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

If you use Microsoft Outlook on Windows 11, you might encounter the error code 0x800ccc79. This error usually appears when sending emails and can interrupt your workflow. Understanding how to fix this problem is essential to keep your email running smoothly.

This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to resolve the error. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By the end, you will have several methods to try, starting from basic checks to more advanced fixes. Let’s get started and fix the error quickly.

Read through all the steps before trying them, so you know what to expect and why each action matters.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your internet connection is stable, as connectivity issues often cause sending errors.
  • Verify that your email account settings (username, password, server addresses) are correct and up to date.
  • Ensure that Microsoft Outlook and Windows 11 are fully updated to avoid compatibility problems.
  • Close any other email programs or antivirus software that might interfere with sending emails.

Step 1: Restart Outlook and Your Computer

Sometimes, simple glitches cause errors like 0x800ccc79. Restarting Outlook and your computer can clear temporary issues.

  1. Close Microsoft Outlook completely.
  2. Restart your Windows 11 PC by clicking on the Start menu, selecting the power icon, and choosing “Restart”.
  3. Once your computer restarts, open Outlook again and try sending your email.

This step ensures that any temporary software hiccups or background conflicts are resolved.

Step 2: Check Your Email Server Settings

The error often occurs because of incorrect server settings, especially the outgoing mail server (SMTP) configuration. Here’s how to verify them:

  1. Open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  2. Select your email account and click Change.
  3. Look at the Outgoing mail server (SMTP) field. It should match your email provider’s recommended server address.
  4. Click More Settings, then go to the Outgoing Server tab.
  5. Make sure My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication is checked.
  6. Go to the Advanced tab and confirm the SMTP port number and encryption method (SSL/TLS) match your provider’s instructions.
  7. Click OK and then Next to test the account settings.

Setting the correct SMTP server and authentication prevents Outlook from being blocked by your email provider or firewall.

Step 3: Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall Software

Sometimes, antivirus or firewall programs block email sending, causing errors. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are the cause.

  1. Locate your antivirus software icon in the system tray (bottom right corner of your screen).
  2. Right-click the icon and look for an option to disable or pause protection temporarily.
  3. Disable the firewall or antivirus for a few minutes, then try sending the email again in Outlook.
  4. If the email sends successfully, consider adding Outlook to your antivirus/firewall exceptions list.
  5. Remember to re-enable your antivirus and firewall after the test to keep your computer protected.

This step is important because security software sometimes mistakenly blocks legitimate email traffic.

Step 4: Repair Your Outlook Data File

If your Outlook data file is corrupted, it can cause sending errors. Repairing the file can fix this problem.

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Open File Explorer and navigate to: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficerootOffice16 (this path may vary based on your Office version).
  3. Find and run SCANPST.EXE, the Inbox Repair Tool.
  4. Click Browse and select your Outlook data file, usually ending with .pst or .ost. Common location: C:Users[YourUsername]DocumentsOutlook Files.
  5. Click Start to begin the scan.
  6. If errors are found, click Repair.
  7. After the repair completes, open Outlook and try sending an email again.

Repairing the data file helps fix any hidden corruption that might block email operations.

Step 5: Create a New Outlook Profile

Sometimes, the Outlook profile itself becomes corrupted. Creating a new profile can solve the sending error.

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Open the Windows Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
  3. Click on Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
  4. Click Show Profiles, then click Add to create a new profile.
  5. Name the new profile (for example, “NewProfile”) and follow the prompts to add your email account again.
  6. Once added, select Prompt for a profile to be used or set the new profile as the default.
  7. Open Outlook with the new profile and try sending an email.

This step ensures you have a fresh start without any profile corruption affecting email sending.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps do not work, you can try these additional methods:

  • Check Port Blocking: Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to ensure they are not blocking the SMTP port your email uses.
  • Use Webmail: Access your email through your provider’s webmail interface to check if sending works outside Outlook.
  • Update or Reinstall Outlook: An outdated or corrupted Outlook installation may cause errors. Update or reinstall Outlook from the official Microsoft website.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes Windows updates fix bugs affecting Outlook. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly causes error 0x800ccc79?

This error usually happens due to incorrect SMTP server settings, network issues, corrupted Outlook files, or interference from security software.

Can this error cause data loss?

No, the error typically affects sending emails only. Your existing emails and data remain safe.

Is this error specific to Windows 11?

No, error 0x800ccc79 can appear on various versions of Windows and Outlook. The troubleshooting steps here are tailored for Windows 11 users.

How do I find the correct SMTP server settings?

Check with your email service provider’s official website or support documentation. They usually list the server address, port number, and encryption settings.

Will disabling antivirus make my computer unsafe?

Temporarily disabling antivirus is safe if done for a short time during troubleshooting. Always re-enable protection immediately after testing.

When Nothing Works

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

  • Contact Your Email Provider: There might be an issue with your email account or server that only they can fix.
  • Reach Out to Microsoft Support: Microsoft offers official help for Outlook problems at support.microsoft.com/outlook.
  • Use Online Email Clients: As a temporary workaround, use webmail services like Outlook.com, Gmail, or your provider’s web interface to send emails.

Conclusion

Error 0x800ccc79 in Windows 11 Outlook can be frustrating, but it is usually fixable with the right approach. Begin with simple steps like restarting Outlook and checking your internet connection. Then move on to verifying your email settings, disabling security software temporarily, repairing data files, and creating a new Outlook profile.

Following this guide carefully will help you identify and solve the problem efficiently. Remember to be patient and systematic, and don’t hesitate to seek professional support if needed. With these solutions, you can get back to sending emails without interruption.

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