Hotmail OST is not an Outlook Data File Error

The primary purpose of this blog is to offer practical fixes for the often occurring Microsoft Outlook issue “Hotmail.ost is not an Outlook data file.” However, talking about solutions directly will be insufficient information. Thus, before I offer fixes for “Hotmail,” I will provide some fundamental facts to fix error “hotmail.ost cannot be accessed.”

An extra plugin called “Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector” is needed when setting up a Hotmail account in Microsoft Outlook. Microsoft Outlook generates .ost file to store emails, contacts, notes, calendar items, and more once you set up a Hotmail account. This OST file allows the user to read content even in the absence of an internet connection.

Why Hotmail.ost is not an outlook data file error is generated by Microsoft Outlook?

Until you remove your profile or uninstall Microsoft Outlook, the OST files generated by Outlook for your Hotmail account function properly. However, when you erase your profile or reinstall Microsoft Outlook, the OST file becomes unavailable and generates frequent errors like:

  • OST is not a data file from Outlook.
  • OST cannot be opened or viewed
  • It is not an offline folder.

Method: 1. Correct the Hotmail.ost error is not an Outlook data file.

This is a really useful way to stop using Hotmail.OST is neither Hotmail.ost cannot be opened  nor an offline folder. . Thus, simply follow these steps:

  • First, make sure the Hotmail account is deleted.
  • Close Outlook and remove the Outlook Hotmail Connector.
  • Remove the OST file that Microsoft Outlook produced.
  • The Outlook Hotmail Connector should now be reinstalled.
  • Outlook will generate a new OST file if you configure the same Hotmail account with a new profile.
  • Method: 2. Resolve the issue that Hotmail.ost is not an offline folder

    Several Microsoft MVPs have already proposed this excellent answer for the same question. Thus, make sure Outlook is operating in compatibility mode. Observe these steps:

    1. Navigate to Computer >> C Drive >> Program Files. (Program Files (x86) for 64-bit OS)
    2. Navigate to Microsoft Office >> Office 14.
    3. exe (application) >> properties is the result of a right-click.
    4. Uncheck the compatibility mode under the Compatibility menu, then click OK.

    Method: 3 Hotmail.ost is not an Outlook data file.  Fix Error By changing the file to .pst format

    Choose this most successful approach if nothing of the aforementioned strategies works. You may resolve these issues and access all valuable mail using Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and other versions by employing this dependable technique.

    • Install the tool’s free demo after downloading it: Add https://www.goldytools.com/ost-to-pst-converter.html
    • An OST file that has to be converted. Every item will be loaded and previewed by the tool.
    • After selecting dependable settings, click the Export button.

    FINAL THOUGHT

    You can look at these three ways to resolve Outlook issues, such as: Hotmail.OST is not a Outlook data file OR It is not possible to open the Hotmail.ost. The final technique is quite effective and operates under all circumstances, even damaged or orphaned OST files. I would thus advise you to recover data from inaccessible OST files using this straightforward technique.

ost-to-pst-converter