Technology

Why is Outlook saying the OST file cannot be opened?

In this article, I explained the reliable solution to fix the error: Outlook says the OST file cannot be opened. Here, we will discuss the reliable approach to fix this error manually and use the OST to PST Converter suggested by experts.

OST is an offline storage table that contains a copy of mailbox data and is created when you establish an Outlook connection with the Exchange server. OST files allow users to work offline and will update all this once you establish a proper internet connection.

Why is Outlook Saying the OST File Cannot Be Opened?

  • The OST (Offline Storage Table) file may be corrupted due to unexpected shutdowns, software conflicts, or hardware issues.

  • Problems syncing Outlook with the Exchange server.

  • The user profile may be corrupted or misconfigured.

  • Lack of permissions required to access the OST file.

  • Conflicts with third-party add-ins installed in Outlook.

Manual Approach: How to Resolve Error: Outlook Saying the OST File Cannot Be Opened?

If you are the owner of the Outlook account or have credentials to access a specific profile configured with an OST file, you can continue with Outlook’s import/export functions to complete the process:

  • First, launch the Outlook application and then click on the file option.

  • After that, press open and export and choose the Import/Export tool to finish this process.

  • The Import/Export wizard dialog box will appear on your screen, choose Export to a file.

  • After pressing the next option, choose the Outlook PST file from the various import/export options and press Next to continue.

  • Then, select the Outlook mailbox data you want to export.

  • Finally, decide path and press finish to get the result quickly.

Limitations of Expert Recommended Approach

  1. It will be a very time-consuming and a very complex process.

  2. Users should know the technical information about Outlook.

  3. It cannot restore or convert damaged, corrupt, and oversized OST files.

Expert Suggested Approach: How to Fix Error: Outlook Saying the OST File Cannot Be Opened?

If you received an OST file or corrupted OST file then we recommend you to go for Corbett OST Converter as it is one of the best and completely developed in the presence of experts and now also converted into trusted applications for millions of users.

  • Download the expert verified application and launch it on your computer.

  • Find the OST file and add it to the application interface.

  • Now, choose Outlook PST File from the various export options.

  • Finally, choose the location and press save to get the result file quickly.

Benefits of Expert Tested Approach

  1. The secure mailbox data hierarchy remains the same as before the conversion. Also, PST File Converter offers data protection with output file to prevent any effect with original data.

  2. This software is very easy to use and can be easily handled by almost all types of users.

  3. It cannot restore or convert files that are damaged, corrupted, inaccessible, or orphaned when the OST reached maximum size.

  4. With this app, you can also use the advanced filter option to convert specific Outlook offline data based on date range, subject, sender recipients, etc.

  5. This software is viable to restore OST file.

Let’s Wrap Up

In this informative guide, we have shared reliable techniques to resolve errors: Outlook says the OST file cannot be opened. If you have set up an Outlook profile, you can follow it manually. Otherwise, we recommend that you use an expert-tested approach, as we mentioned above, to resolve this error in one go without losing any information.