Computers and Technology

Unable to Open OST File In Outlook – Solved Error

Articlesdo | In this article, we will solve the problem of being unable to Open OST file in Outlook? And the reasons behind this error. We have shared various solutions to open an OST file in Outlook easily. We also mentioned two methods that are manual and automated methods.

Let us know about what is an OST File?

The OST file is very helpful to solve the issues of interrupted or limited internet connectivity by allowing the users to work offline. With the help of an OST file, users can draft emails, set reminders, etc. If they have disconnected to the mail server. This Outlook OST file is synced to the Exchange Server and the emails composed offline are sent when the connectivity is established.

Now, let us see the intro. of Outlook OST file cannot be opened.

When you open your Outlook profile, you might receive an error message saying “.ost cannot be opened”, stopping you from opening the Outlook application. The main purpose of the OST file is to give an accessibility to emails, calendar, and contacts data even after not connected to the Microsoft exchange server.

The OST not be opened 2016 error neither permits you to access downloaded mails that allows synchronization between the server and the offline emails.

Why Does Outlook OST File Not Opening?

As you are unable to access your OST file an error message “OST file cannot be opened” is displayed when you are trying to open your Outlook account.

This is due to various reasons and you might try opening the OST file by using the various methods such as starting Outlook OST file in a Safe Mode, turning off Compatibility Mode, and so on.

But, if nothing works out and the OST file still refuses to open. Then, it doesn’t mean that you cannot access the OST file. By making use of the tool, fixing the error Outlook data file cannot be opened is easy and quick.

Two Techniques To Open OST File Cannot Opened Error

  • Manual Methods
  • Automated Methods

Method 1: Cannot Open OST File in Outlook Using Manual Method

SCANPST.EXE:

The Scanpst.exe is an inbuilt Outlook data file repair tool. Normally the OST file does not open due to corruption. In some cases, the utilizing Scanpst can automatically fix the OST file corruption.

 1. Locate and Open the Scanpst.exe tool by following the below path:

  • Outlook 2016, 2019 if the OST file is not opening, Scanpst.exe which found in the following path:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office 16
  • For Outlook 2013 if the OST file is not opening, Scanpst.exe found in the following path:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office 15
  • For Outlook 2007 if the OST file is not opening, Scanpst.exe can be found in the following path:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office 12

2. Now, Click on the Browse option to select the corrupt OST file, and click the Scan button.

3.Click the Repair option to start fixing the error OST cannot be opened.

And, if the OST file still not open after being repaired by Scanpst.exe tool, then follow these simple methods:-

Check for Outlook erratic behavior in Task manager:

Open the task manager and check if any Outlook process is interrupting the OST file access. Then terminate all the Outlook related processes by right clicking on the Outlook process from the processes tab and select End task.
Restart Outlook and see if the OST file is now opening.

Find and terminate any Outlook add-ins obstructing OST file access:

Add-ins are the best way to customize and modify your Outlook access. But, it also can be the biggest challenge to access OST files. To find enabled add-ins in the following path:

File->Options->Add-ins->COM Add-ins, follow this destination path once you can run Outlook as administrator. Then, Uncheck any third party add-ins and check if the OST file opened now.

And, if you are not able to fix the issue, then head over to the next method i.eFixing OST cannot open an error with the help of a tool.

Method 2: Automated Solution For Cannot Open OST File in Outlook

As we have tried all the above manual methods to fix this error. Then the only way through which you can easily fix this error or open the OST file is by converting it into the PST file format.

The OST file has limitations when compared to a PST file. It cannot be opened from any Outlook profile. The OST file needs Outlook to be configured with the port settings of the exchange server that has to extract the account credentials as the .ost file in order to open it.

However, it is of utmost difficulty to be unable to access .ost files from anywhere. In some circumstances when users try to get local copies of email from Microsoft Exchange Server, you will not allowed to access the Outlook OST files.

Use the OST Recovery Tool which is capable of resolving the issue of being unable to open OST file in Outlook easily. This utility safely rearranges the OST file data into PST file format to gain the accessibility to the Outlook data file. However, it can easily and simply complete the task without any error.

Working Steps For Cannot Opened OST File From Outlook Using Tool

Follow the below mentioned steps to make your process easy and quick without facing any hassle. Go step by step to complete your task successfully:-

  1. Launch and run the software on your system.
  2. Select Find OST File as per Quick or Advance Scan Mode
  3. Now, click on the Export to Save All Recovered OST Files
  4. After that, select the destination location and click on the Export button.

Final Word

In this blog, we have discussed the complete solution for unable to Open OST file in Outlook. There are two different methods that are manual and automated methods. By using manual methods users face several issues and it is a lengthy process.

But don’t worry, we have suggested an automated software to make your task easier than the others. Both technical and non-technical users can use this tool and perform the task easily without any hassle. So, choose is your to make your task easy which methods your prefer.

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