How to Resolve Outlook Not Responding Error

“I do not know what is wrong with my Outlook; whenever I tried to access it an error comes “Outlook is not responding.” I have lots of pending work to complete, but I do not know how to get out of this annoying situation. Please anyone suggest me an appropriate method to rectify Microsoft Outlook not responding error message. ”

These types of Microsoft Outlook issues create a big hurdle in front of users many times. As we all know, that most of the organizations are dependent on MS Outlook to perform cross-communication and bring collaborative results for a successful business. However, there are situations when users get stuck in some problematic situation while accessing Outlook. In the following blog, we will discuss causes along with the methods to fix Outlook freezes when opening error. 

Factors Responsible Behind Outlook Not Responding Error

Unlike any other email application, MS Outlook is prone to corruption. Some of the reasons behind outlook not responding are:

• Non availability of proper network 
• Improper settings of Outlook profile or server 
• Latest updates are not installed 
• Large size of mailbox 
• Corruption in the profile of user 

To resolve this error, it is very important that we should have the knowledge of the actual reason behind the error. Let us now proceed further to rectify the error from Outlook.

How To Rectify “Outlook Gets Stuck on Starting” Error

It is a common error in, which Outlook generally get stuck on a screen, where it is shown as processing. In some other cases it just freeze or hang while, you are trying to open a file or trying to mail anyone. Rectification of this error is required as soon as possible to avoid any loss of data. These are some manual tricks to get rid of this error:

Installation of Latest Updates
It is possible that office installed in your system is not up-to-date. Therefore, if this is the case then, you just need to install latest, recommended Microsoft updates and need to delete all the files, which are not Up-to-date.

Avoid Synchronization of Outlook
This is one of the possible reasons for this error. If you are using Auto Archive feature of Outlook or you have synchronized the mobile/any device to Outlook then, the possibility of this error becomes large. In such scenarios, Outlook may stop responding. Therefore, it is suggested to avoid the synchronization of Microsoft Outlook.

Open Outlook In Safe Mode
You can run Outlook in safe mode as Add-ins and customization files would not be there when you execute Outlook in safe mode. For this,

1. Type outlook.exe/safe in command line 
2. Then, click on Yes. 
3. This may resolve the issue. If it does, then it is clear that there is some problem in one of the Add-ins.

Disable Outlook Add-ins
If, you are facing the problem of “Outlook Not Responding” error for the first time, then turn off Add-ins, which is recently installed one-by-one. In Outlook 2010 or 2013, follow these steps:

1. Firstly, switch to “File” and click on “Options” 
2. Then, select “Add-ins” and click on “Go” 
3. Finally, “uncheck” the add-ins and then, restart Outlook.
4. Reconstruction of Office Programs 

User can also try this method of repairing Office programs, if the problem persists.

• Close Microsoft Office application 
• Open Control panel after this. 
• Make a right click on Microsoft Office and select the changes you made. 
• Now, you need to select Repair option and click on Continue to execute. 
• Shorten The Size Of Mailbox

Heavy mailbox size is also responsible for the error to occur. Therefore, to reduce the size of mailbox, follow these steps, if you are using Outlook 2013 or 2010:

• Firstly, make a right click on your Personal folder. 
• You need to select Data File Properties there and then click on Advanced >> Compact Now 
• You can reduce the size using archiving option also. 

Manual Methods Failed- What Next?
The above-mentioned manual methods are not reliable, as there are scenarios when they fail to rectify this error“Outlook stopped working on startup” and may even results in loss of data if not performed appropriately. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to switch to a third party utility.

Automated Solution
OST and PST, these two files are associated with Outlook. Therefore, it is possible that Outlook not responding error occurs due to corruption in any of these two files. With Inbox Repair Tool, users can repair minor corruption, but to fix severe corruption, they have to use a third party tool. One such tool is OST Recovery Software. Using this software the user can easily repair OST files regardless of the amount of corruption. This Extract OST to PST tool comes up with so many unique features and is capable to fix various errors of Outlook such as Outlook not responding.

Conclusion
“Outlook Not Responding” is one of the common errors for Outlook users. As the matter of fact, that it is tough to resolve the issue easily with the help of manual methods, we have discussed an expert solution as well. User can opt for this, if manual procedures fail to rectify the issue.

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How to Reduce OST File Size in Outlook

We all are aware of the fact that OST files stand for Offline Storage Table. It is the exact copy of the user’s mailbox on MS Exchange Server saved locally on your machine. The OST files are made for the main purpose like to work offline in absence if MS Exchange Server. It even comprises of entire MS Outlook information till the time of last synchronization.

Why a need arises to reduce OST file size ?

The very first reason behind the reducing OST files size is that sometimes your Outlook mailboxes grow in size and hence you receive or create new items and it makes the OST files so large. The OST file size may decrease in case you have deleted some items. It makes the system slow and thus enhances the system’s speed and also consumes the storage space. So, instead of buying a new disk, it seems to compact Offline Storage Folders.

The moment you delete the Offline Folders Mail, it goes to the deleted items folder. The simple thing is that all the items can be recovered from the deleted item folder; it implies that still some space is consumed by OST files. The very basic fact about the OST file is that the space consumed by them is unavailable for the other uses. It makes the OST files bigger and just bigger over times and even if you delete few of the items or keep the same record in MS Outlook.

Compacting OST files reduces the space allotment that was previously occupied by few items. So, through the method of compact Outlook OST file, some of the previously stored items occupied space can be reduced. Alternatively the users can even convert OST to PST for preventing it from the future corruption issues.

Now, one of the major concerns is how to reduce OST file size in MS Outlook?

For Microsoft Outlook 2007 

1. Delete the items that you don’t want to keep in OST files
2. Empty the deleted items folder
3. Click on File Tab and choose Info Tab 
4. Finally, click on the Account Settings Tab and then hit it again
5. Choose MS Exchange Server Account ID and then click on change option
6. Select More Settings option and then opt for the advance tab and click on Offline folder file settings
7. Finally, click on Compact Now alternative and then click Ok.

For MS Outlook 2010

1. Delete items that you don’t want to store  OST files
2. Empty deleted items folder
3. Click File Menu and then choose Info Tab
4. Click Account Settings Tab and then again click on Account Settings 
5. Select Exchange Server Account ID and then press Change button
6. Click More Settings Alternative
7. Select Advance tab, click on Offline Folder File Storage
8. Select Compact Now and then click Ok 

For Microsoft Outlook 2013
For compacting OST files in Outlook 2013, follow the steps listed below:

1. Delete the items that you don’t want store in OST file
2. Then, empty the deleted items folder
3. Click file and select Info folder
4. Select Account Settings tab and click on Account Settings again
5. Choose MS Exchange Server Account ID and click on Change Button
6. Click More Settings and on Advance tab, click Outlook Data File Settings 
7. Finally, select Compact Now and then click OK button

Note: Make sure that the OST files size is equal or greater than 16 KB. Users may not be able to compact OST files manually in case, the size is completely less than 16 KB. Additionally, this alternative cannot compact corrupted OST files.

Now, the question arises that what will happen if your OST file becomes corrupted because of its large size.
The question has a very simple answer that if OST files exceed the default minimum size, it can cause corruption and then data loss. The compact option doesn’t work in these circumstances because a corrupted OST files can’t be compacted. In such circumstances, making use of a professional tool is the best possible way out. The best way out in these circumstances, Microsoft OST to PST Converter Tool is the best one out. The tool has many brilliant features that differentiates it with other software’s and thus leaves its impact on the users. The tool can be downloaded from its parent website and thus the users can get to know it from every inner section. So, keep connected to the software and compact Offline Storage Folders.

The Final Verdict!
The above mentioned article helps the users with understanding the concept of reducing & compacting OST files in different Outlook versions. So, follow the entire write-up and get your query resolved.

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Manual Steps To Perform OST to Office 365 Migration Successfully

OST file if the offline folder of the Outlook data file, which cannot be accessed from anywhere except the Outlook profile which has created it. As everybody knows having data on a cloud platform has many advantages. For example, a user can access the mailbox data from anywhere without any dependency. It works like backup file also in the case of data loss. Therefore, if a user wants to move OST file to Office 365 account, then first convert OST file to PST format. After that, a user can import it to Office 365 account. Hence, in this post, we have discussed manual steps to perform OST to Office 365 migration.

Manual Method to Import OST into Office 365 Account

In order to perform OST to Exchange Online migration, there is no direct manual solution available. Therefore, a user need to perform this migration in two parts i.e., first export Offline OST to Outlook PST format and after that import it to Exchange Online. Now, to perform this migration task in an appropriate way, follow the steps mentioned below:

Manual 1: Use Export Feature of Outlook 

To export files from offline OST to Outlook, follow the steps mentioned below: 

• First of all, open MS Outlook application 
• Then, navigate to File >> Export to a file >> Next button 
• After that, choose Personal File Folder (.pst) option and click on Next button 
• Now, choose the folder that you want to convert and check the Include subfolders option 
• In last, select the destination location to save the exported file on the system and click on the Finish button 

Limitation: A user must be connected to MS Exchange Server to perform the above steps.

Manual 2: Use Archive Feature of MS Outlook.

• Open Microsoft Outlook application on the local machine.
• After that, click on the File >> Archive option 
• Then, choose the file or folder that you want to archive 
• Now, choose the destination to store the archived .pst file 
• Click on the OK button and begin the archive process 

Limitation: Using this manual solution, a user can migrate complete OST file data except contacts.

Manual 3: Export Offline OST to new PST

• To begin, open MS Outlook application on the local machine 
• After that, create a new Outlook Data File (.pst) in the Outlook profile 
• Now, select the mailbox folders that needs to exported in Outlook PST file 

Limitation: This method does not allow to move inbox, Sent items, Contacts, etc. the default folders to PST file. Therefore, just copy the folder from OST to Outlook PST file.

Step 2: Import PST file to Office 365 Account

After OST to Outlook data file (.pst) conversion, a user needs to import the resultant PST file to Office 365 account. Now, to do the same, a user can use any of the three methods:

Method 1: With the Help of Drive Shipping

A user can use this method to move data to OneDrive for the Business. Initially, a user has to copy the data from PST file data to hard drive (make sure that the hard drive is BitLocker-encrypted). After that, move the drive to the Microsoft data center physically.

Method 2: Using Network Upload Method

In order to transfer or copy Personal Storage Table into Office 365 account in less time, follow the steps given below:

• First of all, copy SAS URL and then, install the Azure AzCopy 
• After that, move PST file into Office 365 mailbox 
• Now, you can view the list of PST files uploaded or saved to Exchange Online (Optional) 
• Then, create the .pst import mapping file 
• In last, create a Personal Storage Table import job in the Office 365 

Drawbacks of Manual Procedures

The manual solution is very lengthy and time consuming.
The uploading of PST file takes lots of time and effort in the case of large-sized PST file in bulk.
If any of the steps is not performed properly, there are chances of data deletion or corruption.

Method 3: Third-party Tool to Perform OST to Office 365 Migration

As discussed above, there is no direct manual solution available to import OST to Office 365 account. Moreover, the manual methods discussed have some limitations, which make users switch to some third-party tool for an ideal solution. One such popular tool is OST to Office 365 Converter software. It import OST file to Exchange Online in just a few number of clicks and overcome all the limitations of manual solutions. It is a guaranteed solution to move OST file without any loss of data.

Conclusion
Considering the need of users to import OST file to Office 365, various manual solutions are discussed above. The manual solutions are completely free to use but they are not easy to use and have various limitations. So, to overcome all such drawbacks, a direct solution is also suggested to move OST to Exchange Online.

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Cannot Open OST File in Outlook 2016, 2013, and 2010 : Troubleshoot Error

The blog states different causes, which are responsible for “Cannot open OST file in Outlook 2016, 2013, and 2010” problem. This will provide solutions on how to make .ost file accessible. It covers manual as well as automated workaround for the same.

The term OST stands for offline storage table files that acts as a copy of the Exchange server. It permits users to work with Outlook when the Cached Exchange mode is activated. An OST file can only be operated from its primary account, which created it. The offline folder gets generated when Outlook is configured with the Microsoft Exchange server.

There are several advantages of using Outlook OST files. The file not only works as the copy of mailbox folder of the Exchange server but, helps in automatic synchronization made on the Exchange server. When this server gets connected with the client machine, the OST file automatically gets synced and all the mailboxes are added, edited, or deleted when the connection gets re-established. Basically, an OST file renders an ease in continuing functionality even in the server mailbox unavailability.

What Makes OST Files Inaccessible?

There are some known and unknown causes of the problem. Talking about corrupt offline folders then, the program indicates “Cannot Open OST file in Outlook 2016 / 2013 / 2010” error. Apart from this, the application denies using of file and restricts one from working upon it. Well, discussing about an actual reason for the frequent OST Corruption when it is improperly synchronized with the server. This improper functioning is held due to lack of the internet connection. Some of such common issues are provided below :

1. Damaged offline folder
2. Power surge 
3. Malware attacks
4. Failure over the network
5. Improper program handling

When users are completely unable to work with OST file, there is no manual tip or trick to regain data back. The only approach left in such case is to opt for OST to PST application.

Note : When this concept of OST file gets implicit, one have to understand the concept of PST file. It is so because a person needs to understand an accurate difference between OST and PST file.

Methods to Fix Error

Approach #1 : Recreate OST Files From Server
The execution of this approach requires backup of Outlook OST file in .pst format. Microsoft team recommended Outlook 2010, 2013, and 2016 users to recreate OST file whenever it gets corrupted. This involves deletion of existing file from the server and then re-creation of the same.

Once you are done with OST file recreation, move items from PST file into a newly created OST file. Now a question arises that how to perform this data transferring? Don’t worry, here is the solution for the same :

• Navigate towards File >> Open >> Import 
• Choose Import from another program option and hit on Next
• A list of options get displayed in which you have to select Outlook data file (.pst) option and hit Next
• Click on the Browse button and locate towards the path where PST file is exported
• An Option section will be found in which you have to enable option Do not import duplicates. This is going to eliminate all duplicate items from PST file while data transferring.
• Click on Next and then under Select destination folder section, choose the folder where data items are to be imported.
• At last, hit on Next >> Finish button

Approach #2 : Execute the OST Integrity Check Tool
The approach is only applicable for clients who works upon Outlook 2007 and all below versions. Here, one will be using scanost.exe file, which is involving following working steps :

Note : Before proceeding further, close MS Outlook and all programs associated with the same.

• Click on the scanost.exe utility to start its execution
• In case, you have set up MS Outlook profile then, software will display a window. Here, you have to choose profile that comprises of damaged .ost file . 
• Utility will ask you to choose anyone of the two network connectivity issue. Choose Connect option.
• Depending upon your preferences, choose the accurate option. Well, click on Repair Error option for repairing the error.

Tip : If you will not enable repair error option then, software will not properly resolve the issue. So, do not forget to check the required checkbox   

• Hit on Begin to command utility that it should start its functionality.
• Challenges in Manual Approaches

The approaches require technical expertise in Outlook. It is so because if something went wrong then, it is going to affect other programs of the PC.

scanost.exe tool will be handling corruption at very low level. This utility will be unable to solve corruption at major level.  The workaround involves more time in its completion. Since, the procedure is server dependent therefore, it is tedious as well as time-consuming.

Approach #3 : Using OST to PST Converter to Troubleshoot Issue
When manual approaches fail in resolving the error like “Cannot open OST file in Outlook 2016, 2013, and 2010” then, the only measure left is to opt for third party tools. One such application is OST to PST Converter that is a multifaceted product, helping one in converting OST files into PST format. It is 100% guaranteed that tool will definitely fix problem without any data loss and complications. The exporter supports file of unlimited size and works upon any level of file corruption.

Observational Verdict
The major cause of “Cannot open OST file in Outlook 2016, 2013, and 2010” problem comprises is .ost file corruption. This means that users have to deal with corrupt OST file to get rid off this issue. Users can leverage for manual approaches only if they are ready to suffer from data loss. If not then, benefit yourself by using Recover OST to PST  utility for resolving issue without any data integrity risk.

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