Outlook data file cannot be created

Question

I am trying to add a new email account to Outlook Classic (365). I keep getting a dialogue box saying "Something went wrong - We couldn't create the Outlook data file. Make sure the disk you're saving to isn't full or write-protected and that the file isn't being used." I am certain the disk is not full, nor is it write protected.
Has any else had this problem, and if so, how did they fix it?

Answer 1

Hello. You can try adding the account using the Windows Mail configuration panel instead of Outlook’s built-in “Add Account” wizard. In some cases, the Control Panel method is able to create the Outlook data file correctly when the in-app setup fails.

Please try this:

1. Close Outlook completely.
2. Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
3. In Control Panel, search for Mail and open Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
4. Click Email Accounts > New.
5. Choose Manual setup or additional server types and follow the prompts for your account type (Microsoft 365, IMAP, or POP).

Let me know if it works or if the same message still appears.