It is very frustrating to open your email to send messages and see a status bar at the bottom saying that Outlook cannot connect to the server. This error can stop your emails from going out and prevent new ones from coming in which can cut your communication. Seeing Outlook not connecting to the server can feel like a major roadblock whether you are a business owner or a home user.
This problem can show up as a specific code such as Outlook error 0x800CC0E or a general message about a timeout. Generally this can happen because of a settings error, a poor internet connection or a corrupted local data file. Today we will look at why an Outlook server connection error occurs and provide you with simple and human-friendly methods which include both manual and professional methods like the DataHelp OST Repair Tool that helps to repair corrupted OST files.
What is an Outlook Server Connection Error?
When you face an Outlook server connection error then it means that the bridge between your computer and the email provider’s computer has been disconnected. This is also known as Outlook error 0x800CCC0E which refers to a failure in communicating with the mail server over the required ports.
The issue may be hidden with your account settings or your local storage file (OST) if you find that Outlook cannot connect to the server even when your internet is working for other websites. If these files are damaged regularly then you will see the Outlook not connecting to the server error.
Method 1: Check Your Internet and Account Credentials
The most common reason Outlook cannot connect to the server is a simple loss of connection or a password that was not updated in the application. Use the following steps to check the connection:
Open your web browser, try to load a new website and if it does not load then the problem is your Wi-Fi and not Outlook.
Log in to the web version of your email, and if your password does not work there then you need to reset it.
If you changed your password online then go to File > Account Settings in Outlook and update the password there to stop the Outlook server connection error.
Pro Tip: You can check our guide on where is the ost file located to find the path for your version of Windows.
Method 2: Repair Your Email Account Settings
Sometimes the encryption settings gets disturbed which can lead to Outlook error 0x800CCC0E. Using the built-in repair feature can reset these links by following the steps below:
First open the Outlook application and click on File.
Click on Account Settings under Account Information and then select Account Settings again from the list.
Choose your email address and press the Repair button.
Follow the prompts to let Outlook verify the server settings.
Note: If you want to learn how to open OST file without Outlook then you can read this.
Method 3: Use a Professional Repair Tool
If the manual methods do not work then the problem is deeper than just the settings. Sometimes Outlook cannot connect to the server because the local OST file has become corrupted. When this file is damaged then Outlook can get stuck trying to read it and fails to sync with the live server.
This is designed to extract your data from the damaged OST and move it into a healthy and new file format. It can recover deleted data from the OST files and repair the corrupted files.
Why Use This Tool?
Saves recovered data in PST, MSG, EML and PDF format
Repair corrupted OST files and save them in a healthy format.
Advance Scan mode can repair highly corrupted OST files.
No file size limit as it can repair large-sized OST files easily
Repair OST files of Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, Etc.
How to Use This Tool?
Open the tool and click on the Add File button.
You choose between two options to add the OST file into the software: the Select or Search option.
Then select what you want to perform Recovery of data or Repair OST files.
Select the Type OpenPGP option to remove OpenPGP.
Click on Done and then on Yes to save your file after it has been scanned
Note: If you try to back up your file and get a File in Use error message, you should learn how to copy an OST file while in use.
Method 4: Disable Conflicting Add-ins and Anti-Virus
Sometimes a third-party security program or a buggy plugin can be the reason for the Outlook cannot connect to the server error. These programs protect your connection but can block it sometimes. Look at these steps to disconnect this:
Press Windows Key + R, type outlook.exe /safe and press Enter. If Outlook connects then an add-in is the problem.
Go to File > Options > Add-ins and disable everything to see if the connection is back.
Disable your anti-virus software temporarily and if the Outlook server connection error disappears, you need to add Outlook as an exception in your security settings.
Summary and Conclusion
Fixing the Outlook cannot connect to the server error is about finding where the communication broke. Today we have seen the common causes, from simple internet errors to data corruption. We learned that Outlook error 0x800CCC0E is a sign that your settings or ports are blocked and that an Outlook server connection error can be solved by a simple refresh or repair.
You can ensure that Outlook cannot connect to the server so that messages do not keep you away from your important work. Keep your software updated and your files healthy to keep sending and receiving messages.
