[Solved] Cannot Display the Folder
Fixing the "Cannot display the folder. Outlook cannot access the specified folder location" error — typically resolved by deleting or renaming your OST file.
The error "Cannot display the folder. Outlook cannot access the specified folder location. Could not open the item. Try again." is frustrating but usually straightforward to fix. Try Option 1 first — it resolves the issue in most cases.
Option 1 — Delete or rename the OST file
In Outlook, click File > Account Settings > Data Files to find the location of your OST file. Then close Outlook completely.
Navigate to the OST file path — typically:
C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
Find the .ost file and rename it to .bak or .old (or delete it). Restart Outlook — a new OST file will be created automatically and your mail will resync.
Option 2 — Create a new Outlook profile
If Option 1 doesn't resolve the issue, create a new Outlook profile:
- Press Windows Key + R, type
controland press Enter - Find and click Mail
- Click Show Profiles
- Click Add and give the profile a name (e.g. "New Profile")
- Complete with your email details
- Select Always use this profile, choose the new profile and click OK
Launch Outlook — your profile will open and begin downloading mail.
Issue resolved
Outlook should now open and display your folders correctly. If the problem returns, consider running an Outlook Quick Repair via Apps > Microsoft Office > Modify.
Still having trouble?
Submit a support ticket and our team will take a look.