How Can I Dissolve Synchronization Error Between OST File and Exchange Server Mailbox?

The main error that comes up while working with Outlook profile configured with Exchange Server mailbox is the synchronization error. This error takes place when the OST file (offline file) does not get synchronized with Exchange account when the connection is retrieved.
The inappropriate synchronization might occur due to availability of unreliable internet connectivity between the client and the server machines. To dissolve synchronization error between OST file and Exchange Server mailbox, it is required to perform several operations.

Methods to Dissolve Synchronization Error

Resolution #1: Re-Synchronizing Folders:
Once failed, synchronization can be maintained again between Outlook and Exchange account via two methods:

• Manual Synchronization; and
• Automatic Synchronization.

Let’s discuss both the techniques in details to get better understanding about them:

Manual Synchronization:

For synching the folders manually, the below mentioned procedure can be implemented:

1. Click on the folder that needs to be synchronized from the ‘Folder List’ pane.
2. For this, click on ‘Folder List’ available in the ‘Go’ menu (if the option is not available or accessible).
3. On ‘Tools’ menu; click on the ‘Send/Receive’ button and then click on the folder (Microsoft Exchange Server) to start synchronization among incorporated offline folders.
4. Alternatively, click on ‘Send/Receive All’ to synchronize entire offline folders.

Automatic Synchronization:

To enable automatic synchronization each time the connection is retrieved between Outlook and Exchange Server; following stated steps can be executed:

1. Go to the ‘Tools’ menu and click on ‘Options’.
2. Select the ‘Mail Setup’ tab.
3. In ‘Send/Receive’ segment, click on the checkbox associated to ‘Send immediately when connected’.
4. Click on ‘Send/Receive’.
5. In the then appeared ‘Send/Receive’ Groups dialog box, ensure that the option ‘Perform an automatic send/receive when exiting’ is been selected.
6. Next, click on ‘Close’ and click on ‘OK’.

Resolution #2: Create New OST File & Initiate Sync Operation:
This can be done by renaming the existing OST file and then synching both accounts. Following procedure can be implemented for renaming the existing OST.

• Exit all running programs.
• Click on ‘Start’ menu and then click on ‘Search’; further select ‘For Files or Folders’.
• Click on ‘All files and folders’ in the ‘Search’ dialog box,
• Type ‘*.ost’ in the ‘All or part of the file name’ tab.
• Leave the file box corresponding to ‘A word or phrase’ as default.
• Click on the hard disk option in the ‘Look’ section.
• Then, under ‘More advanced options’, enable the check box associated with ‘Include subfolders’ and further click on ‘Search’.
• In the existing ‘Name’ column, you can see the OST file.

The default location for the OST file storage is as follows.
“C:\Documents and Settings\user name\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook”
Note: This applies to MS Windows 2000, MS Windows NT, MS Windows XP and MS Windows Server 2003.

• Right-click on the appropriate OST file and further select ‘Rename’ option.

Note: Rename the file with different file extension, for e.g., (.pre) file extension instead of (.ost) file format.

• In the ‘File’ menu, click on ‘Close’.
• Start MS Outlook, click on ‘Send/receive’ on the ‘Tools’ menu, and then click on ‘Send/Receive All’.

Note: The above said workaround methods requires technical expertise; as it involves the possibilities of file corruption and data loss.

Alternate Solution to Dissolve OST Synchronization Issue

If the error message corresponding to OST Synchronization takes place, the major risk that may rises as an aftermath is data loss due to OST corruption. The above mentioned procedures are lengthier and complex as well. Therefore, to recover data from the corrupted OST file; Exchange OST to PST Recovery software can be used. It can dissolve synchronization error between OST file and Exchange Server mailbox.

The tool can extract data from mail, contacts, tasks, journals, calendars and other mailbox folders and restores them back in the form of PST files. It is supported over MS Outlook 2013, 2010, 2007 and 2003 versions.