Among several common issues of Outlook for Windows, this is one of them. The error “Outlook using an old copy of OST” occurs when the OST file has some problems. We explain the reasons and effective solutions to fix this error.

Using an old copy of Outlook’s OST is an error that you cannot ignore if your day-to-day email management is heavily reliant on Outlook. OST or Offline Storage Table keeps a duplicate copy of Exchange Server or Outlook mailbox data. As the name suggests, it allows you to access data of Outlook data offline. In the case of a data sync issue, Outlook may use an old copy of OST. Straightforwardly, Outlook uses an old OST file if Outlook detects corrupted, unsynchronized, or outdated OST files. The following error will interrupt your workflow. You can experience missing emails, delays in receiving new emails, and improper access to the OST file.

Reasons for Outlook Using an Old copy of OST

The problem is common when the OST file is damaged or corrupted because of unexpected system or Outlook shutdown or malware attacks, making the OST file outdated or invalid.

If Outlook doesn’t sync with Exchange or Office 365, Outlook can use an old OST file.

If your Outlook version is older, it can cause compatibility issues with the newer versions of the OST file.

If the Outlook profile is updated for any reason, it can lead to a compatibility issue with the current OST file.

Sometimes, the file size limit can lead to this error. An oversized OST file fails to update or sync data.

The last but not least reason is renaming, moving, or deleting an OST file without proper configuration with Outlook.

Finding the Location of OST Files

Before you try to fix the error, it is suggested that to know the location of OST files in your system. The file may be on your hard drive. Follow the given steps:

• Access Outlook and locate the “File” menu
• In the File menu, click Account Settings and then press Account Settings.
• In the data files tab, locate your Outlook account and check the location column to know the path of the OST file.
• You can access this file in File Explorer

Also Read: How to Delete Outlook OST Files

Ways to Fix Outlook Using an Old Copy of OST

We have discussed several effective ways to fix this error.

Solution 1: Deleting and Recreating an OST File

This is one of the most effective ways to prompt Outlook to use the current OST file. Follow the steps:

1. Turn off Outlook
2. Locate the OST file. Navigateto  C:\Users \YourProfileName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
3. Delete or rename the OST file
4. Now, turn on Outlook. It will automatically create an OST file and sync the mailbox data.

Solution 2: Using ScanPST Tool

1. Locate SCANPST.EXE, an inbuilt tool of Outlook C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16, and replace the version on your Outlook.
2. Run this app and browse the target OST file
3. Press the Start tab to start the repair process.
4. As the repair process is over, a message will pop up, stating “Repair Complete.”
5. Now, relaunch Outlook to see whether the problem has been fixed.

Solution 3: Generating a New Outlook Profile

1. Visit the Control Panel window and press the Mail tab
2. Now, click “Show Profiles” and then ‘Add Option’ to generate a new profile.
3. Once the new profile is created, configure it with your email account and set the profile as the default.
4. Access Outlook with your new profile.

Solution 4: Updating Outlook

1. Access Outlook and take the cursor to “File”
2. Click ‘Office Account’ and then ‘Update’
3. Now, click ‘Update Now’ to install the latest updates.

An Automated Method to Fix Outlook Using an Old Copy of OST

If your Outlook OST file is corrupted or unable to configure with Outlook Mailbox to collect data, the best solution is to fix the file and export its data in a PST file extension. The WholeClear OST to PST Converter tool allows you to save the OST file data in PST within a few clicks. The best thing about this utility is that it works without Outlook.

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Steps to Use the OST File Converter

1. After installation of this app, click on its icon to start it.
2. Among various options, choose “OST File Exporter”
3. Select OST files by “File” or “Folder” and then the “Browse” button to upload the target OST files
4. Click Next and choose “Convert to PST file”
5. Click “Browse” to direct the app where you want to save the exported data in the system, and press “Convert Now” to end the process.

Advantages of Using This Platform

• The application can export OST to PST, CSV, PDF, EML, MBOX, and multiple other formats.
• The interactive interface needs no deep technical knowledge to operate the conversion process.
• The application enables migration of single and multiple OST files at a time.
• The entire conversion process will wrap up in five easy steps.
• The tool recovers damaged OST files and exports them to PST without losing properties.
• The application has a free trial version to assess the function of the app before purchasing it.
• The utility licensed version offers unlimited recovery and migration of OST files with a lifetime validity feature.

FAQs

Ques: Does recreating an OST file lead to data loss?

Ans: No, when you recreate an OST file, Outlook automatically stores its mailboxes in the OST file.

Ques: Can I access OST files without Outlook?

Ans: Yes, you can view an OST file without Outlook if you have an OST viewer.

Ques: How safe is it to use the listed application?

Ans: The OST Converter is a safe and lightweight application. It has passed the accuracy rate of 99% by restoring all elements of items during conversion.

Conclusion

Outlook using an old OST file is a common issue that can interrupt your workflow. You can recover this error by updating your Outlook, creating a new profile, and creating a new OST file. If these measures don’t work, the best solution is an OST converter that can convert OST to PST.

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