{"id":251,"date":"2015-08-06T09:31:51","date_gmt":"2015-08-06T09:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.recoveryfix.com\/blog\/?p=251"},"modified":"2025-06-10T06:15:34","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T06:15:34","slug":"cannot-read-from-the-source-file-or-disk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.recoveryfix.com\/blog\/cannot-read-from-the-source-file-or-disk\/","title":{"rendered":"Curating solution for error \u201cCannot read from the source file or disk\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"
Summary:<\/strong> Sometimes while performing an operation on PST file user is interrupted with the message \u201cCannot read from the source file or disk\u201d. This blog will revolve around the common reasons why you get this error and solutions to fix it. In addition, we will be discussing Recoveryfix for Outlook PST Repair tool.<\/p>\n

Free Download<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Microsoft Outlook is the most common mode of corporate communication these days. Due to its versatility and accessibility, it is even used by entrepreneurs and small business units to maintain communication with their clients. In Outlook, PST files are like a container for storing copies of messages, calendar events, and other items as a backup. Often, the user may want to move the PST file to another location. It could be due to various reasons like oversized PST file, sharing access to someone, moving to new updated environment, etc.<\/p>\n

But, unfortunately during the moving process, the operation is interrupted by error messages like \u201cCannot read from the source file or disk.\u201d Reasons like hardware malfunction and 3rd party app interference could lead to such error formation. The PST file corruption is also among the reasons why you might be getting this error.<\/p>\n

What makes PST file corrupt?<\/h2>\n

Certain reasons, like heavy attachments, improper file extension, oversized PST files and compatibility issues, can sometimes result in file corruption. Also, factors like virus-infested files and the presence of some malicious tools can manifest such serious issues.<\/p>\n

How to cure the corrupted PST file?<\/h2>\n

Now, we will see how to repair corrupted PST files, which may be causing this read error. But before doing that I would recommend you try some common troubleshoots to fix the issue at hand. These troubleshoots may solve the issue without having to repair any Outlook file.<\/p>\n

Common troubleshoots:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Ensure the PST file is not being accessed by a 3rd party application:<\/strong> Verify that no other application, including Outlook, is opened and accessing the PST file that you are trying to move or copy.\n

    Applications like antivirus might be blocking the PST file from moving. Try disabling the antivirus and try again.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. Choosing the compatible file system type:<\/strong> Suppose you are moving a PST file of size greater than 4GB from an NTFS format drive to a FAT32 formatted drive. You may encounter this error. Because you cannot copy or move a file of size greater than 4GB in FAT32.<\/li>\n
  3. Restart your system:<\/strong> It might be possible that the system you are using is facing some error which is interfering with the migration of the PST file. Reboot your system and try again.<\/li>\n
  4. Ensure proper hardware connection:<\/strong> If you are trying to copy and paste a PST file from an external device like an external hard disk. Then make sure there is no loose connection. Also, check if it is getting enough power supply to complete the operation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Suppose none of the above fixes works for you. Then, most probably your PST file is suffering from heavy corruption. In this scenario, the user must try to repair the file. Fortunately, there are various ways to treat a corrupted or damaged PST file<\/a>. Even Microsoft provides an in-house tool called Inbox Repair Tool for fixing issues related to the PST.<\/p>\n

    Methods to fix the corrupted PST file<\/h2>\n

    We will discuss two methods of dealing with this issue. Depending upon the condition of the PST file you can choose the method best suitable for you. First is a manual method for fixing minor issues in files of size less than 2GB. For large and severely corrupted files, the second method is more suited.<\/p>\n

    Method 1: Using Inbox Repair tool<\/h3>\n

    Also known as Scanpst.exe is a PST file repair tool provided by Microsoft. It is available along with MS Office by default. Accessing it is quite simple and free and helps in repairing PST file.<\/p>\n