Errors Have Been Detected in the File xxx.ost

Updated On - March 20, 2024 by Savita Sharma | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Overview: For Outlook users, Outlook OST file errors are the most challenging problems to resolve as there are many reasons for a single error code. If any errors have been detected in the file xxx.ost, this article will provide you with all the necessary information for Outlook OST repair and to fix the issue. Here, we will explain what an OST file is, the main reasons for its corruption, and different solutions to rectify the error message. So, read the article till the end.

What is an Offline Storage Table (OST) File?

Offline Storage Table or OST file is an Outlook data file that stores all the Outlook mailbox information like emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, journals, notes, etc. Whenever you open an Outlook application, the mailbox information is retrieved from this file. This file automatically gets updated whenever you connect Outlook to Exchange Server.

Main Reasons for Outlook OST File Errors

Outlook data files are vulnerable and get damaged easily which causes multiple Outlook error codes. Numerous factors are responsible for Outlook OST file error messages. However, some reasons are more prominent than others. We are sharing the main causes of Outlook OST error messages.

• OST file synchronization failure causes Outlook issues. It is one of the most common reasons for OST file errors.
• Any malware or virus attack on your PC will damage the files including Outlook data files. So, you will encounter the Outlook error message.
• Another prominent reason for the errors is the abrupt shutdown of the PC or the Outlook application.
• A corrupt OST file will lead to numerous Outlook error messages.

These are the major reasons for Outlook issues. Now, let us explore numerous techniques to fix the error codes.

Manual Solution for Outlook OST Repair

The manual solutions are free methods that you can implement to repair Outlook data files and resolve the error messages. These methods are effective and easy to perform. Also, you should choose a method based on the cause of the issue.

Solution 1: Recreate Outlook OST File

One of the solutions to fix Outlook OST file errors is by recreating the OST file. You have to delete the existing OST file and when you open the MS Outlook application, it will automatically create a fresh Outlook data file. Follow the below instructions:

• Open the Control Panel and type Mail in the search bar.
• Open the Mail Setup and click on the Data File option.
• It will open the Account Setting wizard with available data files.
• Now, select the desired data file and click on the Open file location button.
• A file explorer window will be opened with the OST file location.
• After that, close all the wizards, except the file explorer.
• Delete the corrupted OST file.
• Once you delete the Outlook data file, open the MS Outlook application.
• MS Outlook will automatically create a fresh Outlook OST file once you start it.

Solution 2: Disable Cached Exchange Mode

Another solution to resolve OST file issues is by disabling Cached Exchange Mode. It will help you to restore the Outlook data file to its original state.

• Go to the Control Panel and search for Mail.
• Open the Mail setup and click the Email accounts option in the Account Settings wizard.
• After that, click on the Change button and select the More Settings option in the Account Setup wizard.
• Switch to the Advanced tab and untick the Use Cached Exchange Mode option.
• Click OK to save the change. It will disable the Cached Exchange Mode.

Solution 3: Repair OST File via Scanpst.exe

Microsoft provides an inbuilt Outlook OST repair tool also known as inbox repair tool or scanpst.exe. It is a quick and effective tool to fix OST files corruptions and resolve Outlook OST file errors. It is available in the root folder of Microsoft Office. Let us see how to use this utility.

• Open File Explorer and go to the following location.
  C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16
  Note: The location may slightly vary for different Office versions. However, it will remain in the root folder of Office.
• Select the SCANPST.exe and start this utility.
• Now, click on the Browse button and choose the damaged OST file.
• After that, press the Start button to initiate the file scanning.
• Tick the Make backup of Scanned files before repairing option and hit the Repair button.
• The file repair will get initiated and once the repair is complete, click OK.
• It will resolve any minor damage to Outlook data files.

Solution 4: Delete the Existing Profile and Recreate

If you are facing Outlook file issues, it might be possible that your Outlook profile has been corrupted. In such a case, you need to delete the existing Outlook profile and recreate a new profile.

• Open the Mail Setup wizard via the Control Panel.
• Now, click on the Show Profile button.
• Select the Outlook profile associated with the corrupted Outlook data file and press Remove.
• Confirm to remove the profile and it will delete the faulty Outlook profile.
• Now, start the Outlook application and create a new Outlook profile as usual.
• It will resolve the Outlook OST file errors.

The above methods are some simple techniques to fix Outlook issues. You can perform any method as per your suitability.

Also Read: Do Not Use Scanpst.exe to Fix OST Files

Is the Manual Approach Reliable?

When the Outlook issue arises because of improper settings, you can easily resolve the error by making suitable changes. However, if the Outlook data file has been corrupted, the manual approach of fixing the problem via Scanpst.exe will not be effective.

The inbox repair tool allows you to resolve minor OST file corruptions but not severely corrupted files. Therefore, the best solution to rectify the Outlook data file errors caused by corrupted OST files is the professional OST file recovery solution.

Best Solution to Resolve Outlook OST File Errors

Regain OST file recovery tool is the most efficient and advanced OST file repair tool. This tool is capable of restoring Outlook mailbox data from a severely damaged OST file. Moreover, it has the option to recover complete as well as specific mailbox items. You can save the recovered data in numerous file formats like PST, EML, MBOX, etc.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $39

Some of the prominent features of the OST file recovery tool are mentioned below:

• OST files of any size and created by any Outlook version can be recovered with complete accuracy.
• It provides a detailed preview of the recovered Outlook mailbox data. So, you can choose the desired items to recover.
• The application offers multiple saving options like OST to PST, MBOX, EML, MSG, vCard, HTML, etc.
• It also enables you to export recovered data to Office 365 and MS Exchange.
• This software is designed with an easy-to-use GUI to help non-technical users have a better understanding of the application features.

How to use a Professional Tool for Outlook OST repair?

• Download and install the Regain OST file recovery tool. Run the application.
• Click on the Open button to choose the desired OST file. Press the Start Scan button.
• After that, a preview of the mailbox items will appear on the left section. Choose desired items and click Export.
• Select the destination location, saving option and other features as per your requirement.
• At last, hit the Convert Now button to start the Outlook OST repair.

After performing these simple steps, you can fix OST files corruption and resolve the Outlook OST file errors.

Bottom Line

Outlook OST errors are encountered by many users. There are many reasons for the error messages. You can easily resolve the issue if the problem arises because of some improper configuration settings. However, when an Outlook error arises because of OST file corruption, the best solution is to use the professional Regain OST File Recovery tool. It provides many features and advanced algorithms to recover maximum data with complete accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques1. What is an OST file?

Ans: Outlook OST file is an Outlook data file that stores complete Outlook mailbox information and gets updated automatically when connected to the Exchange server. Corruption of this Outlook data file leads to numerous Outlook issues.

Ques2. How to fix an OST file error?

Ans: You can easily fix Outlook OST file errors by repairing the Outlook OST file.

1. Launch the Regain OST File Recovery Tool.
2. Select the desired Outlook OST file.
3. Check the mailbox preview and choose the required items.
4. Select the destination file format and other options.
5. At last, click on the Convert Now button to restore the Outlook OST file.