When Outlook is set up with an IMAP, Exchange, or Outlook.com account, it produces an Offline Storage Table (OST) file on local storage to save mailbox data. It is an exact offline duplicate of the server’s mailbox. OST files allow users to work even when there is no internet connection. However, you may encounter difficulties accessing the Outlook data file for a variety of reasons.
In this essay, we have discussed various solutions for resolving OST file issues encountered by Outlook 2019 users.
Some Reasons for OST File Problems in Outlook 2019
There could be several reasons for the difficulties with your MS Outlook. Some of them include –
- Abrupt shutdown of the MS Outlook program
- Synchronization difficulties between Exchange Server and the OST file
- Conflicting add-ins
- Damaged or corrupted OST file.
How to Fix Offline OST File Problems in Outlook 2019?
The following are some solutions to the OST file problems:
1. Relaunch the Microsoft Outlook application
A straightforward restart of the MS Outlook application may help you resolve issues with the app you are using. However, you must entirely close the Microsoft Outlook application. Follow these steps –
- Close your Microsoft Outlook.
- Next, open Task Manager and go to the Processes tab.
- Search for Microsoft Outlook, Communicators are so and Lync. Select these apps and click the End Process button.
- Now, restart your computer and launch the Outlook application to see if the problem is repaired.
2. Disable the cached exchange mode
If you are unable to open the OST file, you can disable Cached Exchange Mode in Outlook to remedy the problem. To do this, follow the instructions below –
- Exit your Microsoft Outlook.
- Now, go to the Control Panel and select the Mail option.
- When the mail setup box opens, select the Email Account option.
- Choose the Email tab in this window. It will show the Exchange Account you’ve added to Outlook.
- Select your email account and then select the Change option.
- Additionally, you should disable the Cached Exchange Mode.
- Choose Next, then Complete.
3. Disable the Add-Ins
Conflicting or dysfunctional add-ins can create a variety of Outlook difficulties. If this is the case, disable the add-ins. To start Outlook 2019 in safe mode, open the Run dialog box, type ‘Outlook/safe,’ and hit Enter. You can open Outlook in safe mode by following the instructions outlined below –
- Navigate to the Microsoft Outlook application’s shortcut icon.
- Hold down the CTRL key and double-click the program shortcut.
- A prompt will display. Select Yes to open Outlook in safe mode.
- If you have access to MS Outlook, the extensions are most likely the source of the problem.
You can now delete the add-ins one at a time and restart Outlook to determine which is causing the issue. When an issue with the add-in is identified, delete it permanently.
4. Rebuild the OST file
To resolve OST file difficulties, rebuild it by syncing data from the server. To rebuild the OST file, follow the steps below –
- Close the Microsoft Outlook application.
- To locate your OST file in the system, navigate to File > Account Settings > Data Files > Open File Location.
- Depending on your operating system, the OST file can be found in the following locations –
For Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10 – C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
For the Windows XP operating system –
C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
Once you’ve located the OST file, rename it (with MS Outlook closed).
Open Microsoft Outlook, and there will be a new OST file in the default location of your choice.
5. Repair the OST file
If you have a large mailbox and are experiencing internet connectivity/speed issues, you may be unable to reload the OST file. In this case, you can use ScanPST.exe to scan your file and resolve the problem. Follow the instructions listed below –
- Close the Microsoft Outlook software.
- Go to the following location to locate the Inbox Repair Utility application (Scanpst.exe):
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\officeXX\
- Use the Browse option to select your OST file.
- To begin the scanning process, press the Start button.
- If any errors are discovered in the OST file, the findings will be shown.
- Make sure the ‘Make a backup of the scanned file before repairing’ option is checked. To start the repair process, click the Repair tab.
6. Convert OST into PST
If all of the above options fail or the OST file gets unavailable or orphaned, you can use a professional TrustVare OST to PST Converter program to convert it to PST. The software algorithm can handle OST files of all sizes. The transformed data can be saved in PST, HTML, PDF, and a variety of other formats. You can also transfer OST data instantly to an active Exchange or Office 365 account. It enables Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and older versions.
The conclusion
The Outlook OST can cause problems for the reasons listed above. Follow the steps indicated in this article to easily resolve offline OST file issues with Outlook 2019 and prior versions. If the OST file is orphaned or unavailable, you can retrieve data from it using a sophisticated OST to PST converter tool, such as TrustVare OST to PST Converter. The application allows conversion of any size OST file into a PST file, which can be easily imported into any Outlook account
