Outlook Fails to Open on Windows

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For this particular issue, the Outlook data file needs to be re-created.  You can do that with these steps:

 

1. Open Outlook and make note of the file path and file name listed at the top of the Inbox Repair Tool window (Usually something like: C:/Users/eID/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Outlook/eID@jmu.edu.ost)

2. Close Inbox Repair Tool and all Outlook windows

3. Open File Explorer

4. Select View in ribbon at the top, go to the far right, and check boxes next to File name extensions and Hidden items

5. Navigate to file path noted in step 1

6. Right-click on data file (Usually eID@jmu.edu.ost) and choose Rename

7. Add .old after .ost and confirm change

8. This file will be recreated as soon as you open Outlook but should preserve your added accounts and preferences

9. Open Outlook normally and close File Explorer once it opens

 

 

If you still get the same error message, be sure you have renamed the correct data file (.ost file) that is causing the issue. The problematic file can have a personal JMU email address in its name, or a shared mailbox name, or an internet calendar listed.

Details

Details

Article ID: 20286
Created
Thu 9/4/25 3:52 PM
Modified
Fri 9/12/25 3:00 PM