Fix An Outlook Error – Cannot Read from the Source File or Disk
Are you the one who is not able to copy .pst file and facing an error statement i.e., cannot read from the source file or disk error? Is this your actual problem, which is interrupting your ongoing work? Nothing to worry too much, we are here with solution to your this serious issue.
Sometimes a situation arises where Microsoft clients are unable to copy their PST file from one storage device / location to the another. It becomes a dire scenario in a company setup that if not completed can result in data loss as well as substantial financial and market reputation loss. Through this post, readers are going to learn different approaches through which they can resolve this Outlook error and then, get back to their work.
Ways to Fix ‘Cannot Read From The Source File or Disk’ Outlook PST Error
Read all the methods in this post and choose the best method for yourself. Simplest and easiest methods to solve Outlook PST file error are as follows:
Method 1 : Close Outlook App Before Copying the PST File
A probable reason of this particular error occurrence is that clients are trying to copy the source PST file when MS Outlook email client is open. Always remember – An already open Outlook program will definitely prevent copying of .pst file. Hence, if opened, close the Microsoft app so as to enable your PC to attempt its copying task without any issue.
Method 2 : Do Some Vital Changes in Settings of Antivirus
There are several antivirus products that scan, interrupt, and even keep Microsoft Outlook app busy that prevent it from launching. “Cannot read from the source file or disk” error also occurs due to the presence of this sort of scenario. Therefore, check whether this is the actual reason of the error or not; and then accordingly alter the Settings of antivirus products present on your PC. If you aren’t known about the method to change the settings, don’t take any risk – simply contact to your antivirus vendor.
Method 3 : Restart Your System and Boot it Via Safe Mode
In multiple situations, indexing causes in this issue and results in an error occurrence. In order to fix this error, you simply have to restart your PC, boot in ‘Safe Mode’ and then, copy the source PST file from the source location to destination one.
Method 4 : If Nothing Works, Repair Corrupt Microsoft PST
Another likely reason of ‘Cannot read from the source file or disk’ Outlook error is the presence of corruption in PST file. Therefore, users have to try their best to repair corrupt PST file and reuse it for whatever purpose they wish. Now the main question is what are the ways to repair a corrupted or damaged PST file? There are two possible ways through which one can fix corruption from Outlook PST files, and they are listed below:
- Use scanpst.exe utility – a free inbuilt repair tool provided by Microsoft to fix minor level of corruption from PST files.
- Use Third-party Software – A third-party solution that develop software only to repair Outlook PST file and provide an error-free .pst file.
Observational Verdict
Imagine a situation where a company’s official meeting is going to be held after 2-3 hours… and you require access to your sensitive information that is stored in a PST file to be added in the presentation slides. Unfortunately, you find that you are unable to copy this particular PST file and again & again encounter ‘cannot read from the source file or disk’ error.
Now what are you going to do next? Go for manual approaches or prefer a quick and effective solution i.e., automated PST recovery software, to fix the problem?
In such a case, if you are known that your PST file is corrupted or damaged – we recommend you to opt for SysTools Outlook repair tool to get a rapid solution in no time.
