How to troubleshoot “Errors have been detected in the File Outlook.OST” error of MS Outlook
OST or offline storage table is the file format to store Outlook mailbox in offline Exchange mode. It is stored in the exact system folder that contains Outlook PST files. However, unlike PST files, Offline Storage tables are created when Outlook mailbox is disconnected from Exchange Server. OST files allows Outlook users to continue various tasks such as email messaging, file sharing and calendaring until connection between client and mail servers is restored. However connectivity loss between MS Outlook and MS Exchange for long duration stalls synchronization of OST data with mail Server. Non-synchronization of OST with MS Exchange Server prevents Outlook user access of their mailboxes on Exchange Server.
There may be several reasons behind non- synchronization or corruption of OST files such as virus intrusion, corrupt storage media (hard disk or portable disk), crash of Exchange Server and others. Corrupt or inaccessible OST file shows various error messages when attempt is made to open mailbox stored in that file. One of the error messages shown by corrupt OST file is:
“Errors have been detected in the File Outlook.OST”
There may be several possible causes of aforementioned error message:
Virus and spyware intrusion that has caused OST corruption
Forced shutdown of MS Outlook during OST synchronization with Exchange Server
Accidental System shutdown that stalls OST data transfer to mail server
Manual options of OST file recovery
There are different options available to fix the corruption error of Outlook.OST file. If you suspect that Outlook.PST is damaged due to virus attacks, then scan infected file with a powerful anti-virus program.
Another way of recovering lost OST data is Windows Backup folder or BKF file. It helps Exchange administrator in restoring user mailboxes on server, which are lost due to OST corruption. However, if backup is not available, you can use inbuilt OST recovery tool i.e., scanost.exe to fix corruption errors. Scanost utility is stored in different locations on Windows platform:
If you are using MS Outlook 2007 and Windows XP, then location of scanost.exe will be
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12
If you use MS Outlook 2010 and Windows XP, the location of scanost utility will be
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14
You can repair corrupt Outlook.OST file with OST integrity checker in following steps:
Close MS Outlook program, if it is running
Double click on Scanost.exe application
Select Outlook.OST file from your local drive
Select “Repair Error” Check box and click on “Begin scan” tab to start recovery process
OST integrity checker resolves many OST synchronization errors. However, if scanost utility fails to repair corrupt Outlook.OST file, then you must choose a proficient mailbox recovery tool.
OST File Recovery software
OST File Recovery is a complete solution to all OST corruption issues. It quickly recovers Outlook mailbox from inaccessible or corrupt OST file and saves in .PST format. OST File recovery quickly resolves synchronization errors of OST file and recovers lost mailbox data such as inbox, sent items, attachments, deleted emails, encrypted messages, address book, calendars and others.
OST file recovery software recovers emails in its original text formatting i.e., Plain, HTML or RTF. It also allows user to save recovered Exchange mailbox in .MSG, .DBX or .EML file format. Before saving all recovered emails and attachments in specific location, it shows a preview of all retrieved data. You can assess key features of OST file recovery in evaluation version. However, complete functions of the software are available only in licensed version.
Summary: OST file holds Outlook mailbox in offline Exchange mode. Due to virus codes and other reasons, OST file fails to synchronize with Exchange Server. You can repair corrupt OST files with different inbuilt recovery options such as Windows Backup file and OST integrity checker tool. However, if mailbox recovery is not possible with inbuilt option and you should use a proficient OST file recovery software to fix the issue. It converts inaccessible OST file to .PST file format.