How to Fix Outlook OST File Inaccessible Error Due to Configuration Issues

Summary: “Fix Outlook OST file inaccessible because they have been configured.” This is one of the most annoying conditions that MS Outlook for Windows users face. When Outlook synchronizes with MS Exchange Server, it saves data locally in the OST file extension. Several reasons for the inaccessible OST could explain why it has been configured. We will investigate the reasons behind this issue.

OST or Offline Storage Table holds a copy of the Exchange data offline, allowing users to work offline. An OST file can store emails, contacts, notes, addresses, and events.

Reasons for Inaccessible OST Files

• Disk errors, software errors, damaged OST files, or improper shutdown could be reasons for inaccessible OST files.
• If your Outlook profile is corrupted, it could make the OST file inaccessible because Outlook is unable to locate the file, leading to startup failure.
• The link between Outlook and servers is incomplete, like Exchange or IMAP, preventing you from accessing the Offline Storage Table.
• If Outlook crashes or you shut it down during syncing, you may not be able to access the OST file next time.
• There may be an antivirus issue.
• Bad sectors or file systems corrupted on the hard drive can make OST files unreadable.

The Following Messages Appear When OST cannot Be Accessed

• Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. OST cannot be accessed: The following message appears when the OST file is damaged or issues with a user profile.
• Cannot open your default email folders. Outlook is using an old copy of your OST file: The message shows Outlook is trying to access the outdated OST file.
• The file location of your Offline Data File (.OST) is invalid: The error message is related to a profile path error, deleted OST file.
• Errors have been detected in the file xxx.OST: The following message is the result of Outlook exploring corruption or prompting you to run the ScanPST tool.
• OST is in use and cannot be accessed: The following message shows Outlook is already running in the background, or the file may be interrupted by the antivirus.
• Your mailbox has been temporarily moved to Microsoft Exchange Server: The message appears when the OST file fails to sync with the Server.

Also Read: Fix Sync Issues in MS Outlook

Solutions to Fix Outlook OST File Cannot Be Accessed, Configured Different Mailbox

The error indicating that OST files cannot be accessed appears particularly when a different mailbox is configured with Outlook. We suggest that you apply any of these solutions to fix the error.

Solution 1. Restarting & Reconnecting Outlook

1. It is the foremost step you can take to fix the error.
2. Turn off Outlook and your system, and then restart them.
3. It will refresh the tool and might fix temporary issues with the OST file.

Solution 2. Access Outlook in Safe Mode

1. Press Win+R and enter the “Outlook.exe/safe” path.
2. Finally, Press Enter

Solution 3. Restore or Fix Outlook OST File

1. Copy and paste the link. C:\Programs(x86)\Microsoft Office/root/office version/scanpst.exe(depends on your Outlook version).
2. Tap twice to run the repairing SCANPST.exe tool.

Solution 4. Remove Extra Add-ons

1. Launch Outlook and go to “File>>Options”
2. Choose Add-ons and then hit Go Next to manage:COM Add-ins.
3. Uncheck all unnecessary add-ons and press OK.
4. Restart Outlook to see whether the OST file is accessible.

Solution 5. Creating a New Outlook Profile

1. Go to Control Panel and select Mail.
2. Click Show Profiles and then Add.
3. Give a name to the new profile and connect it to your email account.
4. Check it as your default profile.

Solution 6. Deleting the Existing Outlook OST File

1. Turn off Outlook
2. Then, go to the C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Microsoft Outlook
3. Locate the existing OST file and delete it
4. As you access Outlook, it will automatically build a new OST file.

Solution 7. Analyse & Fix Hard Drive Errors

1. Click the Windows key.
2. Enter CMD, right click on the command prompt, and choose Run as Administrator.
3. Now type chkdsk C:/f and press Enter.

Conversion of OST into PST to Fix Outlook OST File

This is the final solution we recommend you use if the above solutions fail to fix the inaccessible OST file error. For this, we recommend that you use the DataVare OST to PST Converter Expert. This is one of the most advanced applications for the conversion of OST to PST in no time. The application enables the conversion of single or multiple OST files.

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Prominent Features of OST to PST Converter

• The tool is self-explanatory, needs basic technical skills to run on your system.
• The application allows conversion of single and multiple OST files to PST. Hence, it saves time and effort.
• The conversion process takes a maximum of five major steps to provide hassle hassle-free conversion.
• Retaining the quality of OST files ensures the quality of OST databases, including emails, attachments, contacts, events, etc.
• A free trial is available to download and run to evaluate the performance of the app.
• The licensed version is valid for an unlimited duration to export unlimited OST files to PST.
• It is compatible with all Outlook versions.

Conclusion

OST files are prone to corruption. The best practice is to export OST into PST to store data offline without hassles. We hope that the above solutions seem worthy for you to apply successfully to fix OST is inaccessible because it has been configured.