Symptoms
When attempting to configure Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Microsoft Office Outlook, you receive the following error:
"There is a problem communicating with the Microsoft Dynamics CRM server. The server might be unavailable. Try again later. If the problem persists, contact your system administrator.
File already exists. Try using a different database name. [ File name = C:\Users\<USER>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\MSCRM\Client\MetadataCache-5243bc89-09f7-4d12-b578-8efd890f5d7c.sdf ]..."
Cause
This error can occur if a database file from a previous configuration already exists for your CRM instance.
Resolution
Option 1 (CRM Online)
1. If you are using CRM Online, you can run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant which can fix this issue for you.
2. Choose the Dynamics CRM Online option and then click "I'm having trouble installing, connecting, or enabling CRM for Outlook (Outlook Client)."
3. Continue through the wizard. The "Remove cache files used by CRM for Outlook" action should appear and will remove the existing file referenced in the error.
4. Run the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Configuration Wizard again.
Option 2 (Manual)
If you are not using CRM Online or prefer to fix the issue manually, complete the following steps.
1. Close Outlook
2. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to <install directory>:\Users\<Your User>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\MSCRM\Client
Example: C:\Users\terryadams\AppData\Local\Microsoft\MSCRM\Client
NOTE: The AppData folder is hidden by default. You can change the View settings to show Hidden items or you can copy and paste the following path into your folder path:
%localappdata%\Microsoft\MSCRM\Client
3. Delete the file referenced in the error details.
4. Run the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Configuration Wizard again.