How to fix Outlook send and receive error

Microsoft Outlook send and receive errors arise from the application experiencing issues communicating with email servers to receive and send messages.

This manifests in emails not being received, not being sent or as errors during attempts to receive and send messages. In this blog, we take a detailed look at how to troubleshoot and fix an Outlook send and receive error including basic and advanced advice.

Checking basic issues

As email apps need the internet to work, start by checking your connectivity. Make sure you have a stable connection to the internet. Now, review your account settings and ensure they are correct, paying particular attention the outgoing and incoming server settings. Microsoft has a “Work Offline Mode” that can stop emails being sent or received; verify that this hasn’t been activated accidentally. Antivirus software and Firewalls can interfere with Outlook on occasion. To check if this is the issue, disable your protective solutions temporarily. Try clearing your outbox as this can decrease stress on your Outlook mailbox. Finally, make certain your PC is running the most up-to-date version of Outlook as periodic updates resolve bugs.

Advanced solutions for mail errors

Microsoft designed the Inbox Repair Tool to scan, diagnose and repair errors in corrupted Outlook files. Run the utility to fix any file issues. You can also run Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI) Repair Tool.

Outlook profiles can become corrupted. As a result, creating a new profile can resolve issues.

Try running Outlook in Safe Mode to isolate the issue and see if an add-in is causing errors. Outlook also has add-ins designed to extend its functionality, but they can sometimes cause conflict. Disable add-ins to see if they are the problem.

An Outlook server timeout can disrupt send and receive functions by interrupting messaging activity if a response is not received in a set time limit. Issues like errors, missed emails and duplicate messages can arise. This can be caused by network issues or when trying to send an email that contains a large attachment.

Finally, check your inbox for suspicious emails. Malicious messages can include attachments carrying infected code designed to interfere with how Outlook operates.

If you feel unsure about troubleshooting errors in Outlook, we can help. Get in touch with our expert IT engineers at 127 Solutions for a rapid resolution to email issues with our standard support service.