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Almost all Outlook users know that Exchange Server creates an OST file every time you configure an Outlook account with IMAP or Exchange server. Sometimes, when the Outlook users want to access the OST file from its actual path, they find it difficult to locate the existing file and get the message that-
‘Not a valid path. Outlook cannot find OST file.’
The user may become surprised that Outlook does not show any error for the OST’s absence until the user tries to access it deliberately. But there can be several reasons behind such errors, and some of them are presented below:
Common reasons: Why Outlook not able to find the OST file?
There are many scenarios where Outlook cannot find its own generated OST file. We are mentioning some reasons that create this issue in your system.
- A corrupt OST files
When your OST file becomes corrupt and inaccessible, Outlook often encounter errors in locating the OST file.
- File is deleted or relocated
The OST file is accidentally deleted or renamed by the user or the system, which creates difficulty for Outlook in finding the OST file. Moreover, you can see this error if you change the OST file location in Outlook.
- Large-sized OST file
Make sure to adjust the OST file to a manageable size, and when the OST file is oversized, Outlook will have to make more effort in loading the file. Sometimes, Outlook cannot even load the file and shows the error that it did not find the OST file.
- The hard-drive sector has crashed
If the sector of the hard drive where the OST file was saved becomes corrupt, then Outlook will not be able to find the OST file and show you the error. Since, the OST file is inaccessible, and you cannot perform basic operations like change the location of OST file, searching the mailbox data, or accessing it.
- Sudden power failure
If the system faces a power failure while the OST file synchronizes the mailbox with the Exchange Server, corruption is inevitable. It can further corrupt the entire Outlook application.
Quick solution: Use safe mode and disable add-ins
Step 1: Use the Windows and R keys and type outlook.exe /safe. Press Enter.
Step 2: Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
Step 3: Under Manage, select COM Add-ins, and click Go.
Step 4: Disable all add-ins and restart Outlook to see if the issue is resolved.
Manual methods to fix “Microsoft Outlook not able to find the OST file”
The issue arises mainly because of a corrupt Outlook data file. Here are the methods you can use to repair corrupt OST files.
Use ScanOST to check and repair OST file
For the older versions of Outlook, such as Outlook 2007, 2003, the user can opt to use the inbuilt ScanOST tool to check the integrity and health of the OST file.
- First, close Outlook and its associated applications.
- Open ScanOST tool from its location – C:\program files\common files\System\Mapi\LocaleID\scanost.exe
- Open the application and click OK to scan all the OST files that you have chosen to scan.
- Use the Repair Errors checkbox, and then click the Begin Scan button to proceed with the process.
In Outlook 2010, ScanOST has been replaced by the ScanPST tool, and it can be used in the same manner to repair the OST files. However, it is found that the inbuilt tool cannot handle severe corruption and does not repair a seriously damaged OST file.
Recreate OST file using Outlook
You can recreate the OST file containing the complete data replacing the irrecoverably damaged OST file. Use the steps below:
-
- Close the Outlook application completely.
- In Control Panel, click Mail (Microsoft Outlook 2016).
- Click the Email Accounts option.
- Choose the Exchange Account with an inaccessible OST file, and click the Change button.
- Click the More Settings button.
- Go to the Advanced tab, and check the option to Use Cached Exchange Mode.
- Click the Apply button.
Now, go to the OST file location, and rename it, and restart the Outlook application. It will recreate a new OST file that will be completely healthy and accessible.
Final words
OST file stores user data when using the Exchange Server in offline mode and you must know how to find the OST file location. However, the Outlook application can face problems in finding your OST file when your Outlook profile is corrupted. In that case, use Kernel for OST to PST converter software to recover OST file data. The tool has features to maintain the quality of OST data and convert it to PST file with total preservation of data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the reason for Outlook not recognizing the OST file?Ans. This can be due to the corrupted OST file caused by sudden power cuts, improper system/ Outlook shutdowns, or malfunctioning hardware.
Q. What happens if I accidentally delete my OST file?Ans. Generally, you will not completely lose the email data if the OST file is deleted. To recover the data, sync your email account with the Exchange server, or you can use an advanced OST converter tool.
