Resolve Microsoft Outlook OST File Cannot Be Opened Issue

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Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On May 29th, 2023
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Are you searching for a solution to resolve the Microsoft Outlook OST file cannot be opened problem in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, versions? If yes then in this article we will discuss the best possible solution to regain the OST file data in Outlook. Read this blog to know more.

If you are an MS Outlook user, you must aware of OST file. If not, then read this, OST file allows clients to work offline. Moreover, with the help of the OST file, clients can draft messages, set updates, and so forth regardless of whether they are connected or not to the mail server. Later, when the Outlook OST file is synced to the Exchange server, the messages composed offline are sent when the network is built-up.

Sometimes there are chances that you may experience the issue the Microsoft outlook OST file cannot be opened. Thus, on the off chance that you are confronting a similar issue, at that point in this blog, you will get the answer to overcome this issue.

 

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OST File Cannot Be Accessed – Reasons

The reasons liable for the unavailability of the OST file are referenced below:

  1. Issues during the opening of Outlook OST file on a local machine with mailboxes in an Exchange server.
  2. Poor availability or temperamental connection to the Internet.
  3. Software crashes during the run time in the MS Outlook application.
  4. Abruptly terminated Outlook Application.
  5. Viruses and Malware attacks can cause the OST file corruption problem. This also can be one of the reasons Outlook users won’t be able to open their OST files.

Solutions to Resolve OST File Cannot Be Opened Error

Here, two manual solutions are mentioned for fixing the “Outlook OST file cannot be opened” error:

Fix 1: End All Processes Related to Outlook

Follow the accompanying steps:

  1. In the first place, right-click on the Taskbar menu and select the Task Manager alternative
  2. Select the Processes tab.
  3. Next, search alternatives for example “Communicator“, “Lync“, “ucmapi” or “Outlook“. In the event that you find any of them, at that point select it and hit on the End Task button.

Fix 2: Disable Cached Exchange Mode

  1. Close MS Outlook and Go to the control panel.
  2. Open the Control Panel, click on the Mail, and afterward, select the Email Accounts.
  3. Pick an email address that shows the username.ost error and click on the Change.
  4. Uncheck the alternative Use Cached Exchange Mode.
  5. Finally, click on Next, and from that point forward, click on Finish.

This strategy is untrustworthy and unreliable, and also very complicated for non-technical users.

Automated Way to Fix OST File Cannot Be Opened Issue

If the manual method does not work, at that point the simple and reliable method to overcome this issue is to convert OST File into PST format. This technique is done by using an automated solution. It helps the user to make the file accessible in any Outlook version. By using this software the user can easily, fix cannot open issues from corrupted, inaccessible, orphaned OST files. After performing the export process the user can easily access complete data.

This software is an ideal solution for regaining access to mailbox data put away inside the OST file that won’t open anymore. It’s simpler to run, gets quicker results, and is progressively dependable. This application supports Outlook 2019 and the below versions.

Follow the Steps to Make File Accessible

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Step-1: Launch the software on your machine. And click on Add file button.

cannot open OST file

Step-2: Browse the OST file from Your system.  cannot be opened OST file

Step-3: Select the Scan mode from Quick and Advanced ScanQuick and Advance Options

Step-4: Now Preview the Corrupted OST file mailbox data items and click on the Export button. 

view options

Step-5: Select the PST file radio button and browse the location to save data. cannot be opened OST file

Conclusion

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most used email clients currently, as it meets the changing needs of the client and gives a future-rich condition. This post featured the manual and an ideal way to deal with the Outlook error – “Microsoft Outlook OST file cannot be opened issue”.

However, in this blog, we have discussed two manual ways to overcome this issue. But, the manual approaches are very lengthy and time-consuming. So, we have also considered an authentic way by using an automated solution.

Frequent Question and Answers

I am facing Microsoft Outlook 2016 OST cannot be opened issue. Can I use this tool to open and access the 2016 version OST files?

Yes, The user can easily access and convert mailbox items of Outlook all versions OST files.

Does this application compatible with Windows 11 operating system?

Yes, of course, This application supports Windows versions 11, 10, 8, 7, and all below versions.

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By Ashwani Tiwari

Being a Chief Technical Analyst, I am aware of the technicalities faced by the user while working with multiple technologies. So, through my blogs and articles, I love to help all the users who face various challenges while dealing with technology.