Problems With Sync Folders in Outlook 2003

• There are various reasons why your Outlook 2003 will not sync. computer image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com

  If you are having problems syncing your folders in Outlook 2003, there could be several problems with your Outlook folders and files. While some of problems can be fixed from your Outlook account, other problems need to be fixed by running repairing scans on your Outlook files and folders or performing manual repairs.

Broken or Corrupt Files

• You may not be able to sync your Outlook 2003 files because one or more of the files are broken or corrupt. A corrupt or broken file can happen due to system updates, faulty data and the misuse of the software programs that are used by Outlook. If you are running a software application as part of your Outlook 2003 program, this application may cause some files to break. To repair broken files and folders, you need to do a repairing scan on your Outlook files and folders from the "Run" option in the start menu. The scan will repair the broken files and folders and restore the Outlook files to the factory settings.

Inability to use or locate folder

• You may be unable to sync your Outlook folders because of a malfunctioning contacts folder. The contacts folder may not sync because it cannot make a direct connection to the Outlooks account you are using. To function properly, the contacts folder need to make a connection to the Outlook account using the personal folder files (.pst) stored on your computer. You need to manually connect the PST folders to the contacts folder to repair the problem. Locate the import/export option under your Outlook Tools bar and import your contacts folder. Within the contacts folder, highlight all of the PST files with the .pst extension. Click import and restart the Outlook program once the files have been imported.

Disabled Cached Exchange Mode

• When you first install Outlook 2003, the cached exchange mode will be activated. It can become deactivated during program updates, causing problems with the syncing. To reactivate the cached exchange mode in Outlook 2003, enter the email-accounts section under the Outlook Tools bar. Click on the "View or Change Existing e-mail Accounts" and click "Next." Select the "Microsoft Exchange Server" and click "Change." Select the "Use Cached Exchange Mode" under the "E-mail Accounts" section. Click "OK" and restart the program to activate the cached mode again.