Outlook OST File Cannot be Opened in Windows 10/11 – [Solved Error]

Why Does the “OST File Cannot Be Opened” Error Occur?

The error “OST file cannot be opened in Outlook” often occurs due to various reasons, including:

1. Corruption in the OST File: Damage to the file can result from abrupt application closures, power failures, or malware attacks.
2. Synchronization Issues: Improper syncing between Outlook and the Exchange server can make the OST file inaccessible.
3. Incorrect Outlook Settings: Misconfigured profiles or accounts in Outlook often lead to errors.
4. File Size Limitations: Larger OST files are prone to corruption, causing errors.
5. Windows Updates or Compatibility Issues: Operating system updates can sometimes disrupt Outlook’s functionality, especially on Windows 10/11.

Identifying the root cause can help implement the right solution.

5 Methods to Fix “OST File Cannot Be Opened” Outlook Issue

The “Outlook Cannot Open OST file” error in Outlook can hinder access to crucial emails and other mailbox data. To resolve this issue effectively, here are the five best methods:

1. Repair the OST File Using Inbox Repair Tool

Microsoft provides the Scanpst.exe tool to fix minor OST file issues when the OST file cannot be opened in Windows. Follow these steps:

• Locate Scanpst.exe in the Outlook installation folder.
• Run the tool and select the problematic OST file.
• Click Start to scan for errors.
• Once completed, click Repair to fix the issues.

While effective for minor issues, this tool might not work for severely corrupted files.

2. Recreate the OST File

Recreating the OST file can resolve errors caused by file corruption or synchronization issues.

• Close Outlook.
• Navigate to the OST file location (usually in C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook).
• Delete or rename the problematic OST file.
• Restart Outlook to automatically recreate the file.

3. Disable Faulty Add-ins to Fix OST File Issues

Faulty or incompatible add-ins can disrupt Outlook’s functionality and lead to the “OST File Cannot Be Opened” error. Disabling problematic add-ins can help resolve this issue.

Follow these steps to Fix Outlook Cannot Open OST File Issue:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type outlook.exe /safe and press Enter.
• In Outlook, go to File > Options > Add-ins.
• Under the Manage section, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
• Uncheck the boxes next to the add-ins you suspect are causing the issue.
• Close and reopen Outlook normally to check if the issue is resolved.

If the issue resolves, re-enable add-ins one by one to identify the problematic one.

4. Check Compatibility and Update Outlook

Ensure your Outlook version is compatible with Windows 10/11 and is updated to the latest version.

• Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
• Locate Microsoft Office, select it, and click Change > Repair.
• Check for updates through File > Office Account > Update Options in Outlook.

Limitations of Manual Methods

While manual methods can fix the “Outlook OST file cannot be opened” error in some cases, they may not work for severely corrupted OST files. Additionally, these methods can be time-consuming and require technical expertise. To overcome these challenges, using a professional OST recovery tool is highly recommended.

5. Use Aryson OST Recovery Tool

The Aryson OST Recovery Tool is a comprehensive solution designed to resolve issues related to inaccessible or corrupted OST files. This advanced tool can help you recover mailbox data and save it in PST or other formats.

Steps to Fix OST and Resolve OST File Cannot Be Opened Error:

1. Download and install the Aryson OST Recovery Tool.
2. Launch the application and select the corrupted OST file.
3. Choose the recovery mode (Standard, Advanced, or Deep Scan) based on file corruption.
4. Preview the recovered data and export it to a PST file or other formats.
5. Import the PST file into Outlook to restore full access.

This method ensures a quick and efficient resolution for the “OST File Cannot Be Opened in Outlook” error.

Preventing OST File Errors in the Future

To avoid encountering issues like “Outlook Cannot Open OST File in Windows 10/11”, follow these best practices:

• Regularly back up your OST files.
• Avoid abrupt shutdowns of Outlook or your system.
• Keep your operating system and Outlook updated.
• Periodically clean up and archive your mailbox to reduce OST file size.

Conclusion

The error “OST File Cannot Be Opened” can disrupt productivity, but it’s fixable with the right approach. Manual methods like repairing the file, recreating it, or disabling add-ins can address minor issues. However, for severe corruption, leveraging advanced tools like Aryson OST Recovery is essential. Its robust features ensure comprehensive data recovery while maintaining file integrity. By adopting preventive measures, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering such errors in the future.

Addressing the problem swiftly ensures uninterrupted access to your Outlook data on Windows 10 or 11.

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