Methods to Fix “Errors Have Been Detected in the OST” File Issue

Are you facing the “Errors have been detected in the file Outlook OST” issue? Here are the causes and all the available solutions for this frequently recurring error. Read till the end to find the one-stop solution.

Outlook OST functions as an independent entity, which implies that any server related matter won’t affect them directly which makes them even more vital. Users can continue working in the event of server downtime, too; also, the changes sync later.                

Why Outlook OST Detection Errors Occur?

There are instances when Outlook user faces the message like: “Errors have been detected in the file C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\filename.ost.” 

It happens because of the OST becoming corrupt. The main reasons for OST error being:

1. Virus infection in the OST File.
2. An abrupt system shutdown while the Outlook Exchange sync was in process.
3. Oversized OST File.
4. Exchange Mailboxes accidental deletion.
5. Network Connection Failure.
6. Power failure or system crash.

These were a few of the common reasons which result in Outlook OST Errors. Now we’re going to discuss some in-house solutions.

#1 Repair OST Errors using the Inbox repair utility

Outlook comes with ScanPST.exe and ScanOST.exe utilities, which you can use to fix minor issues in the OST and PST Files accordingly.

Note: Scanost.exe is no longer available after Outlook 2010 versions but scanpst.exe for both OST and PST files in Outlook 2013 and later versions.

Here are the steps:

1. Find the Scanpst.exe Tool in the default location where Outlook is present.
2. Start the tool and choose the corrupt OST File.
3. Now click on the start button to start the scanning and finding the Errors within the OST File.
4. After that, click on Repair.

Although this tool is built-in yet it’s not a complete solution as it is unable to repair – errors have been detected in the OST file issue.

#2 Fix OST Error by Recreating the OST File

Clearing all offline data from the OST can fix corruption. Try cleaning the Offline files as follows:

1. Find the damaged OST File.
2. Now right-click on the folder having the corrupt file and select Properties.
3. A dialog box opens, choose “Clear Offline Items” option.
4. Choose OK.
5. Start Outlook.
6. Press on the Send/Recieve tab from the above ribbon and select Update Folder.
7. At last, delete the old OST file.

Now when Outlook syncs with Exchange, all the data downloads to the new Offline OST.

This method though practical may leave you with slight data loss.

#3 Creating a New Outlook Profile

Sometimes your default Outlook profile may be the cause of this error. Follow these steps for creating a new default Outlook profile:

1. Delete the current default Outlook profile.
2. Create a new profile.
3. Set it as the default profile.

If this method doesn’t fix the issue, the last resort is to go for a third-party OST to PST converter.

The manual methods can only fix minor issues and may result in no data loss too. Therefore, investing in a professional solution should be a great decision.

#4 Convert OST to PST Using Professional Solution

Sysinfo OST to PST Converter is an excellent option to resolve this error. You can use it to import corrupt OST files and fix the OST error issue. It also offers support for password encrypted files. Being Ultra-Fast and easy to use makes it a must-have tool for every professional.

It also offers the option to convert OST files to PST, DBX, MSG, EML, and MBOX as well. It’s compatible with all versions of Windows and has an easy to use GUI.

Summing Up

So far we’ve discussed how to troubleshoot “errors that have been detected in the OST file”. Why does it occur, it’s available manual solutions their drawbacks and the third party solution. Manual solutions sometimes fail to work at all, whereas a converter tool never disappoints.