Something Wrong with the Data Files and Outlook Needs to Close
Updated On - August 20, 2020
A few days back due to some technical fault in my system, I had to use Microsoft Outlook on a different machine. While starting with my Outlook 2016, I was encountered with an error message, “Something is wrong with one of the data files, and Microsoft Outlook Needs to close.” Since I am from a non-technical background, I had to rely on an IT professional to deal with this sudden nightmare. The gentle guy used in-built Inbox Repair Tool to run my entire Outlook and see if the error persists. But unfortunately, this solution was short-lived as on the 3rd day, I bumped into the same error. This was my personal experience when I had to suffer with such issues.
After all the bad experience, I decided to attain supportive knowledge of the causes of this error and native ways to resolve it.
Common causes for this error
- Error in network devices installation- network devices such as routers, hub, firewall, bridge, repeater, etc. might become a hindrance for Outlook. The occurrence of this error can be caused due to the error in their installation procedure.
- Outdated version of MS Office suite- if you have the latest version of Windows on your system but on the contrary, you are using an outdated version of Microsoft Office suite then the possibility of the error increases.
- Inappropriate settings in Office Suite- another possible reason for this error is if any proxy settings are enabled on the system, these settings can cause an error in Office Suite installation.
After a brief description of the possible reasons for the error, ‘Something went wrong with the data files and Outlook needs to close,’ there are certain manual methods which can be pen down and provide positive results when applied.
How to fix this Outlook Error?
Below are some basic methods to debug this error. You can opt for any of the three ways to resolve the issue:
- DISABLE FIREWALL AND SECURITY APPLICATIONS- To deal with the error, ‘Something went wrong with the data files, and Outlook needs to close,’ you can temporarily close all the security applications on your system. Disable firewall or any other network device and then restart Outlook. There are high chances that the error will no more persist, but if yes, then follow the next solution.
- UNINSTALL AND REINSTALL OFFICE SUITE- As mentioned above, one of the major cause for this error is using an outdated version of Office. To tackle this issue, you first need to uninstall the older version of Office Suite. If you already have an MS Office account, log in to your account and install the latest version. Now use the latest version of Microsoft Outlook and see if the error persists.
- UPDATE IN WINDOWS REGISTRY- There might be a problem with Windows Registry when none of the above solutions work.
Step 1- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\OFFICE\OUTLOOK\PST PROMPT REPAIR.
Step 2- Check the value of Current Window. If the value is 1, change it to 0.
Now, re-launch Outlook and check if the error persists or not.
Even if the above native alternative solutions do not work to resolve the error, ‘Something went wrong with the data files, and Outlook needs to close,’ then the time has come that you need to rely on third-party tool. One such tool is Recoveryfix Outlook PST Repair which handles a high level of data corruption at ease. They not only guarantee 100% recovery but also provide efficient results.
- You can first use the trial version of the tool which permits saving 30 items per folder. Install the tool from the site and you will be directed to the below Home Screen where you have to provide corrupt PST files.
- All the repaired files content can be previewed and saved in EML/MSG/DBX and PST formats.
Furthermore, large files can be split into small size PST files for convenience. - After providing the saving format and details, all the corrupt files will be saved in couple of minutes.
Conclusion
The error, ‘Something went wrong with the data files and Outlook needs to close’ can be deal with re-installation of Office Suite and other basic native methods. When neither of the manual methods works, the optimum solution is to adopt PST recovery tools which, irrespective of how big or small the error is, crack the solution easily.
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Awesome blog, I enjoyed reading your blog, this is truly a great helpful information for me.
Should I use your software when the Firewall is down. will it enhance the performance of your software?
Hi, Jaxtyn
Our tool only requires the PST file of the associated account that is showing the error. You do not need to down the Firewall of your network.
Can i try to open the Windows in Safe mode and then try to access the Outlook application?
Hi, Reggie
You can choose to open the Windows in the safe mode and the Outlook will also open. But if the data file is corrupt, then it is create issues in the safe mode also. you can try to repair the PST file and then access it normally.
I’m absolutely going to bookmark your post, I just love your blog, thanks for such a nice sharing..Hope to get some info on your blog in future.
I have disabled the windows firewall and since then outlook is working fine. but some other applications have started showing error. What to do now?
Hi, Levi
Disabling windows firewall is not a full solution for running the Outlook. it will not only affect the other applications, but will allow the malicious emails to come into your inbox. you should repair the Outlook data file and recover the data.
Do I need to execute all the manual methods mentioned in this write up?
Hi, Isabella
In most cases the issue is resolved by executing either of the manual methods; however, you can approach to the next method in case you didn’t get the expected results.
Is it really necessary to uninstall the Office suite to fix the error, as it would take a lot of time? Isn’t there any other option?
Hello William,
Thank you for submitting the query. You don’t have to uninstall and reinstall the Office Suite. You can also repair it from Programs in the Control Panel. Just right-click on the application and click Change, and then follow the steps accordingly. However, it it doesn’t help, then you can use the Recoveryfix Outlook PST Repair tool.
I had imported the PST files from the newer Outlook to an older Outlook platform, then it started giving the error. Did I do something wrong?
Hi Thomas,
The older version of Outlook were relatively simple than the newer once. They can contain the graphic parts like audio, video, and presentations in the emails more effectively. Perhaps some emails have such graphics items and they are not able to play. You can repair the PST file using a professional PST Repair tool and recover such items easily.