How to fix “The file username.ost is in use and cannot be accessed” in Outlook?

OST files enable users to keep working with their mailboxes even though the Exchange connection gets interrupted.  When the server goes online, all modifications in the local mailbox are combined with a copy of the file.

Holding their benefits aside for a minute, there are several popular drawbacks of OST files such as OST manipulation, locking issues, and limiting their transition between systems. Because of these issues, users sometimes face errors such as “the file is in use and can not be accessed.” This means some software or application already uses the OST file that you are trying to use.

Some other errors that are similar to this error may occur as shown below

• outlook 2010 ost file in use and cannot be accessed
• .ost file in use error outlook 2010, 2007, 2003
• cannot display the folder the file outlook ost is in use and cannot be accessed
• ost file is in use by another application
• default outlook profile.ost is in use and cannot be accessed

Let’s try to figure out, through this post, why this error happens and how users can fix it.

What are the Reasons for OST File Not Accessible in Outlook 2010/2013/2016/2019?

Mainly the problem occurs due to the access of the same OST file at a time. Besides this, there are some common reasons for this error:

1. Synchronization of the .ost file with the Microsoft Exchange server mailbox.
2. Due to poor internet connectivity.
3. Runtime dispute of some other programs with the Outlook application
4. Many users attempt to access the same OST file at a time.

Now, after this, let’s discuss some of the important methods to fix this OST error.

How to Solve “OST is in use and cannot be accessed” Error in Outlook  2010/2013/2016/2019?

There are many solutions to fix this error “ost file not accessible”  that you can perform manually by yourself but the manual approach required technical skills to perform. But don’t worry we have also professional automated software which you can use to fix this error by applying a few simple steps.

Let’s discuss some manual methods in brief:

Method 1:  Exit MS Outlook and destroy all processes Associated with Outlook

It is the main solution that may be useful in fixing the errors mentioned above. To accomplish the mission follow the step-by-step guide.

• Initially, safely close or exit your Microsoft Outlook.
• Make a right-click on the taskbar and choose the “Task Manager”.
• Now, pick the “Processes” tab.
• Navigate the “Communicator“, “Lync“, “ucmapi”, or “Outlook“. Search for the “End task” button and press it in the end.

Method 2:  Make Cached Exchange Mode Disabled

This is another approach that could help you solve outlook ost files cannot be opened in Windows 10. You only need to disable the cache Exchange Mode in this method by following steps below:

• Initially, close and exit the MS Outlook.
• Next, after closing the application, visit the control panel and open it and select “Mail“.
• Then pick the “Email Accounts” button >>“Email” tab.
• Next, select the Email-Id and hit on the “Change“.
• In the end, untick the “Use Cached Exchanged Mode” >> “Next” >> “Finish“.

Method 3: Launch the ScanOST.Exe  Application to fix OST file is in use and cannot be Accessed

This is the last effective method to fix “OST file error outlook 2010”.

1. Initially, close and exit the MS Outlook.
2. Now, launch the ScanOST.exe
3. Then select the Mailbox >> ‘Repair Errors‘ >> ‘Begin Scan’.
4. Scanning the Hierarchy and fixing errors will take a few minutes.

Method 4: Disabling Defective Add-ins

Add-ins are the main reason behind this type of error. So, disabling them will help you in fixing the error. It will open Outlook in safe mode. Follow the below steps:

1. Search the shortcut icon for Outlook.
2. Now, hit and hold the CTRL key and double-click on that shortcut icon.
3. Then, a notification appears asking “if you want to start the application in Safe Mode”, press ‘Yes’.

Professional Solution- To Fix File username.ost is in use and cannot be accessed” in Outlook

If still, you are not able to fix the error then the last and simple option is to repair the inaccessible OST files, so that every error related to it gets resolved automatically. OST Recovery Tool is the best utility to fix this problem, by using this software you can get access with a few simple steps. This tool also convert OST to PST, DBX, EML, MSG, MBOX, etc. So, use this recommended utility for better and easy outputs.

Conclusion!!

This blog concludes the reasons behind the OST file error, then the methods to fix the error manually. Resolving the “OST is in use and cannot be accessed” error could be easier if you use the direct method explained above. Hope you get some useful information through reading this guide.

About The Author:

Edwin Stark

Edwin Stark is a Technical Content Writer who specializes in writing about databases, e-mail recovery, and e-mail migration solutions. He loves researching and developing content that helps database administrators, organizations and novices to fix multiple problems.

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