“Are you looking for a way to fix OST is not an Outlook data file? Trust yourself. You are at the right spot. Today! Here, we will disclose the effective ways to solve OST file not recognized by Outlook 2016 error code. So, go through the post, and know the best ways to fix this error code in a few moments.”

In this digital world, every user requires an efficient application to conduct daily communication, and MS Outlook is popular among them. Users prefer this application for better and smooth functioning. But often, Microsoft Outlook runs into error problems and causes corruption.

Hence, we consider these issues and come up with this comprehensive article to assist you in how to get rid of the error message “The File is not an Outlook data file (.ost) 2013. So, let’s begin the post.

Why OST File Not Recognised by Outlook 2016? Reasons Explained

There are various reasons why these error codes are generated, but we have listed some factors for better understanding.

• Oversized OST File
• Synchronization Errors with Exchange
• System Failure or Sudden Power Loss
• Bad Sector in Hard Drive
• Corrupt Outlook Profile

These are the leading causes why users face such error messages “OST is Not an Outlook Data File” Let’s check out how to overcome these error codes.

Expert Solution to Fix: The File is Not an Outlook Data File (.ost) 2016

If users are already aware of the highly technical guidelines of the manual solution to fix the error message, you don’t want to engage yourself in long manual tactics. In that case, we have an advanced solution for you, i.e., BitRecover OST to PST Converter Software.

It is an expert-recommended solution to fix the error message OST file not recognized by Outlook 2019 & below. Additionally, the software allows you to recover corrupted, damaged OST file data without any data modification.

The wizard comes out with an easy-to-use interface that all types of users can efficiently operate to fix the error code. Also, the tool is built with advanced algorithms that automatically detect the data file from the source.

Note: A free edition of the automated solution is available to evaluate toolkit performance on Windows, and Mac OS for free to fix OST is not an Outlook data file error message.

Automated Solution to Fix OST File Not Recognized By Outlook 2016

1. Run Software and Read the Instructions.
2. Now, the software will display the configured location of the data file, or users can manually upload the OST file.
   
   
3. Click on the “Use Recovery Mode” checkbox to convert the Corrupted or Damaged OST file.
   
4. Afterward, the software will analyze your account and generate a list of folders and sub-folders files.
   
5. Next, users must select the “Saving Option” as a “PST” file and apply the data filters per requirement.
   
6. Finally, select the designation location, and click on the “Convert” button to start the process.
   

That’s all for a smart solution to fix OST is not an Outlook data file error message. Once the process gets completed, users will get a success notification. Click on Ok Button. Next, users can easily import PST to Outlook account by following strings-

Manual Solution to Fix Outlook OST Error Code

Below, we are going to list some manual ways to solve OST file not recognized by Outlook 2013. To fix these errors manually, we have two different tricks that will help you. Also, users must go through each step adequately to get desired results.

Method 1: Use In-built Functionality to Troubleshoot Error

We have already explored why the OST file gets corrupted, and these errors can easily be troubleshoot by using Outlook Profile Repair Functionality.

Follow the below steps to solve “the file is not an Outlook data file (.ost) 2016.”

1. Launch Outlook, Navigate to File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings.
   
2. From the “Ribbon Bar,” click on “Email” Tab.
3. Click on the Repair Option.
   
4. In the Next “Repair Account Window,” check the details and click on “Next.”
5. Afterward, Outlook will run the test and fix the error messages.
   

Note: Outlook Will Perform Three checks to eliminate errors. Once done, restart Outlook and review for the error is resolved or not. If not, users can re-create the OST file.

Method 2: Re-Create OST File

This trick only works when your account is connected to an exchange server or IMAP server. If the above condition is satisfied, you must re-locate the damaged OST file to another location. Follow the steps to find and delete or shift the File to another location.

1. Again Open Outlook and move to File>> Account Settings >> Account Settings.
2. Click on “Data Files” and select “Open File Location.”
   
   
3. Next, navigate to the file location, and delete or move it.
4. Now, Open Outlook will generate a new OST file.

Note: Please maintain backup while performing manual steps because manual solutions are unreliable, and there is no manual solution to Import OST files into Outlook, as shown in screenshot.

Frequently Asked Questions by Users

Q) How Do I Repair an OST File in Outlook 2016?

Solution: Users can use Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) to diagnose and repair minor errors. The Inbox Repair Tool checks the configured data file whether they are in a healthy state or not.

Q) Why Do OST File Gets Corrupted?

Solution: There are various reasons behind the corruption of OST files. Also, in the above post, we have explained some of them.

Q) Can I View OST file Content without Outlook?

Solution: Yes, these users have to download BitRecover OST Viewer Wizard. It is a free solution that lets users view OST file content with all emails and attachments without installing any other application.

Q) How to Fix OST is Not an Outlook Data File Error Manually?

Solution: If you want to fix the File is not an Outlook data file (.ost) 2016 error code, then you can take help from these six points for good.

1. Update Windows and Restart
2. Repair Outlook Profile
3. Create a New Outlook Profile
4. Disable Cached Exchange Mode
5. Recreate Outlook OST File
6. Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant

Q) How Do I Find My Outlook OST File?

Solution: The location for the OST file depends upon the Outlook edition you are using. By default, it stores all the data files in local directories of the computer, and the path will be: C:\Users\admin (User-Name)\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook.

Q) Is There Any Difference Between the Demo and Pro Edition of Software?

Solution: No, the software demo edition works similarly to the licensed edition of the wizard. The only difference is demo edition works with a limited number of files for unlimited conversion users have to activate the licensed key.

Q) How Much Time Does the Software Delivery Take after Placing the Order?

Solution: When you reach to checkout windows users have to provide email address, and an software activation key will be delivered to your mailbox within 15 minutes. If, you face any king issue with the activation key, then fell from to contact us. Our support team always ready to help you all days in a week.

So There You Have It

Above in this article, we have explained the reliable way to solve OST is not an Outlook data file error message. We have listed the manual and automated solution to fix these issues. Users can opt for any of the methods required to solve OST file not recognized by Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, etc.

Next Read: Split Large Size PST into Small One