Microsoft Outlook Disappearing Folder “0w#25” Workaround

Outlook is my primary email app and for years has been dependable and stable.  However there has been a continuing issue I’ve run into the past couple of years that appears to be more of a bug than a make or break scenario.

On occasion upon launching Outlook you might find a “missing folder” listed among your email accounts.  Closer inspection by right-clicking and choosing properties has revealed the name to be “0w#25” (at least in my specific circumstance).  This folder cannot be deleted, renamed or altered in any manner.  The following is a workaround for this issue as I have not discovered a permanent fix as of yet.

To remedy this when it occurs go to:

C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

Find the OST file that the missing folder appears in and rename it to .OLD.   (This may also apply to PST files however I have not tested and cannot confirm it does.)

Upon restarting Outlook it should reconfigure the file and all should be well again.  Important Note: You must have your folder properties set to View Hidden Items to navigate to the following folder.

If anyone has a permanent fix or a better method please leave feedback would love to understand what triggers the file corruption.