After upgrading Microsoft Outlook or making changes to the email server, many users encounter a common issue: “Outlook OST File Cannot be Opened.” This error means that Outlook can’t load the OST (Offline Storage Table) file. This stops users from being able to access offline emails and sync their mailboxes. Because of this, users may not be able to get to important data that is stored locally in Outlook.

This problem usually happens when files are corrupted, when there are compatibility issues, or when there are conflicts with profiles. In this guide, we’ll talk about why Outlook can’t open an OST file, how to fix the problem manually, and finally, a sure-fire way to convert OST data into a format that can be used so that users can still access their emails without having to rely on the original Outlook profile.

Why Does Outlook Say “OST File Cannot Be Opened”?

There are a number of technical and configuration-related reasons that can cause this problem, such as:

• Corruption in the OST file because of a bad shutdown or a sync failure
• The OST file is not compatible with the current version of Outlook.
• Old updates for Outlook or Windows
• Problems with the settings for your Outlook account or profile
• Not enough file permissions
• The size of the OST file is making things slow down.
• Interruption while syncing mailboxes
• Problems with antivirus or other programs running in the background

Finding out what caused the problem is important, but most of the time, users just need a safe way to get to and convert their OST data.

Proven Ways to Fix the “Outlook OST File Cannot Be Opened” Error.

There are two common ways to fix this problem:

1. Ways to fix things manually
2. Using a special tool to convert OST data into PST format

Let’s look at both choices.

Manual Solutions for the “OST File Cannot Be Opened” Error

1. Make sure the OST file is compatible

Make sure that the version of Outlook you used to make the OST file works with your current setup. Newer versions of Outlook may not be able to open older OST files.

2. Use the Inbox Repair Tool to fix the OST file

Microsoft has a built-in tool called Scanpst.exe:

• Find Scanpst.exe in the folder where Office is installed.
• Choose the OST file that is broken
• Start the scan and let the tool fix small problems.

This method only works for small amounts of corruption.

3. Make a new OST file

If the OST file is very damaged:

• Shut down Outlook
• Go to:
• C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
• Change the name of the OST file or get rid of it.
• To make a new OST file, restart Outlook.

This method needs a working server connection, and it could cause data loss for emails that aren’t synced.

4. Check the settings for your account and profile

Incorrect settings for your email account can also stop you from accessing OST:

• Click on File and then Account Settings.
• Check the server and login information.

5. Look at the file permissions

Check the Security properties of the OST file to make sure you have full access rights.

6. Make sure Windows and Outlook are up to date.

Install all updates that are still pending. Old software can make it hard to access files.

7. Turn off apps that are causing problems

To rule out conflicts, turn off your antivirus or firewall software for a short time.

Drawbacks of Manual Methods

Manual fixes can help in some situations, but they have a lot of problems:

• Possibility of losing data forever
• Takes a lot of time and is hard to understand
• Scanpst.exe can’t fix really severe corruption
• Needs access to the original Outlook profile and server
• A good chance of not being fully resolved

Because of these problems, a lot of people would rather change OST data into PST format so they can access it for a long time.

A Dedicated Way to Convert OST to PST Format

The best thing to do when Outlook can’t open an OST file is to convert it to a PST file. Users don’t need the original Exchange, IMAP, or Office 365 account to open PST files directly in Outlook.

The FixVare OST to PST Converter lets users convert OST files that can’t be accessed or are no longer linked to a mailbox into PST format without losing the structure of the mailbox or the integrity of the emails. The focus on conversion means that users can get back into their emails, attachments, contacts, and calendars without having to rely on Outlook synchronization.

Steps to Convert OST File to PST Format

To convert the OST file data, follow these simple steps:

1. Set up and run the OST to PST Converter on your computer.
2. Add or browse the OST file from local storage
3. Scan the file to get the mailbox data.
4. Check the accuracy of emails and folders by previewing them.
5. Choose the folders you want to convert
6. Select PST as the format for the output.
7. Choose a place to save the file.
8. Begin the process of conversion.

Users can import the PST file into Outlook or keep it safe as a backup once it’s done.

Conclusion

The “Outlook OST File Cannot Be Opened” error is a common but annoying problem that happens a lot after upgrades, profile problems, or file corruption. Manual troubleshooting can work in some cases, but it has risks and technical problems. Converting the OST file to PST format is a safer and more reliable way to get to mailbox data without having to use the original Outlook environment.

Users can keep getting to important emails and avoid future compatibility problems by converting OST data. This makes it a good long-term solution.