-
Written By
Suman Rawat -
Approved By
Sonika Rawat -
Updated on
August 23rd, 2025 -
Read Time
5 minutes
How to Fix Exchange is Currently in Recovery Mode- Best Guide
Many Outlook errors generate difficulties for the user as the “Exchange is currently in Recovery Mode” error does. Imagine you want to access your Outlook emails, but only find that they are locked by a cryptic message. Now, this is nothing more than just an inconvenience that results in disrupted workflows and delayed projects. So, in this guide, we discuss all about this error, and the ideal ways to fix it, along with an OST to PST Converter Tool that resumes the work quickly and reliably.
Why Exchange Outlook Currently in Recovery Mode Error Shows?
This error usually indicates an issue with configuration or a cache mismatch with Outlook and Exchange Server. Rather than allowing the user to work normally, Outlook forces a “recovery mode” state, and the user is stuck. Furthermore, there are a few general causes:
- OST File Corruption: When the local Outlook data file goes out of sync or there is some other inconsistency.
- Exchange Database Mismatch: If the mailbox GUID changes on the server.
- Outdated Profile Settings: Cached Exchange Mode problems, or you have later synced some other mailboxes.
- Version Conflicts: Updating either Outlook or Exchange might cause a sync mismatch.
These generally have a huge impact on business as follows:
- Employee downtime
- Potential for duplicate data
- Impact on Exchange performance
- Safety concerns with data
Note: Most admins usually see this after migrating mailboxes or restoring Exchange databases, or re-creating Active Directory accounts.
Resolve Exchange is Currently in Recovery Mode in Outlook
User Query:
” I have an Outlook profile that connects to Exchange, and now it is telling me that ‘Exchange is in recovery mode now.’ Should I recreate my Outlook profile, or is there a better option that I can choose that is still safe?”
Let’s take a look at your options, from simple manual suggestions to recovery through professional software.
Manual Fixes to Resolve the Outlook Exchange Error
We will discuss three different ways in this section that can help you fix and eliminate the error.
1) Rebuild the Outlook Profile
- Close MS Outlook.
- Then, open the Control Panel → Internet Accounts → Mail → Show Profiles.
- Further, delete the Exchange profile in error from the list.
- Lastly, create a new profile with new Exchange settings via Add.
Loophole: This may fix sync errors, but you could lose cached emails in the OST file.
2) Disable and Re-Enable Cached Exchange Mode
- In Outlook, go to File→ Account Settings → Account Settings.
- After that, choose the Exchange account → press Change.
- Further, uncheck Use Cached Exchange Mode, and restart Outlook.
- Re-enable it, and restart Outlook.
Loophole: This works if the error is related to the cached settings, not a corrupted OST.
3) Use the Integrity Check (ScanOST) [For Older Versions]
- Locate and open ScanOST.exe.
- Afterward, choose the mailbox you find issues with, and Repair it.
Loophole: Microsoft removed ScanOST after earlier builds of Outlook, so this only works for older versions.
Tool to Fix Outlook Error Exchange is Currently in Recovery Mode
When manual fixes do not work, or the safety of your data is of utmost importance. The best process is to save the OST file contents into a PST format that Outlook will easily open. A dedicated SysInfo OST to PST Converter Tool allows you to recover mailbox items from an orphaned OST. You will not have to recreate profiles or worry about conflicting items or mis-mapping. Moreover, you can import the PST back into Outlook without losing folder structure.
Note: If your OST file is corrupted, use the OST Recovery Tool to repair OSTs and save them directly as PST.
Step-by-Step Guide to Use the Automated Tool
- Launch the OST File to PST Converter Software and click Next.
- After that, continue to select your files and folders and load .ost.
- Further, with Next, proceed to check the tree view and choose folders.
- Again, click Next, and now, opt for the PST file format from the list.
- At last, using the filters in the tool and setting a Path to Save, tap Convert.
Real World Case:
“One IT manager reported that after a server crash, nearly 250 employee mailboxes displayed this ‘Exchange Recovery Mode’ error. Instead of risking the data with manual fixes, the admin used OST to PST File Converter to batch export OST to PST, and restored email access within a day, reducing downtime significantly.”
Conclusion
Exchange is currently in recovery mode error may look like a disaster, but with the right method, it’s easily fixable. Manual fixes like profile re-creation, disabling cache exchange, and re-enabling it may work for a while when you have fewer OSTs. But in large environments, where you have several OST files and bulk datasets with attachments, among which some can be corrupted, using the professional tool is optimum. It will ensure zero data loss, maintain compliance and security, and even works on Mac OS.
FAQ
Q. How do I recover data from the old OST of a legacy Exchange account?
Ans- The OST Repair Tool is compatible enough to recover data from old OSTs of any Exchange account version, healthy or corrupted. It also allows you to directly save them in Outlook PST format with ease and 100% accuracy.
Q. Can I open OST when Exchange is currently in Recovery Mode in Outlook?
Ans- Yes, of course, you can by using the OST to Outlook PST Converter Tool. It helps access single or multiple OST emails at once, and you can save them in PST without hassle. The folder is retained, data is preserved, and no alterations occur.
About The Author:
Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.
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