MS Outlook users often encounter with error message Outlook.ost is in use and cannot be accessed. As a end user of Microsoft Outlook, you are bound to work on OST file. It is the most necessary data file which contains important information such as emails, contacts, calendar, attachments, notes and more. Thus, it becomes mandatory to get over the error message and to get access of OST file. However, you must know the reason behind the occurrence of the error message.
What are the reasons behind the error message “Outlook.ost is in use and cannot be accessed”
Error synchronizations between Exchange and OST: Everyone is aware of the nature of OST file that it enables users to work in off line mode, and when the server is available OST file synchronizes with Exchange. Any trouble in synchronization may lead inaccessibility of OST and create an error message.
More than one application conflict: If more than one application running together in MS Office, they might conflict with Outlook resulting in an error message.
OST file is accessed by many users: If many users are trying to access the same OST file at a time, it may create the error message.
Illegitimate access of OST: OST file must be accessed with proper authorization otherwise it may generate error.
How to overcome the error message as “Outlook.ost is in use and cannot be accessed”. There are several solutions to remove the OST error and get the access of file.
Disable Cached Exchange Mode:
An OST file is created only after cached Exchange mode gets on. So disabling cached Exchange mode may remove the error.
- Exit from MS Outlook
- Go to email accounts under control panel
- Emphasize problematic email address under email tab
- Select Change and uncheck “Use Cached Exchange Mode”
- Select next and finish, now restart MS Outlook
OST TO PST Conversion:
This is easiest way to remove all OST file errors, as you just require to convert it into PST file. For conversion, you can either choose manual method or a third-party tool like Kernel for OST to PST.
Kernel OST to PST is a third-party tool which converts OST to PST in most easy steps. It also recovers OST content if the data is lost due to corruption or error. With a little assistance, the tool performs all the file recovery process automatically and generates best results ever. It is available for MS Exchange 5.0, 5.5, 2000 to 2016 and Microsoft Outlook 2000 to 2016.