Fix Outlook Cannot Connect to Server Issue?

 Outlook is a desktop-based email client offered by the MS Office Suite. Users utilize Outlook to send and receive emails. For this, the Outlook is configured with the Exchanges server profile that creates an OST file in the Cached Exchange. These OST files allow the users to work even if they are not online, also known as the Offline Folder file. To work with OST files, you need an authenticated user profile that matches the MAPIEntri ID GUID key with the server mailbox. But when this authentication fails, the Outlook cannot connect to server, and you face the below error on your display. 

 

Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot Open Outlook Window. The set of folders cannot be opened. The file C:\Users\….\abc@xyz.com.ost cannot be accessed. You must connect to Microsoft Exchange. At least once before using the Outlook data file (.ost).

 

Through this blog, we will help you to resolve your server problem with straightforward techniques. We also provide the reasons why you experience the same. Let’s start.

 

Why Outlook Cannot Connect to Server?

 

• Due to the poor internet connectivity.

• OST synchronization errors.

• Due to corrupt or damaged OST files. 

• Incompatible faulty add-ins.

• Using an outdated version of the Outlook program.

• A damaged Outlook profile also be a reason. 

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Measures to Fix Outlook Cannot Connect to Server

Solution 1: Restart System

The first step you have to do when Outlook doesn’t set up a connection with the server is to restart the system. It can resolve the problems with Windows and the other programs. After restart, also check the internet connection.  

 

Solution 2: Disable Add-ins

If the above solution of restarting the system doesn't fix the issue, you have to disable add-ins. Sometimes the add-ins prevent the Outlook to connect to the servers. Following are the steps:

 

1. Firstly, go to Start and choose Run.

2. Now, type Outlook/safe and press the enter button to open Outlook in safe mode.

3. Then, click on Files and then choose Options.

4. Click on Add-ins and choose COM Add-ins. Click on the Go button.

5. Unmark all the Add-ins and click OK.

6. In the end, restart the Outlook in normal mode. 

 

Solution 3: Create a New Outlook Profile

As we discussed above Outlook cannot connect to server due to a damaged profile or authentication failure. So, to resolve the issue, you have to create a new Outlook profile with the following steps:

 

1. Open Control Panel and browse for Mail.

2. Then click on the Mail and choose Show Profiles.

3. Now, click on Add.

4. Here, enter the Profile Name. Click OK.

5. After that, configure your new profile with your email account. Click on Finish.

6. Finally, your new Outlook profile is created. 

 

Now, access Outlook and select the new Outlook profile to configure it. 

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Finishing Up

Outlook cannot connect to server is a transient error that the above-stated methods can fix. It recommends connecting your device or system to the strong internet. However, contact the Outlook Experts for an advanced solution if you fail to resolve the issue.