Summary: ‘Outlook is using an old copy of the OST file.’ This error is widespread and arises when there is an issue with the OST file. Through this article, we will find solutions to resolve this error and get access to the OST file.
OST or Offline Storage Table contains a duplicate copy of Outlook mailbox data & helps users to access data offline. However, users still find errors that disturb the workflow. Here, we will be discussing one such common error, i.e., ‘Outlook is using an old copy of the OST file.’ Generally, the OST file & Exchange Server synchronization is the prime reason for it. However, other reasons are system crashes, unexpected shutdowns, Outlook version upgrades, etc. This may happen when OST is moved, deleted, or damaged.
Why do users face the ‘Outlook is using an old copy of OST file’ error?
- When Outlook fails to sync properly with Exchange.
- Changes made to the Outlook profile can create compatibility issues with newer OST file structures or server configurations.
- Using an outdated edition of Outlook causes compatibility issues with new versions of OST file structures or server configurations.
- When the OST file exceeds its storage limit provided by Outlook, it shows synchronization and performance issues.
- When you rename, move, or delete the OST file without properly configuring Outlook.
- Damage to the OST file because of a system crash, sudden shutdown, or malware infection can make the OST file invalid.
Also read: Fix Error File Username OST is in use, Cannot be Accessed
Probable Ways to deal with ‘Outlook is using an old copy of OST file’ error
Let us now check the solutions to fix the above-stated error.
Solution 1. Delete and recreate the OST file
- Exit Outlook
- Go to the location of the OST file C:\Users\YourProfileName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
- Delete or rename the old OST file
- Restart Outlook, and this will create an OST file and resync with your mailbox
Solution 2. Inbox Repair Tool or ScanPST
- Locate ScanPST.exe in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 and replace the version on your Outlook
- Run the tool and add the OST file for repair
- Hit the Start button, and the pop-up to repair completes appears
- Relaunch Outlook and check if you face any errors
Solution 3. Create a new Outlook profile
- Open the Control Panel and click on Mail
- Tap on Show Profiles and later on the Add option to make a new profile
- Configure your email account in the new profile and set it as the default profile
- Now, launch Outlook with the new profile
Solution 4. Update Outlook to the latest edition
- Launch Outlook and tap on the File menu
- Hit the Office account and then go to the Updates option
- Hit the Update Now button and install the available updates.
- Now, restart Outlook
Solution 5. Automated Tool to fix old copy of OST file
If the manual ways won’t help you fix the error, then you can do it using Softaken OST Conversion Suite. This is a highly reliable and tested program to fix OST file corruption and export its data to a healthy PST file that you can quickly open in any Outlook profile.
This utility is highly user-friendly and allows fixing OST file errors by exporting its data to a new PST file. Moreover, it has 4-5 simple steps that provide instant results without any delays.
Working on the automated software to resolve the error
- Install the professional program and open it on your system.
- Then, choose the Outlook OST file.
- Get a complete view of the database of your OST file
- Go with the PST file option from the available ones and apply a filter if needed
- Then, pick the destination path to save the resultant file and press the ‘Export’ button.
In this way, the automated program will fix the error message ‘Outlook is using an old copy of the OST file.’
Valuable features of the program
- The software comes with various options in which you can export the OST file data
- With the intuitive interface and simple steps, any user can comfortably handle this app
- It allows direct import of the OST file to Office 365 and IMAP Servers
- The program is designed to smoothly convert desired items from the OST file using the filter option
- It comfortably deals with any large OST files without any hassle
Measures to avoid errors in the future
- Make sure to update both Outlook and your OS for better compatibility and advanced security. Generally, the updates fix bugs and errors and speed up the performance
- Do not end Outlook tasks with Task Manager. Let the program close naturally to avoid any damage to the OST file.
- Backup your OST file regularly, especially when your entire work depends on emails. The backup will act as a recovery option in case of data loss.
- Always close Outlook properly, as this will keep your OST file healthy and reduce the OST file corruption.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we have shared easy fixes to resolve the error ‘Outlook is using an old copy of the OST file.’ You can check the manual ways, and if they don’t fix the issue, go for the professional software that immediately fixes the error without any hassle.
General Questions by Users
Ques: Is it safe to delete the OST file?
Ans: Yes, it is completely safe to delete the OST file as Outlook automatically creates an OST file when you restart it until your account is correctly set up. But your data must be backed up or synced with the server.
Ques: Why does Outlook keep creating OST files?
Ans: Outlook OST file is created to store the whole database, including emails, contacts, notes, tasks, and other items. It permits modification of the OST file & this will appear on the server after getting the connection back.
Ques: How can I reset the OST file in Outlook?
Ans: To reset the OST file in Outlook, locate the file & delete it. Then, launch Outlook & it will create an OST file and sync data from the mail server. This will resolve corruption & outdated data issues.
