An OST file is in use and could not be accessed…
If you’re a user of Outlook you may encounter the following error message on the rarest of occasions when attempting to open the application:
The file <OST file location> is in use and could not be accessed. Close any application that is using this file, and then try again.
This was after I had closed Microsoft Outlook 2013 which was mostly working fine apart from a Gmail account that had stopped working. I even checked the process list in Task Manager to see if outlook.exe was stuck but it wasn’t there.
One thing to try is closing applications that also integrate with Outlook – this may include apps such as Skype or Lync (which was the culprit in my particular case). Make sure your close the app(s) right down so make sure you check the system tray for hidden icons to make sure they are properly closed.
Once done, you should be able to fire up Outlook then your other apps and get on with it 🙂
Boydo
My name is Boyd and I’m a Service Management Specialist with a knack for operational data gathering, transformation, analysis and reporting.
In 2012, I obtained my Masters of Science in Information Technology through the University of New South Wales @ The Australia Defence Force Academy (UNSW@ADFA).
I was also part of an online community known as the Panasonic Insider Crew in the capacity of “Insider Guru” for Panasonic Australia where I interacted with other tech enthusiasts and find out more about Panasonic's latest gadgets.
I love technology, gadgets, and the Internet and maintain a keen interest in these areas locally, nationally, and globally. I hope by sharing my views on these topics that people will receive an honest point of view from someone with a genuine interest in these topics.
I have also written and edited articles for Neowin - you can check out my articles over @ https://www.neowin.net/news/poster/boyd_chan
I hope you enjoy reading my blog!
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