Resolving 'Errors in background synchronization' in Outlook

Microsoft Outlook offline folder (.ost file) is an advantage for users using Outlook in cache mode with Exchange Server, as this allows accessing e-mails, even in offline mode. An OST file is an exact copy of your data placed in your Exchange Server mailbox. To be completely accessible under Outlook, an OST file needs to be synchronized with Exchange Server on setting up a secure connection with the server. Failing synchronization will leave an unusable OST file that cannot be read by Outlook. The article mentions few of the possible reasons causing this behavior and solutions including Convert OST to PST in order to solve them.

Before coming to the cause and resolutions, let's elucidate this problem by a related example. A Microsoft Outlook user has configured the application to be used with Microsoft Exchange Server and thus has an OST file that it uses to synchronize with the server. The file contains data like, important business e-mails, appointments, contacts, etc. But suddenly, the user observes that Outlook folder cannot be synchronized with the server. On attempting to do so, synchronization fails and the below error message pops up:

"Errors in background synchronization. In most cases, further information is available in a sync.log in the Deleted Items folder. The Microsoft Exchange Server computer is not available. either there are network problems or the Microsoft Exchange Server computer is down for maintenance."

In some cases, there is no error report in Deleted Items folder, even though it has been mentioned in the error message. It specifically occurs when Microsoft Outlook is in offline mode.

Explanation

Microsoft explains this behavior on the grounds that Outlook cannot solve the NetBIOS name of Microsoft Exchange Server to the IP address. Thus, you should enter the correct name for IP address and NetBIOS.

If this has not been the issue, Exchange Server might be creating problems. Most likely, the Exchange Server is down or crashed. To retrieve OST file data, you need to Convert OST to a valid PST. This process is feasible only if use a third-party Convert OST to PST utility.

Stellar Phoenix Mailbox Exchange Desktop is a risk-free tool that can Convert OST and extract all its data and save it in a PST file, which is directly usable within Outlook. Supporting MS Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002, and 2000, the software includes a user-friendly interface that permits easy operation, even without any prior technical skills.