When you try to access the Outlook file you might come across an error message stating that the “Outlook is using an old copy of Outlook data file (.ost). Exit Outlook deleted the file, and restart Outlook. A new file will be automatically created the next time you initiate a send/receive” When this error occurs, you won’t be able to access the emails on Outlook. Luckily, there are ways to fix this error and access the Outlook data. By sticking to the end of the article, you will be able to resolve the issue and access the data.
Recreate Outlook Profile by Deleting Old OST File
After deleting the old OST file, Outlook will recreate a new OST file when you open the application next time. But before deleting the old OST file, it is recommended to have a backup of the old OST file. Here is what you can do to safely delete the old .ost file.
- Firstly, navigate to the Computer or File Explorer Window.
- Then, go to C:\Users\( login name)\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
- Locate the file with the extension .ost
- Copy the file and paste it onto your Desktop.
- Now, delete the original .ost file in the root folder
- Finally, restart your Microsoft Outlook application.
Once you restart Outlook, the send/receive process will be initiated automatically and you will be able to access the emails easily. However, deleting the old OST file will only help you get back the Inbox mails, but not the custom settings, meeting schedules, and other attributes. Therefore, the safer option is to repair the corrupted file.
Outlook provides a built-in utility to repair the Outlook data file using Scanpst. You can use this tool to quickly repair the corrupted OST file. But Scanpst will only help you repair minor corruption. Moreover, Scanpst can also cause further damage to the OST file. However, by converting OST to a PST file you can easily access the contents of the OST file.
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Source: Trustpilot
Converting an old corrupted OST file might seem tricky but not impossible. An effective tool such as Remo OST to PST converter empowers you to repair and convert the corrupted OST file effortlessly. The robust repair algorithms of the software convert the Outlook data without losing any information such as contacts, meeting schedules, journals, custom settings, and other attributes. Download and try the software now.
Convert Old OST File to PST and get Hands on your Data
In order to repair the corrupted OST file download and install the Remo Convert OST to PST and follow the below-mentioned instructions carefully and you will be able to retrieve data from an old copy of the OST file into a PST.
- Click on the Open OST File button, and navigate to the OST file destination.
- choose the appropriate Outlook profile with file extension (.ost) and click Next
- Now, click the Browse button to select the destination of your choice to save the converted OST file, and then click the Convert option.
- Finally, click the Finish button.
Bonus Tip: You can also follow the conversion method even if there are any errors detected in the OST file.
Conclusion
If your Outlook is using an old copy of the OST file and if you are unable to access the emails, deleting the old OST file as mentioned in the article will definitely help you overcome this issue. To be on the safer side have a backup copy of the old OST file. This is because, if you are facing the same issue despite deleting the old OST file, you can always rely on the backup file to access Outlook data. However, if you are looking to solve the issue by converting the Outlook data file, make use of Remo OST to PST file converter to get good results.
