How to Solve “Outlook Data Files Usage is Disabled on this Computer” Error? Fixed

Published By Karen Chard

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On June 10th, 2024

Reading Time 5 Min Read

Summary: Are you also facing a similar error “Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer” error in Outlook? and you can find the correct way to fix it. Don’t worry, you are on the correct page. here we will explain all the possible information and step-by-step guide to Outlook data files (.pst) usage is disabled on this computer.

Outlook is one of the best and most phenomenal email clients among the multiple email services. Users like this service because it offers unlimited features to manage their personal and professional data like emails, contacts, calendars, notes, journals, tasks, etc.

But errors are also common in Outlook, users face multiple errors like:

And, Outlook data file usage is disabled on this computer error is one of them, which mainly appears in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010. This error indicates that MS Outlook data files are facing an error while accessing or utilizing. To overcome this error, you should disable “Prevent User from Adding New Data to Existing PST File” on your computer.

For other ways to fix Outlook data file usage is disabled on this computer error, follow the given information and methods with Outlook settings or Outlook registry.

Why “Outlook Data Files (.pst) Usage is Disabled on this Computer” Error Occurs?

This issue occurs due to multiple reasons, some of which are mentioned below in detail, so that users can understand the actual problem of this error.

Damage Outlook Data Files: Corruption is a common problem with Outlook data files PST (Personal Storage Table) and OST (Offline Storage Table).
Changes in Settings: If you have made some changes in your Outlook profile, then this Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer error will appear.
Update Systems and Software: Update your operating system and your Outlook version.
Corrupt Outlook Profile: Or maybe your Outlook profile is corrupted or damaged, so this Outlook data file usage is disabled on this computer error will show.

How to Solve Outlook Data Files Usage is Disabled on this Computer?

We have only two manual ways to fix this error. Both are explained below in detail:

#1: With Office Administrative 2010 Template

Firstly, go to Microsoft Download Centre and download the Office Administrative 2010 Template option.
Go to Policy Management Support and choose GPO (Group Policy Object), where you have to enable custom settings.
After that, right-click on the Default Domain Policy and choose Edit.
Navigate the Options >> Other >> Auto-Archive.
Check the Disable data file & Exit Archive option.
Next, move to PST Settings.
Uncheck the “Prevent User from Adding New Data to Existing PST File” or “Prevent using sharing Exclusive PSTs” options.
After that, start “gpupdate/force” option on your PC.
Lastly, again restart your Outlook to check the applied effect.

#2: Outlook Data File Usage is Disabled on this Computer using Registry

Click the Windows + R keys type regedit enter and hit on the OK icon.
After that, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office.0\Outlook\PST and make a fresh DWORD value PSTDisableGrow.
Double-click on it and put the value 0.
Save your changes using the Save button.
And again go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office.0\Outlook and make a new value with DisablePST.
Again use 0 as the value.
Lastly, save the all changes.

This process will add new data to the PST format. After the complete procedure, restart your computer to check the effect If your Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer error is fixed.

#3: Fix your Outlook Profile

You can use the given steps to fix Outlook data file usage is disabled on this computer error.

Firstly, choose Mail > Show Profiles from the Control Panel.
Select your email client or profile
And hit on the Repair button.
Wait for the complete process.
After the procedure, restart your Outlook.

#4: Outlook Data Files (.pst) Usage is Disabled on this Computer Error by Repairing PST

Here we will use the ScanPST utility, which is provided by Microsoft for free to repair Outlook data file (.pst). all the steps are given below in detail.

Firstly, find and open C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Officexx or C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Officexx. (SCANPST.EXE location will be based on your Outlook version.)
Search and start the SCANPST.EXE utility.
Click on the Browse button to load your file.
Hit on the Start button for scanning corruption.
Lastly, click on the Repair button.

If still, you are facing the same Outlook data file usage is disabled on this computer error, after using all the manual tricks. Then now you can take the help of the RecoveryTools PST Repair tool.

This solution will help you repair your files and save them in 30+ formats. For more details, you can check the given page.

Time to Say Goodbye

Here we have tried to solve Outlook data files usage is disabled on this computer error using manual tricks. We have used 4 tricks to solve this problem, and still, if you are facing the same error. Then you should go for the automotive solution. You can fix your Outlook data files (.pst) usage is disabled on this computer error by repairing and saving the corrupted file into 30+ saving options.