Outlook Data File in Use and Cannot Be Accessed

OST is an Outlook data file and issues with OST file frequently bring about errors, for example, ‘Outlook data file in use and cannot be accessed’. The error shows that the Outlook data file is being used by another program and shutting it might resolve the error. But, recognizing the specific program or procedure which is causing the error can be hard for most clients. This can be fixed by recover and export the flawed data file to PST format. Nonetheless, there are a couple of techniques that you may apply to fix the Outlook error.

Reasons which may Prompt this Error

1. Synchronization issue between the data file and associated Exchange mailbox
2. Clashing applications with Microsoft Outlook
3. Numerous clients attempting to get to the same data file
4. Untrustworthy system network or moderate Internet connection
5. Unauthorized access to data file
6. Procedures like Office Communicator 2005/2007, LYNC, UCMAPI.EXE and so forth running in the background

How to Resolve Outlook data file in use and cannot be accessed Error in MS Outlook

Following are a couple of techniques that can assist you with finding and fix “Outlook data file in use and cannot be accessed” error

Technique 1: Quit MS Outlook and Related Processes

Ensure that numerous instances of Outlook aren’t running on a similar machine and no other related procedure is running which need access to the OST file. This can cause the OST file to be set apart as “being used”. Here are the steps:

1. Close Outlook and open Task Manager
2. Select the “Processes” tab
3. In the list, search for “Outlook”, “LYNC”, “Communicator”, or “UCMAPI“.
4. Now, click on Procedures and hit “End Task” button individually
5. Finally, at that point check if the error is fixed or not.

Technique 2: Disable Exchange Cached Mode

Another approach to fix the issue is to disable the “Cached Mode”. Follow these steps,

1. First, stop Outlook and afterward open Control Panel
2. Now, go to Mail> Email Accounts> Email
3. Select your email-id and afterward click on the “Change” button
4. Here, uncheck “Use Cached Exchange Mode… “
5. Click on the Next button
6. Finally, click on the Finish button
7. Also, remember to turn Cached Mode ON regardless of whether the error isn’t fixed.

Technique 3: Repair OST file with Inbox Repair Tool

In the event that the error is brought about by some issue with OST file, for example, read/compose consent or integrity issue, you can use Microsoft’s inbuilt Outlook data file inbox fix tool called ScanPST.exe.

Prior, Microsoft used to give ScanOST.exe to fix OST issues. But, ScanOST is ceased from Outlook 2010.

By fixing the Outlook OST file with ScanPST.exe, you may dispose of the error – “Outlook data file in use and cannot be accessed”. Here are the steps to use this utility,

1. Close Outlook and dispatch the ScanPST.exe tool. To find ScanPST.exe, browse these locations dependent on Outlook form installed on your framework,
2. Now, click on the ‘Browse’ and explore the registry on your framework where Outlook OST is stored.
3. Then, click on the ‘Start‘. After the output, if the tool discovers errors, click ‘Repair’
4. Finally, start Outlook and check if the error is fix or not.

Technique 4: Backup PST File data and Import New PST File

MailBakup Outlook.com Backup tool makes the way toward exporting over the corrupted or inaccessible PST file. With its natural graphical UI and helpful features, an Outlook client can undoubtedly export the mailbox in PST file, regardless of whether the file is orphan or corrupt. It exports a PST file with 100% data integrity and exactness.
This tool can enable you to prevent “Outlook data file in use and cannot be accessed” error and different errors related to PST files. Use the backup tool and move all the Outlook data to the PST file locally and import the new PST file to Outlook again to fix this error.

Steps to Backup Outlook PST File data

• Download and Install the Backup software on your computer.
• Enter the login credential and sign in to your Outlook account.

• Select all the folders and emails to export.

• Select the Export type file format as PST.

• Here, select the Destination Path to move email folders.

• Finally, click on the Start button to begin the process.

After taking backup of all Outlook data into a new healthy PST file, you can easily import the new PST file to Outlook account using the Import/Export wizard and Outlook will not show any error.

Wrapping Things Up

This blog helps you resolve the “Outlook data file in use and cannot be accessed” error and making data file open through different techniques. But, the best and ideal approach to fix the error and maintain a strategic distance from further harm to the data file, use a backup tool for Outlook.com.

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