OST File is in Use and can't be Accessed

The OST file is currently in use and cannot be accessed

If you are looking for the solution to resolve issues of OST file is in use and cannot be accessed in Microsoft Outlook. No need to worry, here we are providing you the solution that can easily regain OST data in Microsoft.

Microsoft Outlook is an amazing email client most widely used among organizations. Outlook users create Offline data file called OST which is a replica of mailbox data in exchange server. Outlook OST file may become inaccessible due to various reasons.

Reasons of the error

• Configuring problem
• Server breakdown
• Virus attacks
• Conflicting applications with MS Outlook
• Accidental deletion of user account

How to fix error 'OST file cannot be accessed'

The error can be removed by manual method which is discussed below-

• Quit MS Outlook
• Run ScanOST.exe present in the MS Outlook installation folder

• In the window that opens, provide appropriate Outlook profile name when prompted

• When asked to choose between "Work Offline" or "Connect", choose "Connect"
• Select from options "Scan all folders" or "Choose folder

• You could choose to "Repair Errors" if required and then click on "Begin Scan". (NOT selecting to "Repair Errors" makes the tool only list down required corrections, NOT perform them)

Another manual method is mentioned below to solve error "OST file is in use and cannot be accessed" -

Disable Cache Exchange mode

• Close Outlook
• Open Control Panel and open Mail tab
• Select email accounts button
• Choose email tab
• Highlight the email address (email.ost) and select 'change'
• Uncheck 'use cached exchange mode'
• Select Next and then Finish

Now open Outlook again

If any of the manual approach will not work or perform best for you or in case you want to save your time and efforts so you can easily move to third-party solution i.e. OST recovery. This will help you in easy and safe fix error OST file is in use and cannot be accessed and convert into Outlook supported file format. The tool worked in such a way that it captivates the users.

Conclusion

Here, you will get both manual approach to eliminate the error. You can eradicate the error in Outlook OST file. Apart from it, we have discussed a software approach to access Outlook OST file without any threat of data loss. For best results, use the relevant OST to PST Converter that will convert entire OST files to Outlook file to access OST and its components.