Are you thinking to exit the account as Outlook error can’t connect to server? Then this blog might help you resolve the problem. Here, we are going to solve Outlook 2016 not connecting to a server with the best available approaches.
Working on Outlook is painful if you are facing an issue where Outlook cannot connect to the server. Troubleshooting for the right solutions can be a bit difficult. So, to ease your search pain, we will share here simple manual methods to fix the issue.
Manual Methods to Solve Outlook Error Can’t Connect to Server
Method 1: Restart Application
You should take the first step by restarting the Outlook application or even your computer. Many times, common Outlook problems and internet connectivity issues get resolved with this simple step. If the connection is not working at the optimum level, then you need to contact your internet service provider.
Method 2: Disable the Offline Mode
If your emails are not working, that shows Outlook is working on Offline mode. To alter the Outlook offline mode, use these steps:
For 2007 Outlook, click on the File -> put no checkmark next to Work Offline, and you should be good to go.
For 2010 or higher version Outlook:
- Press the Send/Receive tab.
- Watch for the Work Offline button.
- Tick the Offline button.
If you see ‘Trying to Connect’ and then Outlook connects, then the connection issue has been sorted out. If the issue Outlook Error can’t Connect To server, still persist then try the next method.
Method 3: Rebuild Files to Outlook won t Connect to Server
The Outlook maintains data with .pst and .ost files. Both formats are susceptible to errors that cause Outlook error can’t connect to server problems. To solve it, first try to reconnect as:
- Choose to close Outlook.
- Then, click on the Start button and choose the Control Panel to open it on the Windows screen.
- Later search the Mail icon and tap on it.
- In the new window, pick the Data Files button.
- Navigate for the data file with the same name as your email address.
- Click Open File Location… tab
- Check for your OST file, give a right-click on it to rename the extension .old. If your data file is .PST, no changes are required, at this instance.
- After that, close all of the current running windows, and reopen Outlook.
Now, Outlook will start to recover Outlook folders. This process can take time, depending on the amount of your data file. Ensure you do not close Outlook while it is doing this!
After the process, a message saying All folders are up to date will display on the screen.
If your data is not offline .ost one, then it is a .pst. In that case, follow these steps to run Scanpst on the .pst data file:
- Navigate to C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) in file explorer.
- Here, write scanpst.exe in the search box.
- Then, double click on the data file to run the application.
- Locate your default .pst or .ost data file and select it.
- Now, click Start.
Scanpst is the repair facility, and it will perform the process with eight passes over the data file. The working process varies with the number of data files, so wait for a while. If errors get detected, scanpst prompts you to click the Repair button.
These manual methods are free to use and can be used by anyone. But, these manual approaches are cumbersome for novice users. Hence, it is recommended to use an alternate method like using professional tools.
Method 4. Alternate Facility to Fix Outlook Error Can’t Connect to Server
You can use any good professional software like Outlook Recovery to rebuild your Outlook file automatically without going to the manual procedure. The Outlook recovery tool offers advanced recovery of Outlook data in less time and effort. It sorts out your Outlook error by repairing your Outlook data file.
Conclusion
Working on emails cannot be done with an error like Outlook error can’t connect to server. Searching for solutions can be a cumbersome task. So, we have described here simple methods to restore the Outlook server connection working. I hope you find your happy solution in this blog. Additionally, you can read another blog to find out the top 5 Methods to fix the “Outlook Not Showing all Emails” error.