OST Cannot be Accessed Because it has Been Configured – Solved

These issues mostly happen due to server issues, connectivity problems, unexpected shutdown, profile corruption. So, it’s crucial the understanding to know the right techniques to recover Outlook functionality and prevent similar issues comes in future.

Why Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook OST Cannot Be Accessed?

• Improper shutdowns, disk errors, or software conflicts damage OST files and make them unreadable for Outlook.
• When the user profile linked to an OST file gets corrupted, Outlook fails to locate and use the correct file path, which causes startup failure.
• Interrupted or incomplete syncs between Outlook and servers like Exchange or IMAP prevent Outlook opening facing Outlook Data File Cannot Be Accessed error.
• If Outlook crashes or the user forces it to close during syncing, the next launch fails to open inaccessible OST file.
• Antivirus might block Outlook to access OST file.
• Bad sectors or file systems corrupted on the hard drive can render the OST file unreadable or partially damaged.

Common Error Messages When OST Cannot Be Accessed

• Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. OST cannot be accessed: Outlook shows this error when it detects a corrupted OST file or a problem with the user profile.
• Errors have been detected in the file xxx.OST: Outlook has detected corruption and may prompt you to run ScanPST(Inbox Repair Tool).
  
• OST is in use and Cannot be Accessed: May occur if Outlook is already running in the background or if antivirus software has locked the file.
  
• OST is in use and cannot be accessed: This message occurs when Outlook runs in the background or antivirus software locks the file.
• Your mailbox has been temporarily moved on Microsoft Exchange Server: Outlook displays this when the OST file falls out of sync with the Exchange server.
• Cannot open your default email folders. Outlook is using an old copy of your OST file: This means Outlook is trying to access outdated or disconnected local mailbox data.
• The file location of your Offline Data File (.OST) is invalid: Outlook shows this error if the OST file has been deleted, moved, or if the profile path no longer exists.

Top 9 Methods to Fix OST Cannot Be Accessed Configured Different Mailbox

Getting OST cannot be accessed error in Outlook frustrates users, especially when they need urgent access to their emails. But don’t worry — you can fix this issue by performing techniques as we have discussed below. These methods help you resolve the “Outlook cannot be accessed” error, especially when Outlook is configured with a different mailbox. Follow the approaches we’ve listed below to regain access quickly:

Method 1. Restart Outlook and Reconnect

1. Sometimes, the simplest fix is the best one.
2. So, Just close Outlook completely and restart your machine.
3. Then, This refreshes everything and might fix temporary issues with the OST file.

Method 2. Open Outlook in Safe Mode

1. First, Press Win+R on your keyboard.
2. Here, Type Outlook.exe/safe
3. Finally, Press Enter

Method 3. Repair OST File

1. Now, Go to C:\Programs(x86)\Microsoft Office/root/office version/scanpst.exe(depends on your Outlook version).
2. Next, Double Click on SCANPST.exe

Method 4. Disable Unnecessary Add-ons

1. First, Open Outlook.
2. Here, Go to File and click on Options.
3. Now, Select Add-ons and click Go Next to manage:COM Add-ins.
4. Then, Uncheck all boxes and click OK.
5. Finally, Relaunch Outlook.

Method 5. Create a New Outlook Profile

1. Firstly, Open the Control Panel and click on Mail.
2. Then, Press on Show Profiles and click on Add.
3. Here, Enter the name of your new profile and add your email account.
4. Next, Set the new profile as default.

Method 6. Delete OST File

1. First, Close Outlook.
2. Next, Go to: C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Microsoft Outlook
3. Then, Find an OST file and delete or rename it.
4. Now, Reopen Outlook to rebuild OST file.

Method 7. Check for Hard Drive Errors

1. Firstly, Press Window Key.
2. Then, Type CMD: right click on command prompt and choose Run as Administrator.
3. Finally Type chkdsk C: /f and press Enter.

Instructions to Fic OST File Cannot Be Accessed

1. First, Download and install OST Converter on your system.
2. Then, Press on select OST files to browse OST files as you want to convert.
3. Here, Click on destination path and browse location for the resultant PST file.
4. Now, Hit on Convert button to start fix OST cannot be accessed.
5. After converting, you can import in Outlook by discussing the procedure in the upcoming section.

Import PST to Outlook

1. First, open Microsoft Outlook and navigate to the file.
2. After that, Click on open and export and next click on Import/Export.
3. Now, Browse Import from another program or file and hit the Next button.
4. Here, Choose Outlook data file(.PST) and press Next button to continue.
5. Thereafter, Browse PST file path to select to import and click on Next to start Import.

Remarkable Qualities of Recommended Software

• It allows you to easily import OST to Outlook with maintained attributes.
• This wizard has been created with simple initiative interface to make it easier for all individual and tech-savvy users.
• With this tool, you can also convert all OST metadata such as emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, journals and all other data contained in an OST file.
• This software can also help you to helps you to import OST to Microsoft 365 using Outlook.
• It offers UNICODE PST files to easily access in all versions of Outlook without facing any compatibility issues.

Method 9. How to Open Outlook When OST Cannot Be Accessed?

If you cannot access OST file directly then you can opt for Jagware Free OST Viewer as this software is capable of opening healthy as well as corrupted OST files. It allows users to preview all data in a few clicks and also offers a find feature to view any specific details.

1. Firstly, Download and open the recommended viewer on your pc.
2. Then, Click on Add file and choose OST file as you want to preview.
3. Now, select the mailbox folder and choose email as you want to preview.

Preventing “Outlook.ost Cannot Be Accessed. You Must Connect to Microsoft Exchange” Errors in the Future

• Since OST files rely on syncing with Microsoft Exchange, an unstable or frequently dropping internet connection can cause Errors. Always make sure you have reliable connectivity when using Outlook.
• Avoid using Task Manager to close Outlook unnecessarily. Forced closures can interrupt synchronization and increase the chances of OST file corruption.
• Regularly backup your mailbox and export your data to a PST file. Regular updates include fixes for bugs, performance improvements, and security patches that help avoid sync errors and file corruption.
• Install only crucial Outlook add-ins as required. Outdated add-ons can damage OST files.
• Large mailboxes with thousands of emails can cause Outlook to slow down and increase sync problems. Regularly delete unnecessary emails and empty your deleted items folder.
• Sometimes security software blocks Outlook from syncing properly. Check the antivirus or firewall isn’t blocking to sync the OST file.
• Cached Exchange Mode helps Outlook work with OST files efficiently. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Select account > Change and verify Cached Exchange Mode enabled.

Final Analysis

In this article, we have explained top nine approaches to fix OST cannot be accessed error. You can perform it natively but they sometimes work and sometimes doesn’t work. So, you can opt suggested software as mentioned in this post as it offers fully maintained attributes and no risk of data loss.