How to Fix Cannot Open Default Email Folders?

Does it show an error – “Cannot open your default email folders, the information store could not be opened”? You can find out in this write-up to understand the fastest way to fix it. This problem can be annoying, especially if you rely on email for work or communication objectives. But don’t worry! You can try a few resolutions to resolve this case and get back to your emails quickly. This write-up discusses two different ways: a manual approach and a professional OST Recovery Tool.

Why can’t I open my folders in Outlook?

Companies rely on Outlook for business communications. Its functionalities are easy to use and come with multiple functions that can meet the requirements of most individual or business users. Generally, you have no trouble accessing Outlook emails. But sometimes a Microsoft Outlook error message cannot open your default email folders pops up. Before solving the problem, let’s look at what may cause this error message to appear.

• Your .ost file format, also known as your offline Outlook data file, is corrupted and needs to be repaired or replaced.
• You are running Outlook in compatibility mode.

Now that you understand the potential causes, let’s see how you can designate the “cannot open Outlook folders” issue.

How Do I Restore Cannot Open Default Email Folders?

Follow these straightforward troubleshooting actions below to quickly rectify the error and recover access to your default email folder.

Solution 1: Delete a Corrupted OST File

OST files are offline storage tables that hold a replica of the actual mailbox on the Exchange server. This copy is synchronized after specific time breaks. Thus, it allows the account owner to access the mailboxes every time, even if there is no server connection. To reconstruct the OST file, first delete the previous configuration file that you are not operating. 

Follow the way mentioned below to delete the corrupted file.

1. Tap the Window + R to open the Run prompt.
2. Type this  %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook in the Run box.
3. This will take you to the OST data file saved location. 
4. Now, mark the corrupt OST file which you want to delete. 
5. Click the Delete option.

Solution 2: Create a New OST File

If the error “Outlook error cannot open your default email folders” is still not fixed after going via the overhead mentioned steps. Then create a new configuration file.

1. Run Microsoft Outlook after this go to the File section.
2. Choose the Info option and click Account Settings.
3. Pick Microsoft Exchange and Select the Email tab.
4. Click Offline Folder File Settings.
5. Type the temp path you like to use. 

Solution 3: Turn Off Compatibility Mode

If you are still seeing the error message, you are probably running Outlook through compatibility mode. You must turn off “compatibility mode” to proceed with this operation.

1. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office XX\Outlook.exe.
2. Right-click on Outlook.exe and navigate to Properties.
3. Uncheck to Run this program in the compatibility mode box.

Solution 4: Access your Outlook File in the Safe Mode

Faulty plug-ins can cause mistakes in the soft functioning of Outlook. When you access Outlook in safe mode, it safeguards all installed plug-ins and permits you to access Outlook’s email folder.

1. Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut and type outlook.exe /safe.
2. Now, you can Select Options “Default Outlook”.
3. Your Outlook will start in safe mode. 

Microsoft Outlook error message cannot open your default email folders now resolved. If not, then I recommend to you that you go with a professional solution to remove this error.

Solution 5: Professional Way to Keep Your Outlook Email Safe

Email plays a very significant role in our daily life and work activity. If they are accidentally deleted, damaged, or corrupted, you will lose them ultimately. If you encounter an error in Outlook, it can cause inconvenience to your work. To guarantee that you always have convenient and efficient access to them, it is suggested that you backup Outlook emails frequently. Here I recommend the best Outlook software DRS OST Recovery Tool to remove the cannot open your default email folders error.

Steps to Fix Cannot Open Default Email Folders in Outlook

Now, follow these stages to keep your data safe and remove the error message:

1. Download and install the DRS OST Recovery Tool on your computer.
2. Then after, select the OST file to recover into the Open section.
3. You can select OST File along with selecting the temp path.
4. The scanning process is completed for the selected OST File
5. Now, click on the Save button to save the recovered OST file. 

Conclusion

This write-up describes the potential explanations for “cannot open your default email folders” in Outlook. Also, introduce 5 effective ways to solve this problem. If you are working with this trouble, follow the advice in the write-up to check the reason and fix it thoroughly. If you don’t like to lose any crucial data in Outlook, it is instructed that you back up Outlook emails repeatedly. The recovery tool suggested in the write-up has many other useful characteristics, such as cloning. Feel free to download its demo version and try it out.

Related: Post: Top 5 OST Recovery Tools.