Removing Outlook "Temporary Mailbox" Notification

The Ohio State University at Lima
Technical Bulletin #200908170815

Problem:  When Outlook starts, you are presented with a box that says:  "Your mailbox has been temporarily moved on the MS Exchange server.  A temporary mailbox exists, but might not have all of your previous data.  You can connect to the temporary mailbox or work offline with all of your old data.  If you choose to work with your old data you cannot send or receive email messages."  There are three buttons to choose from Temporary Mailbox, Old Data, and Cancel.

Solution:  Remove your current Exchange profile

For Windows XP:

1. Open Control Panel | Mail | Profiles | Show profiles

2. Highlight the current Exchange profile being used and select Remove.

3. Select Yes when you are asked if you are sure.

4. Select OK

5. Open My Computer.  Navigate to the following folder:  C:\Documents and Settings\ <username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook  

   where <username> is your login username.    *See Notes

6. Highlight and delete the Outlook .ost file.

7. Create a new profile, which will create a new .ost file.  Open Control Panel | Mail | Profiles | Show profiles, Select Add.  Give the profile a name.  Any name will do.  Select OK.  Take the defaults and select Next until it finishes, the select Finish.  You may need to re-establish shared calendars.  You will need to tell Outlook to use your signature file.  (See Outlook Signatures 8/17/2009)

*Notes:  The Outlook .ost files are in folders that are hidden by default.  If you are trying to navigate to these folders and cannot see them, you may need to change the settings in Explorer:

1. Open My Computer

2. Select Tools menu, then Folder Options, then View tab

3. Check the button for Show hidden files and folders

4. Uncheck the box for Hide protected Operating System files (recommended)

5. Click Yes when you are asked for confirmation.

6. Select Apply and OK.