Fix ‘Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook Data File’ Error
Summary: Microsoft Outlook is regarded as one of the most popular email clients for personal as well as business communication. However, users can experience some errors from time to time despite the program’s strong specifications. Of these errors, one possible error is the “Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook data file (. ost).
This is a common error that occurs when the Outlook cache file (. ost) is out of sync with the Microsoft Exchange Server. In this guide, we will get to understand the root cause of this error and procedures on how to correct it in details. Also, this error occurs when Outlook OST files are damaged or become inaccessible for some reason. Therefore, to rectify this, it is advised to utilize the WebbyAcad OST Recovery Tool to recover the OST files.
Understanding the Outlook Error
The error “Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook data file (. ost)” typically occurs when Office Outlook identifies differences in the OST file and the Exchange server. It is significantly used to store files that can be used offline, and any changes users make when they reconnect are synchronized with the server. Whenever these files get old, damaged or fail to be synchronized well, Outlook brings a notification to the user in case of any problems.
Why Outlook Displaying an Old Copy of Your Outlook Data File Error?
· Server Problems: Several problems may occur with the Exchange server concerning synchronization, including server maintenance and configuration.
· Corrupt OST Files: OST files can become corrupted for many reasons, for instance if the computer shut down suddenly or if there were conflicts between applications.
· Network Issues: If there is weak or slow internet connection is experienced, then it will slow down or even fail in the synchronization.
· Software Conflicts: There may be problems with the timing of synchronization because of aspects such as old versions of software or issues with other applications that may be installed in the device.
Profile Issues: Another possibility is related to issues with Outlook user profile that can lead to occurrence of this error.
Solution 1: Verify Your Network Connection
The first thing that must be done to solve this error is to check your connection so that it is correct. Here’s how you can do it: Here’s how you can do it:
Restart Your Router/Modem: In some cases, rebooting the router or modem can help solve the problem with connectivity.
Use a Wired Connection: If you are connected via Wi-Fi, it would be advisable to plug in the LAN cable to avoid any disturbance in the connection.
Check Network Settings: Check your network settings and ensure that there are no restrictions from the firewall that would prevent Outlook to start.
Solution 2: Repair the OST file
Sometimes, fixing the OST file can help solve the Outlook issue of using an old copy of the Outlook Data file. The steps to recover a corrupt OST file are as follows:
· Close Outlook: Make sure that the Outlook application has been closed fully before continuing with the process.
· Locate OST File: OST files can be located in a variety of places; follow the OST file path to the desired location for the PST file. The default path is usually `C:Outlook data files are stored in this path: <system drive>\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
· Rename OST File: This file can be renamed to something like `OldFilename.’ OST stands for over write being the name of the new and original OST file. ost`.
· Reopen Outlook: This means that Outlook will create a new OST file for you when you open it again and start pulling data from the Exchange server.
Solution 3: Creating yet another Outlook profile
A new Outlook profile can help fix problems associated with a profile, which is causing the error. Here’s how:
· Open Control Panel: Locate the Control Panel application on your computer and open it.
· Mail Setup: Select ‘Mail’ or ‘Mail(32-bit)’ options to open Mail Setup dialog.
· Show Profiles: Navigate to Show Profiles and then click on Add New to get a new profile.
· Configure Your Email Account: After creating the new profile, click on next and follow the rest of the steps to configure your email account in the new profile.
· Set as Default: Finally, after creating the new profile, make sure to make this profile as your default profile. Close Outlook and then reopen it and see if the error is still there.
Solution 4: Repair Microsoft Office Suite Installation
If the Outlook installation is damaged in some way, many of the errors associated with the program may be resolved by repairing the installation and rebuilding the damaged program files. Lets discuss:
· Open Control Panel: Access Control Panel on your computer.
· Programs and Features: Choose Programs and Features or Add or Remove Programs.
· Locate Microsoft Office: Look for Microsoft Office in the installed programs list.
· Select Repair Option: Click on Change and select the repair option. Follow the repair process instructions on the screen.
Solution 5: Update Outlook and Windows
Make sure both Outlook and your Windows operating system are currently updated. When software is outdated, it can cause compatibility issues and errors. Try the following:
· Update Outlook
· Navigate to the File menu in Outlook.
· Click on Office Account.
· Choose Update Options and pick Update Now.
· Update Windows
· Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
· Click on Check for updates and install updates as necessary.
Solution 6: Fix Outlook OST Files
WebbyAcad OST Recovery Software is a trustworthy and reliable utility for repairing Outlook Data files (.pst) and restoring emails from a mailbox. It can recover all mailbox items from corrupted, damaged, and inaccessible PST files, including emails, calendars, contacts, and tasks, journals, and so forth. This software offers three unique scanning modes — Standard, Advanced, and Deep — to restore deleted emails accurately.
· Download and install WebbyAcad OST Recovery Software.
· Click on ‘Open’ to select the Outlook .ost file.
· Pick the recovery mode and click ‘OK’ to initiate the scanning process.
· Select the items to restore from the folder list and click ‘Save’.
· Save as EML, DBX, MSG, PST, MBOX, or other formats.
· Explore additional characteristics of the software.
· Start the recovery process of the mailbox data by clicking on ‘OK’.
Solution 7: Convert OST Files to PST
If the fixes mentioned above cannot repair the error Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook data file there is another solution to convert the OST files into PST. This can be done easily using the WebbyAcad OST to PST Converter tool. This software is very reliable and converts OST to various file formats and email clients easily. Furthermore, the software has many features/filters. The process is as follows:
· Install and Run WebbyAcad OST Converter Tool in the system.
· Click on the Add File to add the OST files on software wizard.
· Choose the Desired Files/folders in the tree structure format.
· Choose the Saving Format as PST and choose the additional features/filters.
· Click on the Convert to start the conversion process.
Conclusion:
Most of the organizations rely on Outlook and have a lot of Outlook users. Any disruption in Outlook data is sufficient to slow down all the organizations. It is good to save OST files in the PST format. It is better to save OST files in PST format to avoid “Outlook is using an old copy of your Outlook data file (.ost)” errors. Alternatively, the user can use WebbyAcad OST to PST Converter to resolve this type of error.
