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Resolve OST file issue “Cannot open default e-mail folders”

Though, Microsoft has released several Outlook versions to fix up the common errors and issues, but OST file errors are still persistent and in most of the occasions do get corrupt. Now, talking about the error, the most constant error that every next individual come across is “Cannot open default e-mail folders. The file xxx.ost is not an offline folder file”, which bothers users. There are several issues that may inflict Outlook to display such sort of errors such as:

  • OST file is partly or completely damaged or corrupted
  • Exchange mailbox carrying OST file is accidently deleted or disabled
  • Exchange mailbox settings have been modified incorrectly or some necessary settings have not been made
  • Mentioned incorrect exchange server name under email settings such as POP3 or HTTP instead of IMAP
  • Disrupted connection between MS Outlook and Exchange server
  • Synchronization issues due to inaccessible Exchange mailbox
  • Modified Encrypt data setting under profile settings

Besides these issues, there are several other events that tool provide grounds to face such errors.  MS Outlook users who are not technically skilled may get perplexed on encountering such error. However, a technical expert can resolve this issue for the user but this may cost the user a hefty amount. So, we have concluded two easiest and most effective methods for MS Outlook users to get rid of this error without any additional assistance.

Method1: Usage of inbuilt utility

Microsoft has incorporated an inbuilt tool with every MS Outlook version, named as Scanost.exe. The location of this inbuilt utility varies from version to version. It is also called OST integrity check tool. To repair OST file, user need to perform the following steps:

  • Step1: Locate the scanost.exe file and run it
  • Step2: Select the damaged or corrupted OST file to be repaired
  • Step3: Click on Repair Scan check box to repair the error ‘Cannot open default e-mail folders. The file xxx.ost is not an offline folder file’ and other damages in the file
  • Step4: Select the Begin scan option to complete the whole recovery process
  • Step5: Open MS Outlook application to make sure the error has been removed.

If Outlook files are smoothly accessible then it depicts that error has been successfully removed. But if the error is still shows up then, apply the secondary method mentioned below.

Method2: Usage of third-party ost repair utility

A single error in OST file can make complete Outlook application inaccessible. So, it is important to get rid of this error as early as possible to prevent loss of crucial data. Make use of OST to PST tool, which is a third party to remove error from damaged OST file and convert it into inaccessible file. Follow the below given steps to make your task possible:

  • Step1: Download and launch OST to PST software
  • Step2: If damaged file location is known the click ‘browse’ and select the particular file or multiple files (in case there are many damage files).

Note: In case the corrupted file location is unknown then, click ‘Search’ Option to locate the particular file or folder by providing specific criteria. Click “Next” to continue the procedure.
Step3: The software scans whole OST file to locate and eradicate all minor and major errors including the particular error for which you have installed the application.
After completing the recovery process it enlists the recovered file items in the left pane of the application.

  • Step4: Select and Preview files from the left pane to check their integrity.
  • Step5: Click save button after analyzing the files to restore your OST files.
  • Step6: In case specified files are to be stored then use ‘filter’ feature to extract them.
  • Step7: Choose the desired location and format to complete the file restoration process.

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