Rename Offline OST File in MS Outlook

An OST file holds a number of pieces of information about Outlook in a well-organized manner. OST is a local copy or offline folder of the user's mailbox data in the Exchange Server. Users can work offline with OST and can synchronize OST with Server when the internet connection comes back.

Outlook Errors Resolved by Renaming the OST File

When your offline folder encounters synchronization or performance lags,renaming it can fix several underlying problems. The most common issues include

  • When MS Outlook shows disconnected
  • While Outlook is not working or freezes
  • Getting a problem in sending and receiving emails because the mailbox size cannot be exceeded
  • Outlook calendar is not displaying the info,like free or busy information
  • Facing OST file corruption

Renaming of OST can fix the abovementioned issues.

If you still see other Outlook error messages (disconnected profile,send/receive failures,or cannot start Outlook),read Solutions:Common Micosoft Outlook Errors &Recovery Methodsfor step-by-step fixes.

Steps to Rename the OST file in MS Outlook

Follow below mentioned steps below to successfully achieve a new copy of your OST file.

  • Exit MS Outlook completely.
  • First,press the Start menu and search for Control Panel.
  • Click on Mail and then Show Profiles.

A new Windows Mail will open,choose the Profile name and click on Properties.

The profile wizard will open,hit Email Accounts tab.

Select Exchange account and press Change.

Provide the IP Address and user name,click on More Settings.

  • Next,click on the Advanced tab and uncheck the Use Cached Exchange Mode option.
  • Press Outlook data file settings
  • Click Disable Offline Use,a dialogue box will open,click Yes on the box.
  • If Disable Offline Use option is disabled it indicates Use Cache Exchange Mode wasn't clear the previous step.
  • Press again Offline Folder Setting and then OK button.
  • Select the Use Cached Exchange Mode checkbox,press Ok and then next,after that Finish.
  • After that press Close in Account Settings and Mail Setup dialog box.

Note:If the "Disable Offline Use" button appears grey,it means Cached Exchange Mode was not fully deactivated in the previous step.

Conclusion

Follow the steps to rename OST files. You can deal with OST corruption on your own. OST files are prone to corruption. You can convert OST to PSTto handle the issue easily.