Tips to open OLM file

Can't open the OLM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open OLM files as well as a list of programs that support OLM files.

OLM file extension

File Name Mac Outlook Database Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Data Files

The OLM file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the OLM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the OLM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is OLM file?

The OLM file has been categorized as Data Files. It was designed by Microsoft. In addition to this file, the Data Files category includes 1326 related files. Mac Outlook Database Format is most often found on 2 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Mac OS, Windows. The main program that supports this format is Microsoft Outlook. This was created by Microsoft Corporation. Alternatively, you can use 2 other programs. You can use Microsoft Office, OLM Viewer in case Microsoft Outlook cannot be used.

How to open OLM file?

The most common problem when using Mac Outlook Database Format is that a specific OLM is not associated with the program. This causes the file OLM to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the OLM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Outlook

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Microsoft Outlook is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Outlook into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file OLM.

Programs to open OLM file

Remember to download programs supporting OLM files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Outlook with OLM files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the OLM file to open in the Microsoft Outlook application, but you can set it manually. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the OLM file with the Microsoft Outlook application.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Outlook to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Outlook program, it is possible that Mac Outlook Database Format requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Microsoft Corporation website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the OLM file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The OLM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to OLM files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file OLM or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected OLM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of OLM file may not always be supported by the latest software version. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular OLM file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Microsoft, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file OLM except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the OLM file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the OLM file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.