CANNOT COPY OUTLOOK.PST

[HankL]

Whenever I attempt to copy outlook.pst (Outlook 2003) I get the following
error message:

Error 0X800070021

The process cannot access the file because another process has locked a
portion of the file.

Is there anyway I can unlock this file as I do need to copy it elsewhere?

Thanks in advance for your support and suggestions?

HankL

 

[DL]

Is Outlook fully closed, and not a running Process?

 

[HankL]

YES, it is fully closed and to the best of my knowledge it is not running.
I will check it in service to be sure.

 

[Gilgamesh]

YES, it is fully closed and to the best of my knowledge it is not running.
I will check it in service to be sure.

We have MS Comminicator integrated with outlook and that sometimes locks up
my outlook files.

 

[VanguardLH]

YES, it is fully closed and to the best of my knowledge it is not running.
I will check it in service to be sure.

Outlook is NOT a service. It is a user program. Look in the Processes
tab of Task Manager for processes named outlook.exe.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

Some common reasons why Outlook will not shut down completely when you click
either the X or Exit:

1. PDA synchronization software with your PDA in the cradle.
2. WinFax Pro (especially 10.02 in Outlook 2003) - contact their support
for an alleged fix.
3. Franklin-Covey Plan Plus!
4. COM Add-ins.
5. Mail reminder add-ins that keep a stub of Outlook open in the background
to check for new mail and fire reminders.
6. Anti-virus/firewall programs that are set to scan incoming and outgoing
mail.
7. Skype
8. Infuzer
9. Office Communicator
10. Some IM programs


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact.
ALWAYS post your Outlook version.
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375


After furious head scratching, HankL asked:

| Whenever I attempt to copy outlook.pst (Outlook 2003) I get the
| following error message:
|
| Error 0X800070021
|
| The process cannot access the file because another process has locked
| a portion of the file.
|
| Is there anyway I can unlock this file as I do need to copy it
| elsewhere?
|
| Thanks in advance for your support and suggestions?
|
| HankL

 

[Brian Tillman [MVP - Outlook]]

YES, it is fully closed and to the best of my knowledge it is not running. I
will check it in service to be sure.

If the Processes tab of Task Manager does not show OUTLOOK.EXE, then something
else is locking the PST. The most likely culprits are a desktop search
program, like Google Desktop Search, or an antivirus scanner. You should be
able to boot your PC in Safe mode and make the copy.