How to Fix Outlook Cannot Display the Folder Error

Summary: Are you experiencing an Outlook cannot display the folder error when trying to open a specific email? The file is likely available on your computer, but Outlook cannot access it. However, the article will walk you through some troubleshooting steps to determine the cause of the error. Microsoft Outlook cannot display the folder issue; hopefully, it will resolve it.

Outlook is a top-rated email application that manages many different types of emails. However, sometimes we face different kinds of errors. Recently, I got a shared mailbox cannot display the folder error. This error can happen for various reasons like a corrupt Outlook profile, a few other issues in Outlook, etc. Now, we will discuss what are the reasons behind this error.

Why Does Outlook Cannot Display The Folder

If you’re having trouble opening Outlook profiles or folders. There are a few causes why Microsoft Outlook cannot access the specified folder location.

  • OST file corruption is a significant problem that can stop opening the Outlook folder.
  • A virus or malware interrupts the application.
  • Outlook in compatibility mode, an interruption in file synchronization can cause OST files to become corrupt.
  • The folder’s visible permission is not set.
  • Software plugins conflict with the functionality of the Outlook application.

Methods to Fix Outlook Cannot Display the Folder Error

You have now learned why you cannot display the folder error when retrieving search results in Outlook. In the next section, we’ll look at the easiest method to fix the Outlook cannot display the folder error. If you want to send secure mail in Outlook you can read this post.

Method 1: Rename or Delete OST File

If you are an OST file user who cannot display a folder error, this could result from synchronization failures. To fix this, you will want to rename or delete the OST file.

  1. Launch the Outlook application on your system.
  2. Click the File button on the top-left corner of the menu.
  3. Select the data file to view the location of your OST file.
  4. Go to the OST file path, rename the file or delete the OST file.
  5. Now, restart the Outlook application, and a new OST file will probably get created.

Delete OST File

Method 2: Turn Off Cached Mode

It’s a good idea to turn off Cache Mode in Outlook if an error occurs for a shared mailbox or on an exchange account.

  1. Click on the File option that is available on the menu bar.
  2. Navigate to the Account Settings section and select Account Settings from the list.
  3. Uncheck the Use cached exchange mode box.
  4. Restart the Microsoft Outlook software.

Account Settings section

Method 3: Disable Outlook Add-ins

Have you recently added add-ins to Outlook? One of those add-ins might be causing Outlook cannot display the folder error. If you follow the step-by-step instructions and remove the add-in from your account, the error may be fixed. If Outlook keeps asking for password you can read this post.

  1. Select File from the list of options in Outlook.
  2. Click on the Options.
  3. Pick the add-ins option, and then click on the Go button.
  4. Unselect the Add-ins box and hit the Ok button.

Method 4: Run Outlook in Safe Mode

  1. Press the shortcut key Win+R on the keyboard to bring up the Run dialogue box.
  2. Alternatively, you can type Run in the Windows search bar, and press Enter to open the Run dialogue box.
  3. Then, type outlook.exe safe in the run dialogue box and click the OK button.

For more way to open Outlook in safe mode you can also read this blog.

Method 5: Create an Outlook Profile

Additionally, you can create a new profile in Outlook by going to the “Options” menu in your email. To create new MS Outlook profile, follow the steps below.

  1. Click on the Start button and find the Control Panel.
  2. In the Search field, type Control Panel.
  3. Drag out the Control Panel window and click on the Mail setup icon.
  4. Then click the Show profiles button.
  5. After that, click Add and enter a name for the profile.
  6. Click Next to configure the profile.

Method 6: Repair Outlook File Using Scanpst.Exe

If the above method fails to resolve the issue. So, you need to repair corrupt PST files causing the error. Follow the steps to repair the PST file.

  1. Open the file, and start the scan.
  2. Now select Repair after the scan identifies problems.
  3. Once the scan ends, open the file with Outlook using the profile you used previously.

Method 7: Change the Folders Visible Permission

If you’re having problems accessing your Outlook in a given folder, you can try changing the visible folder permission. However, administrators of the shared Outlook account can do this for you.

You’ll need your Exchange account and your Exchange server to gain this functionality. Ensure that each of these points is confirmed before you start.

Outlook cannot display the folder

  1. Go to the Folders pane, then click on the Public folder.
  2. Next, click Properties and then set the permissions.
  3. Under the Permissions, set your permission level.
  4. As an admin, you have all permissions.
  5. Then you can set permissions according to your preferences.
  6. To grant permission to other users to make the folder visible, turn on the checkbox next to Folder visible.
  7. If you turn off this checkbox, tap Edit.
  8. Then, save the file settings by tapping OK.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are encountering the Outlook cannot display the folder issue, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and fix the problem. First, try restarting your computer and your email program. If that does not work, try clearing your cache and cookies in your web browser and reinstalling your email program.

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