Thursday, September 7, 2017

How to Troubleshoot MS Exchange OST File Errors

Imagine a situation where suddenly you are unable to open and access Outlook offline folders. You again and again tries to open it but, are not able to use this file. At this point, a thought comes in mind that what had went wrong or has OST file gone corrupted?

What Exactly OST File Is?

An OST file is an offline folder, which servers as an Exchange replica. This file enable feature of Outlook to work in an offline mode, when disconnected with the server. It generates only when Outlook is configured with the Exchange server. The folders can only be accessed from the account from where it was originated. There are several benefits offered to Outlook users with this OST file. These files act as the mailbox folder replica on the Exchange server. Besides this, an OST file gets automatically synced with the Exchange server mailboxes when it is in online mode.

OST File Errors Causes

Not only one but, there are many reasons that causes corruption in an OST file. Some reasons might be known and some may be unknown too. When an OST gets corrupted it shows one or the another error messages and hence, restricts one from working in Outlook. The corruption causes of OST file are same as the other system files corruption. But, this problem might affect the server or Outlook in long term therefore, it is important to fix it as soon as possible.

As per mentioned above that there are many known and unknown points due to which OST file keeps getting corrupted. Some of the most common reasons are highlighted below :

  • Damaged offline folder
  • Network failure
  • Improper handling
  • Malware attacks
  • Power surge
Resolutions to Fix Errors In OST File

Measure #1 : Rebuild OST File From The Server

Microsoft developers suggest its users that they should immediately delete files in case of corruption. After deletion, one can again re-download file from the server. Well, if the mailboxes of OST file is saved locally and is unavailable on the server mailbox then, a person should export folders to PST file and delete that OST file.

Once you have downloaded folders from the server, import PST data into a new OST file. This entire procedure involves Import and Export wizard that enables users eliminate duplicate items of existing PST file. Well, the procedure to create a new OST file is described below :

1. Open MS Outlook on your PC and click on File >> Open >> Import option
2. Choose Import from another program or file option and hit Next
3. Select Outlook data file from the displayed list and click Next to continue
4. From the current screen, click on Browse button and locate the path where you want to save PST
5. Enable Do not import duplicates option and hit on Next button
6. Choose all the folders that are to be imported and again, click Next
7. At last, hit on the Finish button of current wizard

Measure #2 : Utilize scanost.exe free tool


Another approach to fix errors in OST file is applicable only on Outlook 2007 and below editions. It is so because the measure involves usage of scanost.exe utility, which is only available in these versions. Go through following instructions to work with this solution :

1. Click on scanost.exe utility for start executing it
2. This tool will display a screen to choose the targeted Outlook profile. Choose the damaged OST profile
3. Now a wizard will appear in which you have to decide that whether you would like to work in an offline mode or online mode (Connect).
4. Choose Connect option
5. As per your demands, choose the appropriate options and click on Repair checkbox
Finally, hit on Begin button to start fixing OST errors

Important Points to Be Considered

1. Use scanost.exe utility only when you have closed Outlook and all its related program
2. If you kept repair checkbox unchecked then, software will not perform the major action. It will just create a scan log file that is of no use for this time.

Are Manual Approaches Appropriate??

Well, manual ways are having several limitations appended within them. Not only one problem but, there are multiple consequences that are related to described measures. Some of the limitations are mentioned below :

1. High technical knowledge on Outlook is required
2. Involves threat of data loss while repairing files
3. Capable only for files having minimal corruption

Professional Approach to Fix Errors in OST file

The only solution to perfectly resolve the problem is to go for third-part conversion applications. OST to PST Converter is one of the reliable solution to export OST to PST format and resumes back the lost communication. It smoothly fixes all the errors related to OST file and support files having any level of corruption. The software keeps entire data intact during the repairing and exporting procedure.

Time to Wrap Up

The blog covers all the possible solutions to fix OST errors of all kinds. Both manual as well as automated approaches are provided to make Exchange offline folders accessible. At the end of the day, it is all users choice, which one suits them the best.

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