Ways to Resolve Outlook Send/Receive Errors

Every application that we use adopts the idea of responding through error message if there is something in contradiction to its working. For example, if two instance of an application are running at a time, it will throw a message informing about the same.

MS Outlook® follows the same technique to inform its users that something is wrong. Errors are an alarm to users that an incorrect action is taken or a resolution to a problem is demanded. In this segment, we will discuss some ways to fix errors that cause trouble while sending or receiving message from Outlook.

List of Outlook Send/Receive Errors

Outlook Error

Method #1: Test Internet Connectivity

This is a basic step to resolve Outlook send/receive error. For this, open any of the web browsers and just enter a web address say "https://ww.google.com/". If the home page opens with normal speed, it is an indication that internet connectivity is fine. In this case, switch to the next method to fix the problem.

Method #2: Delete Suspected Message from Mailbox

Although spamming filter of Outlook is very powerful but it is possible that an email-virus is present in any of the mailbox message. Open Web mail account and delete the suspected message.

Method #3: Email Scanning with Anti-virus Program

Integrating virus scanner with MS Outlook can have following disadvantages:

Using Outlook, virus scanner integration with it can be disabled by following the steps:

Outlook 2003 and older Versions:

Outlook 2007:

Outlook 2010 and 2013:

Method #4: Check Outlook Email Account Settings

If there are errors while sending or receiving emails, probability is that Outlook is not configured properly. To revise Outlook account settings, check the following attributes:

If nothing seems wrong, it is recommended to correct the details or delete existing account and configure it again.

Method #5: Repair MS Outlook

If Microsoft Office installation is likely to be corrupt, then the idea is to re-install it. Another option is to repair it. However, the repair option is available only for Office 2010 and 2013 versions.

Open Control Panel and chose the program that has to repaired. Right click on it and choose "Quick Repair or Online Repair" option. This will fix required files and probably make Outlook functional again.

Method #6: Start Outlook in Safe Mode

The Safe Mode of Office Suite applications help to fixes problems if detected at the time of startup (or ignores it for uninterrupted start). To start Outlook in safe mode, hold on the CRL key and click on the application shortcut. You will be asked for confirmation if you want to start Outlook in safe mode? Click Yes.

Method #7: Delete Messages Stuck in Outbox

Sometimes when a heavy file is sent through Outlook, it get stuck in outbox and when attempt is made to delete this message, you get an error message. To work around, enable the "Work Offline" mode of Outlook and then delete the message. Again activate the "Online" mode of application.

Method #8: Increase the Server Time-Out

The Server time out defines the time limit for which Outlook should wait for Server to respond to send/receive request. By default, this time is 1 minute which is very low. For example: As we discussed above that large sized mails get stuck in outbox which is because less time is set for sending the message while the Server may take time for responding to its completion.

Method #9: Run MAPI Repair Tool

Error while sending or receiving Outlook message can also be encountered if mapi32.dll file is corrupt.

Sending and Receiving reported error (0x8007000E): Out of memory or system resources. Close some windows or programs and try again.

To work around, run MAPI Repair Tool (Fixmapi.exe file) that will be available under C:\Winnt\System32 or C:\Windows\System32 folder.

Method #10: Incorrect Mail Address in SMTP Distribution List

An invalid email address can also cause message send failure resulting in error 0x8004210b. This is why it is recommended to test the email address first before sending mails to required person in the distribution list.

An invalid email address can also cause message send failure resulting in error 0x8004210b. This is why it is recommended to test the email address first before sending mails to required person in the distribution list.


Conclusion: The methods shared above are the resolutions that could be used when there is trouble while sending or receiving an email. However, error messages exemplify different kind of troubles like PST structure distortion, PST file corruption, inconsistency in application functioning etc. To work around high level file damage or data loss issues, it is recommended to have Outlook Recovery software in the toolkit.