Exchange Server is Unavailable Troubleshooting

“I am a Microsoft Office MS Outlook user. Few days back, I got an error message while accessing my Outlook profile, as “Your Microsoft Exchange Server is unavailable.” At that time, I had done nothing, but the error had been resolved on its own. However, I am facing the same error once again. I am amazed, as I have never faced this kind of issue, until the last time I encountered it. Can anyone help me out to rectify this error permanently?”

In present arena, there is a huge advancement in technology sector. Email has become one of the famous as well as integral medium to perform cross-interaction. In between all of this, Outlook has become a well-known platform and come up with the option of synchronization with Exchange Server. However, at times, users are unable to connect their account of MS Outlook through Exchange. This is when the error Exchange Server is not available occurs. Some more possible reasons behind this error are mentioned below.

Reasons For Microsoft Exchange Server is not Available

These are some possible reasons behind Exchange Server is not available error:

  • Configuration of Outlook Profile Manually
  • Network Connectivity problem
  • In appropriate setup of MS Outlook
  • Internal breakage & Low network connection
  • Missing of default gateway configuration
  • Corruption is OST File

Resolution to Fix “Error Exchange Server was Not Found”

There are two manual methods to resolve this error. One is manual and the other one is automated solution. Let us discuss Manual approach first.

Manual Approach

There are 4 popular method manual methods to fix the error as discussed below

Solution 1

Verify Outlook File are Locked

At times, users accidentally may set ready only mode for both the files i.e. PST and OST. Therefore, in such situations, simply mark the permission & make certain that they are not in ready only mode. This how the mode can be checked:

  • For PST- C:UsersAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook
  • For OST- C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice12

Solution 2

Verify the Interference of Third party application

This third party may even include anti-virus and from the interference of third-party tool, Outlook unable to connect with MS Exchange Server. In such situation, try to run Outlook in safe mode.

Solution 3

Check Corruption in Microsoft Outlook File

While upgrading Outlook files, they may get corrupted or damaged. For this, you need to check file with .dat extension. In case of corruption, delete or rename the file.

Important Note: Outcmd.dat files cannot be recreated because it stores settings of customized toolbar. Therefore, once deleted these settings cannot be applied after that.

  • Frmcache.dat – C:Documents and SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftForms
  • Views.dat – C:Documents and SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook
  • Outcmd.dat – C:Documents and SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook
  • Extend.dat – C:Documents and SettingsLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook

Solution 4

Change the Registry

Note: Always take backup of the data before opting for modification in registry and execute the exact modification as in accurate modification may lead to more errors.

Verify that the error occurs during the configuration of default gateway for setting. In such case, fix the value of DWORD to the registry subkey. This can be done by rename it as ‘DefConnectOpts.’ Use this Subkey

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook\RPC

Fix it yourself in MS Outlook 2007 & 2010

For Outlook 2007 Users

  • Firstly, you need to click on Start and then on Run
  • Now, in the box mention Regedit and click on OK
  • After this, click on Find and go to subkey

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook\RPC

  • Now, hit on Edit>> New>>DWORD Value
  • Once it is done, type in DefConnectOpts & press Enter
  • To proceed further, Right-click on DefConnectOpts
  • After this, click on Modify
  • In value data box, put 0 and hit on OK

For Outlook 2010 Users

  • First, click on Start>>Run
  • In the Open box, type in Regedit
  • Now, click on OK and Find
  • Go to subkey

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook\RPC

  • After this, click on the Edit, then on New
  • Hit on DWORD Value and type in DefConnectOpts
  • Once it is done, press ENTER and a right click on DefConnectOpts
  • Now, hit on Modify. Put 0, In Value data box
  • Finally, click on OK button

Alternative Method

Without any doubt, there are many third-party utilities available in the online market, but the real challenge is to pick a trustworthy program. One such reliable tool is OST Recovery. This tool can help, in case the error occurs due to corruption in OST files. It is a quick, easy and ultimate solution and comes up a very simple interface.

Final Words

Users of Microsoft Outlook may synchronize it with Exchange Server. As mentioned above, sometimes due to several reasons it gives an error “Exchange Server is Unavailable.” Therefore, to fix this error the user need to perform some manual solutions. Moreover, in case, failure of manual method they can go for a third party utility.