Adeptly Fix “.ost is not an Outlook Data File” of Outlook 2016

Admin ~ Modified: April 19th, 2023 ~ MS Exchange, MS Outlook ~ 5 Minutes Reading

If you are also getting an error “OST is not an Outlook data file” of Microsoft Outlook 2016 / 2019/ 2021 /2013 / 2010. Then, here is the most prominent solution for users to fix OST errors and open offline folder file in Outlook. Here, in this section you will get the most reliable solution to resolve OST file error and retrieve the OST data again in Microsoft Outlook. If you are getting an error like .ost is not an Outlook data file, then here you will get an assured solution for your problem. Just check out the complete solution for it.

Quick Overview of Outlook

In today’s era, Outlook plays a vital role in managing user’s email data. Microsoft Outlook is a well-known email application which allows user to perform the various emailing tasks to manage the user’s email data. The most interesting part about Outlook is that it enables user to work even in an offline mode when there is no connectivity between the server and the Outlook. It permits user to work on Outlook even when the Outlook is while there is no internet connection or when the connectivity lost with the server. When the connection gets established between Exchange server and the Outlook, it updates the entire Outlook data in Exchange user account. However, there are various situations, where users get stuck and gets an error message while accessing Outlook. Hence, the Outlook data file (.ost) cannot be opened in Microsoft Outlook.

Why User’s Will Get OST Error?

Outlook is the most affordable email application for users to manage their email data. However, there are several situations occurred which restricts user to access their Outlook data. One of the common OST error is “.ost is not an outlook data file” or “ost is not an offline folder file”. whenever, users tried to open Outlook in his system, then he will get a same error again and again. To fix this OST error, users need to know the perfect solution to fix OST file: .ost is not an outlook data file 2016.

What is the Reason Behind the OST Error?

The main reason behind the OST error is that Outlook didn’t get recognize or sync OST file with the server. It causes an error in front of users that OST is not an Outlook data file or not an offline folder. Due to advance security of Microsoft Outlook, it does not allow users to open OST file in Outlook. This results in various OST errors in front of users.

Some of the common reasons are discussed below which shows an OST error are discussed below: –

OST file may be corrupted or damaged.
Synchronization issue between Outlook and the Exchange server.
Suddenly power cut may cause an OST file inaccessible.
Unexpected termination of Microsoft Outlook.

Default Location of OST File

If you are getting this OST error while opening OST file in Outlook, then you need to find out the OST file from your system. You can find out your OST file at: – C:\Users\user name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\user name\username.ost.

Resolve OST Error by using Manual Process

Manual process enables user to resolve their OST error. But the manual process is lengthy and complex process for user. Before performing the manual method, users must ensure that they keep the copy of their OST file. Few simple steps are discussed below which helps you to fix your OST file errors.

Go to Control Panel and select “Mail”.
In Mail Setup dialogue box, click on “Show Profiles…” and choose your Outlook profile.
Now, select Properties >> Email >> Exchange.
Click on change and select “Use Cached Exchange Mode” checkbox.
Go to More Settings >> Advanced >> Offline Folder File.
Now, again go to Settings and press “Disable Offline” and press “Yes”.
Again, open Offline Folder File settings and click on OK.
After that click on Next and press Yes.
Go to Cached Exchange Mode Settings and select the checkbox named “Use Cached Exchange Mode” and then click on OK.
Finally, click on Next >> Finish >> Press Close.

Efficient Solution to Fix OST is Not an Outlook Data File (.ost)

Manual process may help you to fix your OST issues but it is a complex task for users. Another crucial part is that users don’t like the half-baked solution which may create a trouble in later. In order to fix OST issues, user must rely on the adorable, quick and easy to use solution OST to PST Converter tool. It is an extra ordinary solution for users by which they can easily export entire Outlook data to PST format in few moments. The utility itself explains the entire conversion process to export offline outlook folder file to PST format. After that, users can easily import PST file to Outlook in few moments by using the inbuilt feature Import/Export feature of Outlook.