However, you can encounter an error message saying, “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.” Although it prompts you to retry the process, you keep receiving the same error. This issue appears specifically when you attempt to set up a Gmail account in Outlook. So, if you also encounter the exact error message, you can go through the various applicable solutions to fix your issue.
How to Fix We Couldn’t Create the Outlook Data File?
Before you begin, check the storage space left on your system disk. If it’s almost full, this might trigger the error message. So, free up some space for a smoother account creation process in Outlook. On the other hand, you can proceed with the fixes below.
Create Using the Account Settings
Another way of adding an account on Outlook is through the Account settings. You can find it inside the Outlook settings and use it as follows.
Using the Control Panel
If you cannot create a new account and the error message still pops up amidst the process, you can try using the control panel.
Using the Registry Editor
The newer versions of Outlook, such as Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, or Outlook for Office 365, allows you to add a new account with Simplified Account Creation. While it’s relatively easier where you just have to type email/ password, and Outlook easily deals with the PST file, you can sometimes experience the above error. To avoid the issue, you can disable it from the registry editor and choose to proceed to add a new account using the traditional account dialog box. However, modifying registry values haphazardly can cause your system to crash or work unexpectedly. So, please consider creating a registry backup beforehand and then continue with the following steps.
Reinstall the Outlook app
If the error message doesn’t go away, try repairing the Outlook app first. And, as a final option, you can reinstall the Outlook app to give it a fresh start and resolve any unknown issues. However, you cannot remove Outlook separately and need to uninstall the whole Microsoft Office package. Here’s how to do it.
