Fix OST File Not Recognized by Outlook – Working Solutions

If you are facing an error OST file not recognized by Outlook it means Outlook facing issues to load your OST file and OST not available at default location. OST helps to work offline when this file is damaged or not working correctly. Outlook can’t open and sync emails with the mail server.

Even though your OST file is just a copy of your emails and data it’s still important. If Outlook can’t read files, you may not be able to send and receive emails. If you made changes offline and haven’t updated to the Server you could lose offline data.

An OST file is where Outlook keeps a copy of your Outlook mailbox data and it allows you to view and modify emails, contacts and calendars without connectivity. Once you come back online then it will reflect changes on the server.

When Shows OST File Not Recognized By Outlook Error

• Your system crashed or shut down unexpectedly.
• There’s a virus or malware that damaged your OST file.
• Outlook can’t connect to your mail server properly.
• You recently updated or moved your email account.
• The Outlook app itself is having issues or didn’t close properly.

Common Causes of the ‘OST File Not Recognized by Outlook Error

• If a virus attack happens and your OST file is too large then it will become damaged. Then Outlook is not able to connect with the OST file.
• If Outlook can’t talk to your mail server(like Exchange) or can’t update the OST file. Then these errors can stop reducing OST files size.
• Some Outlook add-ons may not work well with your version of Outlook. These can interfere with how Outlook reads your OST file.
• If Outlook is outdated or not installed correctly then it might not update or Repair Outlook IMAP OST files.
• If your system shuts down unexpectedly or crashes when Outlook is open OST file might get damaged and unreadable.
• Problems with your hard drive or storage device like bad sectors or hardware failure can corrupt an OST file and stop Outlook from recognizing it.

Manual Solutions to Fix ‘OST File Not Recognized by Outlook

If Outlook is not recognize OST file then you can try manual method as we have shared below:

Method 1. Recreate OST File

1. Close Outlook and Go to the folder where the OST file is.
2. Delete OST file and relaunch Outlook to automatically rebuild OST file.

Method 2. Use Outlook Inbox Repair Tool

1. Locate path: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SCANPST.exe.
2. Browse the OST file as you want to repair it.
   
3. Click on Start to detect errors and fix with your Outlook OST file.

Method 3. Update Outlook and Windows

1. Open Outlook and navigate to the file.
2. Click on Office Account and press on Update options.
3. Hit on Update Now .
4. Now, also check Windows Updates.
5. Press the Window button and search Check for updates.
6. If found any update then Install it.

Method 4. Remove Faulty Add-Ins

1. Press Windows+R and type Outlook/safe.
2. Click on file and Press on options.
3. Now, hit on Add-ons and click Go to uncheck any suspicious or unused add-ons.
4. Relaunch Outlook to reflect changes.

Method 5. Create a New Outlook Profile

1. Go to the Control Panel and click on Mail(Microsoft Outlook).
2. Hit on Show Profiles and press on Add to create a New Profile.
3. Setup an Email account again and always use this profile to select a new one.

Process to Fix OST not recognized by Outlook

1. Download and run Suggested Software on your system.
   
2. Click on Convert configured Outlook mailbox data and check on Recovery Mode.
   
3. Select OST mailbox folders as you wish to recover and convert.
4. Now, choose the PST file in the list of Saving features.
5. Browse PST filters and Advanced filters according to user requirements.
6. Browse destination path and press Convert to fix an OST file not recognized by Outlook.

Key features of the Suggested Software

• It can also import OST to Microsoft 365, Thunderbird, Zimbra, Gmail, Maildir, Zimbra and all IMAP Supported server.
• This software allows you to convert individual or any numbers of OST files at once without facing any restrictions.
• This software can convert OST to PDF, PST, EML, MBOX, CSV and 35+ Saving features.
• You can easily operate this software without having advanced technicalities as it is specially developed for both professional and individual users to make conversion hassle free.
• With this wizard, you can also use filter options such as, date range, from, to, subject, exclude folders, organizer, root folder, exclude empty folder, use Microsoft Graphs, mails, calendars, contacts and create Exception log.
• It also offers you to restore and convert damaged, corrupted, dismounted and inaccessible OST files by using Recovery Mode.

Preventive Measures to Avoid ‘OST File Not Recognized by Outlook’ Error

• Keep Outlook and any installed add-ons updated ensures everything works together. Updates often fix bugs and also offer faster performance.
• Large OST files are always close to corruption. Try archiving old emails to reduce OST file size.
• A cluttered DNS cache can cause connection issues with your mail server which affect your OST file.
• Unstable connectivity can cause Outlook to connect with the server, leading to OST file corruption.
• Unexpected shutdowns can turn OST file cannot accessed when Outlook is open.

Ending Remarks

In this guide, we have shared 6 effective methods to fix OST files not recognized by Outlook error by both manually and automated approaches. When manual approaches do not achieve your expectations then we recommend you to opt for expert choice automated software as it is specially known for faster results and no risk of losing any information.