Fix the Outlook 2016 error “The file username.ost is in use and cannot be accessed”

The user system saves an OST file, which is an identical copy (replica) of the user mailboxes on the Exchange server. These files are susceptible to problems or errors such as 'ost is in use and cannot be viewed'. In this article, we will explore how to deal with these issues using various methods.

When Microsoft Exchange is running in cached mode, a copy of the server's mailboxes is created and stored on the system as an.ost file. Even if the connection to the Exchange server is lost, we can still operate with the emails.

The error "the file is in use and cannot be accessed" could be caused by several issues, including OST corruption issues.

Let's continue and discover what caused the mistake.

• Synchronization problems between the OST and the Exchange Server.
• There are some issues with Microsoft Outlook.
• Try to have multiple users view the same ost.
• Erratic network performance or internet link speed.
• Unauthorized entry into the OST drive.
• Office Communicator 2005/2007, LYNC, and other Outlook processes are active in the background.

Fixes for the error "ost is in use and cannot be accessed"

The next stage involves fixing the error after you've identified it and determined what caused it. To repair the inaccessible OST error, five methods can be used.

Method 1: End all processes related to Outlook

Stopping the background Outlook process is one of the initial steps that may be useful to resolve inaccessible errors. To complete the task, adhere to the step.

• Securely close Microsoft Outlook.
• Select Task Manager by performing right-clicking on the taskbar.
• Select "Processes" from the tabs.
• Type "Lync," "ucmapi," "Communicator," or "Outlook" into the search box.
• If any of these are discovered, choose the procedure and press the End task button.

Disable Cached Exchange Mode using Method 2

To use this technique, simply disable the cache exchange mode by performing the steps below:

• Select "Mail" in the "Control Panel" after closing Outlook.
• Click on Email Accounts, then select the Email option.
• Select the Email ID and then click Change.
• Deselect the Use Cached Exchanged Mode choice and then click Next and Finish.

Step 3: Turn off Outlook add-ins

Add-ins are designed to increase an application's capabilities, including Outlook. However, many flawed add-ins can harm your application rather than help it. The add-ins that are harming Outlook or its folders must therefore be disabled.
Start Outlook in safe mode by entering outlook/safe in the Windows Run dialog box to deactivate Outlook add-ins. If a dialog box appears inquiring "if you want to start the application in Safe Mode," select "Yes."

Method 4: Launch the Scanost.exe program

This particular technique is typically used to fix the error "ost file is in use cannot be accessed" to restore the OST file to a readable state.

• Start Scanost.exe.
• Click "Begin Scan" after selecting the Mailbox and then "Repair Errors."
• The Repair procedure will take a short while to examine the hierarchy and correct the problem.

Please keep in mind that this technique is only valid until Outlook 2007.

Method 5: Use Professional Software to Repair an OST File

One of the most recommended and popular methods for quickly repairing a corrupted OST file is to use expert software. You should use a dependable and result-oriented Softaken OST Recovery utility for this. The application allows you to recover all of your data from corrupted or damaged OST files. It also gives you the option to save your fixed data in a different file format, such as OST to PST, EML, MSG, or MBOX.

Also Read: Method to Fix OST Errors

Conclusion

After you've recognized the error and its cause, you can use any of the methods described in this article. To continue working with Outlook emails, it is critical to resolving the "the file username.ost is in use and cannot be accessed" error. However, for a faster and more effective method, use OST Recovery Software.