If you are an Outlook user and you encountered Outlook using old copy of your data file error. Then there are chances that your OST file might have got corrupted. And this situation can be a frustrating one. But don’t worry in this post, I am going to explain all possible solution to fix Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook data file issue.
It is most common error which occurs frequently, and they need a solution to rid of it and can work tension free.
We have observed, that this errors “Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook Data file” creates problem for user and to overcome with this error and work as normal as they use to be. So, the user need not have to panic, I will be explaining the best solution to fix this error.
Before reading and applying the solution, it is recommended to take the back-up of the corrupted or inaccessible OST file, if it contains the sensitive data and then apply the solution.
Method 1: – Delete the Existing OST File
Users must remove or delete the corrupted OST files. Before initiating the OST removal process, user must unhide the files. Steps to unhide the files may vary depending upon the Windows OS versions, as it keeps getting upgraded. After making files visible, user can begin the process to remove the OST file.
After, making countless efforts to open an OST file on your Outlook account and still didn’t manage to access and face this error ““Outlook Is using an old copy of your Outlook Data file”. Then, user is suggested to go for OST file recreation.
OST file recreation can only be done under some factors which needs to be present.
- Exchange server should be available to sync with the Outlook account.
- User should be having an Outlook account working in good condition.
After making the files unhidden, follow the steps to remove those inaccessible OST files.
- Go to File Explorer Window.
- Navigate through the Path C:\User\(login Name)\AppData\Local Machine\Outlook.
- Delete the OST file which is showing error while accessing it.
- After that, reboot your system and Outlook application.
Note: – During the removing process, user has to remove only .ost extension file and not the PST file.
An Error will pop up saying that user need to recreate an OST file, when user will remove the OST file. At the end create a new OST file by using the same Outlook profile. Once the connection is established with the exchange server, all the OST file data present on server will be save in new OST file.
By following these steps, user will not find this “Outlook Is using an old copy of your Outlook Data file” error again. If user is still experiencing the same error again then have a look at the next solution.
Method 2: Fix Error by Using ScanPST.exe
After implementing the solution as mentioned above, if user is still getting the same error. Then In that case, Outlook provide the self-repairing tool called “Scanpst.exe”. This repairing tool will help to remove bugs in the OST file, if there exist bugs. One thing to keep in the mind is that this repair tool is useful for minor corruption. If user is having large, corrupted OST file with them, then this “Scanpst.exe” repairing tool will not help.
Other than these two solutions, there is no other third-party tool available to fix this error “Outlook Is using an old copy of your Outlook Data file”. At this stage, it will be a wise decision to shift data to PST format to access data in Outlook without any issue.
Method 3: Make OST File Readable to Outlook
OST file is generated when the Outlook is synced with Outlook (IMAP configuration). Hence it will be accessible only with same Exchange profile. In any other situation, you have to convert OST files into PST format.
Note: – This process will help you to create healthy PST file from your inaccessible OST file. After this you will be able to access this in Outlook without Exchange profile and sever connection.
Conclusion
In this write-up, we have explained that how user can implement above mentioned solution to fix “Outlook Is using an old copy of your Outlook Data file” error. Some of the solution might work for a user. If any other user is still facing the error, then it is advised to use method 3.