Microsoft Outlook is a well-known email client that offers a variety of features to users. An OST file used in Outlook to perform daily tasks. Unlike PST files, it is not necessary to always connect the local machine to the server because it allows you to work offline and sync with Microsoft Exchange Server to update the changes. The OST file’s default location is:
C:drive\Users\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook.
Corrupted Outlook.ost files are no different from other files. Viruses, spyware, and other problems cause OST corruption. This corruption prevents users from accessing their OST file mailbox data items such as emails, calendars, events and journals.Many problems displayed in these situations including “Outlook cannot open OST file 2016”. Email backups at regular intervals are one approach to save emails and avoid such actions.
MS Outlook users frequently encounter Outlook cannot open OST file error
- Outlook program was not installed correctly.
- Access to Outlook in use is not possible due to an error.
- Outlook gets terminated abruptly while the OST file is still open.
- While transferring an OST file across a network, there was an interruption.
- The OST file and the Exchange Server mailbox are not in sync.
- A deletion of the Exchange server has left your OST orphaned.
- A broadcast group or organisation can left at any time.
- Importing OST files in an inefficient manner.
Outlook cannot start OST file: Error Message Reason
- A damaged sector on the hard drive where your OST data stored could cause your OST files to become inaccessible to you.
- Also, you may encounter OST issues during the synchronization process between the OST file and the Exchange server Checking for a proper network connection is thus advised.
- When users are working with the OST folder, a sudden power outage could cause the file corrupted.
- A corrupted or inaccessible OST file may result from a sudden termination of Outlook. As a result, once you have completed your chores, you must close Outlook.
- Another cause of OST file damage is a virus or malware assault.
Manual Procedure to resolve Outlook Cannot Open OST File
Manual methods might used to troubleshoot the issue. To begin, make a backup of the file. If the issue continues, restart the system. The manual procedures for Outlook cannot open OST file in use are describe in this article.
Method A: Shut down all Outlook-related processes
- Close the Microsoft Outlook software.
- Right-click the Taskbar menu and select Task Manager from the drop-down menu.
- Navigate to the Processes section.
- Look for the processes Communicator, Lync, Outlook, or Ucmapi on the Processes tab. Select and click the End Process button if any of these processes discover.
Method B: Disabling the Cached Exchange Mode in MS Outlook.
- Exit the MS Outlook application.
- Navigate to the Control Panel and select the Mail option there.
- Mail is the option to choose.
- To access email accounts, click on Email accounts.
- Click on the Change button under the Email tab.
- Unchecked Use Cached Exchange Mode in this section of the form.
- In the end, pick Next and then Finish.
Method C: ScanPST.exe can be use to repair OST files.
- Open Scanpst.exe by following the route below:
In Outlook 2016, 2019, Scanpst.exe located in the following path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office 16
For Outlook 2013, Scanpst.exe can found at the following location when the OST file will not open:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office 15
To use Outlook 2007, go here. You can use Scanpst.exe if you are having trouble opening an OST file.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office 12
- Select the corrupt OST file using the Browse option, then click Scan.
- Outlook cannot open OST file office 365 begins when you select Repair.
Method D: Deactivate the Outlook Add-ins.
- Open Outlook by clicking on the shortcut icon.
- Double-click the application shortcut while holding the CTRL key.
- “Yes” when asked whether to start the application in Safe Mode.
Manual Approaches Have Many Drawbacks:
- They are time-consuming, tedious, and need a lot of patience.
- In addition, it demands some technical understanding, making it a difficult task for non-technical users to perform.
- Data integrity and security are not ensured as a result of using this technology.
How to Automatically Resolve the “Outlook Cannot Open OST File” Error
As a result of the restrictions of manual procedures, users shun them. If none of the previous techniques work, then there may be a problem with your OST files, such as corruption.
As a result, attempt OST to PST Converter Software by DataHelp to restore any damaged or corrupted OST file back to its original state of health.
In addition to offering a variety of functions, this software for Outlook cannot repair OST file is quite functional. Its users can take advantage of the following services:
- 100 percent accurate repair of faulty Outlook PST/OST files, even encrypted PST files.
- Emails, attachments, diary entries, journal entries, tasks, contacts, and calendars can be recover with ease.
- There is an option to save the deleted emails along with the repaired PST.
- Save mailbox items as PST, MSG, EML, HTML and RTF.
- Complete functionality is available for Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 and previous versions.
Steps for the Software
For the quires like Outlook cannot open my OST file, this software is extremely useful:
1:- Install the program on your computer after downloading it.
2:- Using the Drag and Drop or File / Folder options, navigate to the OST file.
3:- After seeing all of the data in the software panel, click the Convert button.
4:- Browse to the directory where the exported file will be save and wait for the conversion to finish before moving on to the next step.
5:- After the export is completed successfully, now you may import the PST file into Microsoft Outlook.
Verdict for “Outlook Cannot Open OST File”
Outlook cannot start OST file are often inaccessible to end-users for a variety of reasons. To solve such problems, we have offered manual techniques. There are, however, certain limitations to these manual methods. To recover your critical OST file data, we recommend that you utilise the software application.
