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How to Fix Error Code 0x800ccc79 in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you are encountering the error code 0x800ccc79 while using Windows 11, it usually relates to email sending problems in applications like Microsoft Outlook. This error can be frustrating but is often fixable with a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through basic troubleshooting techniques to resolve this issue and get your email functioning properly again.

Each step is explained clearly so even users with minimal technical knowledge can follow along without any confusion.

By the end, you should understand the common causes of this error and how to fix them effectively.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks Before Starting

  • Make sure your internet connection is stable and working.
  • Verify that your email account username and password are correct.
  • Ensure your email server settings (incoming and outgoing) match the details provided by your email provider.
  • Close and reopen your email client before trying the fixes below.

Step 1: Check Your Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) Settings

The 0x800ccc79 error often occurs due to incorrect SMTP settings. The SMTP server handles sending emails, so if these settings are wrong, your emails won’t send.

Here is how to check and adjust your SMTP settings in Outlook:

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
  2. Click on File in the top-left corner.
  3. Select Account Settings, then click again on Account Settings in the dropdown.
  4. Choose your email account and click Change.
  5. Look for the Outgoing mail server (SMTP) field.
  6. Make sure the server name matches what your email provider specifies. (For example, smtp.gmail.com for Gmail users.)
  7. Check the port number and encryption method. Common SMTP ports are 587 (with STARTTLS) or 465 (with SSL).
  8. Click More Settings, then go to the Outgoing Server tab.
  9. Ensure that My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication is checked.
  10. Select Use same settings as my incoming mail server.
  11. Save changes and close the settings windows.

Why this matters: Without correct SMTP settings, your email client cannot connect to the server to send messages, causing the 0x800ccc79 error.

Step 2: Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software

Sometimes, security software like firewalls or antivirus programs block outgoing email connections, which can trigger this error.

To check if this is the cause, temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus:

  1. Click on the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection.
  3. Choose your active network and turn off the firewall temporarily.
  4. Similarly, open your antivirus program and disable it temporarily (refer to the specific software instructions).
  5. Try sending an email again.

Important: Turn your firewall and antivirus back on immediately after testing to keep your computer protected.

Step 3: Repair Your Outlook Data Files

Corrupted Outlook data files can cause sending errors. The built-in Inbox Repair Tool can fix these issues.

Follow these steps:

  1. Close Outlook completely.
  2. Open File Explorer and navigate to: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16 (Adjust if your Office version is different.)
  3. Find and run SCANPST.EXE.
  4. Click Browse and select your Outlook data file (usually with a .pst extension). Common location: DocumentsOutlook Files.
  5. Click Start to begin the scan.
  6. If errors are found, click Repair.
  7. Once completed, open Outlook and try sending an email again.

Why this helps: Repairing corrupted files can restore normal email sending functionality.

Step 4: Create a New Outlook Profile

Sometimes, your current Outlook profile may be damaged, causing errors. Creating a new profile can provide a fresh start.

Here’s how:

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Open the Control Panel (search for it in Start menu).
  3. Go to Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
  4. Click Show Profiles.
  5. Click Add to create a new profile.
  6. Enter a name for the new profile and follow the prompts to add your email account.
  7. After setup, select Prompt for a profile to be used or set the new profile as default.
  8. Open Outlook with the new profile and test sending emails.

This can resolve errors caused by profile corruption or misconfiguration.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

  • Update Outlook: Always keep your Outlook and Windows updated. Updates fix bugs that may cause errors.
  • Check ISP Restrictions: Some Internet Service Providers block certain SMTP ports. Contact your ISP to confirm or try using alternative SMTP ports.
  • Use Webmail: If problems persist, try sending emails directly from your email provider’s webmail to confirm if the problem is Outlook-specific.
  • Reset Network Settings: You can reset your Windows network settings if you suspect connectivity issues might be involved (Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly does error code 0x800ccc79 mean?

This error usually indicates a problem with sending email via SMTP. It could be due to incorrect server settings, blocked ports, or security software interference.

Can this error affect receiving emails too?

Typically, no. This error mainly affects the sending process. Receiving emails usually uses a different protocol (POP3 or IMAP).

Is this issue caused by my internet connection?

Sometimes. A poor or unstable connection can cause sending failures, but usually, this error relates more to settings or software issues.

Do I need to reinstall Outlook to fix this?

Reinstalling Outlook is rarely necessary. Most cases can be resolved by checking settings, repairing data files, or creating a new profile.

Can antivirus software cause this error?

Yes, some antivirus or firewall settings may block outgoing mail traffic. Temporarily disabling them helps identify if they are the cause.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face the 0x800ccc79 error, consider the following:

  • Contact your email provider’s support to verify server settings and check for any server-side issues.
  • Visit the official Microsoft Support page for Outlook errors: Microsoft Outlook Support.
  • Consider using a different email client temporarily to isolate whether the problem is with Outlook.
  • As a last resort, you can uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Office to ensure a clean setup.

Conclusion

Error code 0x800ccc79 in Windows 11 typically results from issues with SMTP settings, security software interference, or corrupted Outlook profiles and data files. By following the simple step-by-step solutions above, most users can fix this error without needing advanced technical help.

Always start with verifying your SMTP settings and ensuring your security software isn’t blocking email traffic. If problems persist, repairing Outlook files or creating a new profile usually resolves the issue.

Remember to keep your software updated and check with your email provider if you suspect server-side problems. With patience and these basic troubleshooting methods, you can get your email back to normal quickly and efficiently.

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