to FAT32. The FAT32 file system supports 4 GB which is its maximum file size limit. Thus, if a file size limit exceeds, then it lead to Outlook PST file copy error.

Cause 3. Outlook Causing Conflicts when Copying PST

Fix. When users try to copy PST file while any of the Outlook version such as Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, or 2003 is open with the same PST file then an error will surely occur. This is due to Outlook email client which is running currently and that is preventing users from copying PST file. Therefore, if you are thinking about copying PST file while Outlook is open, then an error message will appear “Cannot copy or move Outlook.pst file error; cannot read from source file or disk”. To fix the same, close Microsoft email client first and then copy necessary PST file without any trouble.

Cause 4. Inadequate or Uncertain Power Supply

Fix. At times, hardware issues such as low power supply to the system can also cause this error. Especially while copying Outlook PST files from external hard disk, one need to ensure that enough power is supplied to the computer. If USB is connected to the system, then there will be a possibility of less power supply. Therefore, make sure to deliver sufficient power supply to hard disk to prevent from receiving the error.

Cause 5. Unsupported File Name

Fix. In case the file name is not identified by Windows OS, then there are possibilities of the error. For e.g. If you are trying to copy a file with specific file name that originally generated from a Mac system but incompatible with Windows, then rename the file and check if the error is resolved.

Cause 6. Source File Corruption

Fix. In case files are copied or compromised, then also there are chances of receiving the same error. So, the most urgent step you may take is to fix the damaged source file by utilizing MacMister PST Converter for Mac & Windows. It is a solution with the help of one can preserve PST data into 15+ popular saving types and protect the file from corruption. It includes PDF, EML, HTML, DOC, CSV, and more.

Cause 7. Error in Windows

Fix. If a Windows OS is somehow malfunctioned and possesses some unanticipated system conflicts, then similar error messages will surely occur. The problem can be resolved by restarting the system.

Epilogue

The error generally occurs when a user need to copy the files from another devices such as external storage drive. To resolve the issue, it is important to understand the cause and reasons behind receiving the error message. Therefore, the technical guide here will discuss the main reasons that might result in occurrences of Outlook PST file which cannot be opened from a source file or disk. Go through the fixes and try to get rid of the error.