Default folder is missing in Outlook and Outlook on the web

Original KB number:   2992093

Note

This article does not apply to shared calendars that are enabled with the new REST-based calendar sharing improvements. To determine if your shared calendars have the new improvements enabled, see Confirm that your shared calendar is using the new improvements.

Symptoms

In Microsoft Outlook and in Outlook on the web, you may find that a folder appears to be missing from your mailbox.

Cause

This behavior can occur if the PR_ATTR_HIDDEN property of the affected folder is set to True. The default value for the PR_ATTR _HIDDEN property for mailbox folders is False.

Resolution

Use the steps below to confirm that you are facing this issue, and to reset the PR_ATTR_HIDDEN property of the affected folder.

  1. Download and extract the MFCMAPI tool.

  2. Launch mfcmapi.exe and select OK through the intro screen.

  3. On the Session menu, select Logon.

  4. Select the Outlook profile for the affected mailbox, and select OK.

  5. Double-click the email address that represents the desired mailbox.

  6. In the left pane, navigate to the affected folder using the appropriate steps below for the type of Outlook profile you are using.

    Cached Mode

    1. Expand Root - Mailbox
    2. Expand IPM_SUBTREE

    Online Mode

    1. Expand Root Container
    2. Expand Top of information Store
  7. Locate and select the folder that appears missing in Outlook, and check the value of the PR_ATTR_HIDDEN to determine if it is set to True, as shown in the following figure:

    Screenshot of the MFCMAPI window when you select the missing folder.

  8. If PR_ATTR_HIDDEN shows a value of True, right-click the PR_ATTR_HIDDEN property and select Edit Property.

  9. Uncheck the Boolean checkbox and select OK.

  10. Close all MFCMAPI windows, and restart Outlook.

More information

While you are looking at the folder properties, you should also check PR_ATTR_SYSTEM. Its default value is also False, so if you find it currently set to True, after completing steps 1 through 9 above, you should change this value as well, using the additional steps below.

  1. If PR_ATTR_SYSTEM shows a value of True, right-click the PR_ATTR_SYSTEM property and select Edit Property.
  2. Uncheck the Boolean checkbox and select OK.
  3. Close all MFCMAPI windows, and restart Outlook.