How to Fix Outlook Error 0x80040600 on Windows 11/10

Did you recently encounter the Error 0x80040600 on Windows 11 or 10 PC while using basic functions on the Outlook program? If yes, then the PST files that you are using on Outlook must have become corrupt due to sudden power fluctuation, damage HDD, and others. This error may occur on either version of MS Outlook i.e. 2007-2019. The error reads –

 “Receive a reported error (0x80040600): unknown error 0x80040600 (0x80040600)”

In this post, we discuss two different ways to solve the Outlook Error 0x80040600 on Windows PC. They are – Run Scanpst.exe (Inbox Repair Tool) and Manually correct the PST file (import data from ANSI to Unicode). Let’s explore these methods in detail – 

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Ways to Fix Outlook Error 0x80040600 in Windows

To solve the Outlook Error 0x80040600 on your computer, use the following workarounds –

1] Run SCANPST.EXE – Inbox Repair Tool

Note: Before running the scanpst.exe tool, you need to first make the hidden files and folders appear at their specific location. To do so, use the below steps –

• Hit the Win icon and start typing “hidden” at the search bar.
• Select the top result i.e. “Show Hidden Files” under system settings.
• Head over to the right pane and click “show settings” next to “change settings to show hidden and system files”.

• When the File Explorer Options window comes into view, turn on the radio button next to “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”.

• At last, tap Apply then OK to confirm this action. 

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You may now run the Scanpst.exe program to start the scanning for the PST Files. Here’s how to proceed –

• Close Outlook in case it is running either in the foreground or background.
• Press Win+E altogether to launch the File Explorer.
• Copy/paste the below path at the quick access bar and hit the Enter key.

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16

Note: If you are on some other Office version, replace “16” in “office16” with the exact version number. If still unsure of what to type, read this section. 

• Locate and double-click on the SCANPST application.

• Click “Browse” and locate the corrupt Outlook data file (e.g. Outlook.pst) at this location.
• Hit “Start” to diagnose the PST file for any system-level corruption.
• Wait for a few minutes while the image repair tool repairs this file.
• If prompted to create a backup, tap Yes.

After this is over, close all running windows and Reboot your PC. I hope, this fixes the Outlook error 0x80040600 on your computer.

Where to look for if on a different Microsoft Office version

Here is the exact path to locate the scanpst.exe file inside the Microsoft Office directory –

In Outlook 2010

• Windows (32-bit version): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\
• Windows (64-bit version): C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office10\
• Outlook (64-bit): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\

In Outlook 2013

• Windows (32-bit version): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office13\
• Windows (64-bit version): C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office13\
• Outlook (64-bit): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office13\

In Outlook 2016/Office 365

• Windows (32-bit version): C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16
• Windows (64-bit version): C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16 or C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16
• Click-to-Run: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\office16

 In Outlook 2019/Office 365

• Click to Run or Windows version: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office19

2] Manually create Outlook PST File and replace the corrupt one

If the above method fails to resolve the error 0x80040600 on your computer, you should replace the corrupt PST file with a new Unicode Outlook PST file. However, this requires three different processes. They are as follows –

• Create a New ANSI PST 
• Create a New Unicode PST
• Import data from ANSI PST to Unicode PST

Create a New ANSI PST

To create a new ANSI PST file, use the below procedure –

• Launch Microsoft Outlook and navigate to the following on the Home tab.

New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File

• Select “Outlook 97-2002 Data file” using the drop-down menu next to “Save as type:“.
• Click OK to create an ANSI PST file.

• Close the Outlook program and rename this file.

Create a Unicode PST

To create a Unicode PST, you may use the following steps –

• Launch Microsoft Outlook again and browse to the following path on the Home tab.

New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File

• Select “Outlook data file” using the drop-down menu next to “Save as type:“.
• Put a name to this file and save it to a specific location (easy to access).

Import Data from ANSI PST to Unicode PST

To import data from an ANSI PST file to Unicode PST, use the below steps –

• Go to the File tab, select “Open & Export” thereafter hit “Import/Export“.

• When a pop-up window appears with several options, choose “Import from another program or file”.

• Click Next and select “Outlook Data File (.pst)”.

• On the succeeding screen, hit Browse next to “File to Import:” and select the recently created outlook data file. 

• Here, tick the box “Include subfolders” and click Finish to import data from ANSI PST to Unicode PST.

That’s it, the data is now imported from the ANSI to Unicode. 

Error 0x80040600 FAQs: 

What is Outlook Error 0x80040600?

The error 0x80040600 primarily occurs due to a corrupt PST file. After receiving this bug, you won’t be able to use its basic functions like – sending/receiving or reading emails.

What is PST?

PST stands for “Personal Storage Table” and is like a database for the Outlook program. The basic information related to the outlook account is stored in this database such as – email messages, tasks, contacts, notes, calendars, entries, etc. This often becomes corrupt due to reasons like – software failure, file size limit, sharing PST files, malware attacks, and others. 

I hope this guide helps you to resolve the outlook error 0x80040600 on Windows 11 or 10 PC. If you have any queries or suggestions related to this article, put your thoughts in the comment box.