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Outlook OST(Offline Storage Table) file stores a copy of the user’s mailbox data and helps the user to work offline in case the connection to the Exchange Server is not available. When the connection is established, the changes made are synchronized with the Exchange Server mailbox. However, sometimes when the OST file is not synchronized properly with the server, users encounter an error: Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook data file. Most of the time user can fix the error by deleting the OST file and reconfiguring it. But if it is still there, you can opt for a professional solution to get rid of the error. Let us first focus on various reasons that cause the error, and later, we will share solutions to fix the Outlook using an old copy of the data file.
Common Reasons for “Outlook is using an old copy of your data file” Error
If you are facing this issue, it means that Outlook is using the outdated data file instead of the updated one. Here are the common causes for this error:
- When the OST file is not properly synchronized with the Exchange Server mailbox.
- The OST file is corrupt, damaged, or inaccessible.
- If the OST file is too large, this can slow down the synchronization process, causing Outlook to access an old copy of the data file.
- An unstable internet connection can be the cause of improper synchronization.
- If there are two copies of OST file at the same location, Outlook may not detect the correct OST file.
- If you are not using the latest version of the Outlook application, it may cause disruptions during sync.
Note: If your OST file is inaccessible or the user profile is corrupt, you can still view emails with the free OST Viewer Tool.
How to Fix “Outlook using an Old Copy of your Outlook Data File (OST)” Error?
Here are a few effective solutions to fix Outlook using an old copy of your Outlook data file. Make sure to follow the steps as mentioned, as a few of them contain some technical steps.
- Delete OST File: The first step is to locate OST file and delete it. The default location of OST file is
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
- Restart Computer: After deleting the OST file, close Outlook if it is open and restart your computer. Now open Outlook again and check if the error is gone or not.
- Recreate OST file: Once the OST file is deleted, Outlook will recreate OST file to the same location; if this doesn’t happen user has to manually recreate the OST file. To recreate the OST file, open Outlook File > Account Settings > Data Files > Add. Select the new folder that you created for your OST file and click “OK.”
- Set Default OST file: After recreating OST file user now has to set it as the default data file by following the steps:
- Navigate to File > Account Settings.
- Select Data Files > Settings.
- Choose Always use this profile,
- Select the new Outlook profile name.
- Click Set as Default and then click Close.
When Need Professional Help?
Sometimes the manual method can’t fix the issue, and you still face the “Outlook is using an Old Copy of your Outlook Data File” error. In that case, you can use the BLR OST to PST Converter Software and efficiently fix the issue. The tool will convert emails from the old OST file into the new PST format. After that, one can easily do so without any data loss. Try out the demo version to analyze its working process.
Conclusion
Today, in this post, we discussed a common Outlook error – “Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook data file”. We also mentioned various reasons for facing this error and simple steps to fix the issue. Try the given manual solutions, and if the manual approach fails to fix the issue, then you can use the professional approach.
