XCLN: Err Msg: The Set of Folders Could Not Be Opened (156304)

SUMMARY

When you start the Microsoft Exchange client with a new profile in offline mode for the first time, the following error message appears:

The set of folders could not be opened. You must connect to your Microsoft Exchange Server computer with the current profile before you can synchronize your folders with your offline folder file.

When you click OK, the Microsoft Exchange client opens, but any attempt to access your mailbox results in the same error message.

The offline folder file (.OST) must be fully synchronized with the computer running Microsoft Exchange Server in online mode before it can be used offline.

CAUSE

This occurs when you use the Inbox Setup Wizard to create a profile and answer Yes to the Microsoft Exchange Server service question "Do you travel with this computer?" The result is that a default offline folder file is created in the system directory (that is, C:\WINDOWS\ EXCHANGE.OST for Windows or SYSTEM FOLDER, PREFERENCES, EXCHANGE PROFILES, OFFLINE FOLDERS for Macintosh operating systems) and the option "Choose the connection type when starting" is selected.

When you start the Microsoft Exchange client using this profile, you are presented with the choice to connect or work offline. If you choose to work offline, and you have not yet synchronized the .OST file, the error message appears.

WORKAROUND

To resolve this problem:

Start the Microsoft Exchange client using this profile and connect in online mode to the computer running Microsoft Exchange Server by one of the following methods:
- For both Windows and Macintosh users: Use the client on a computer that is connected to the computer running Microsoft Exchange Server by a LAN. -OR-
- For Windows users only: Establish a dial-up connection to the computer running Microsoft Exchange Server prior to starting the Microsoft Exchange client.
On the Tools menu, click Synchronize and click All Folders. Allow the synchronization of all folders to complete before proceding.
Exit and log off and restart the Microsoft Exchange client in offline mode.

MORE INFORMATION

You must log on to Windows 95 in order to access your offline folders. This might simply be the Windows login or a network client like the Client for Microsoft Networks login. Regardless, if you bypass this login (hitting Escape or selecting Cancel) then you will not have access to the Offline Folder File.