How to Fix “Something Went Wrong” Error in Microsoft Outlook
Follow the troubleshooting steps below
Microsoft Outlook is a powerful email client, but it can be tricky to troubleshoot when something goes wrong. For example, one error message you might see in Outlook is the “something went wrong” message. This error can be particularly frustrating, as it offers little information about the actual cause of the problem.
To resolve the problem, you’ll need to identify one of the common causes for this error, such as connectivity issues or a corrupted user profile. Using the steps below, you can then troubleshoot the problem and fix the “something went wrong” error in Microsoft Outlook.
What Causes the ‘Something Went Wrong’ Error in Microsoft Outlook
One of the main causes of the “something went wrong” error in Microsoft Outlook is an issue with the autodiscover process. This process is responsible for automatically configuring your Outlook profile based on your email address, settings, and data, such as shared address books on a corporate server.
If the autodiscover process is at fault, it’s because Outlook receives an unexpected result from a third-party web server while performing the root domain lookup when it first loads your profile.
Another reason for this error could be related to your Outlook account itself. For example, your account may have encountered issues during its setup, or your connection to Microsoft’s server might be unstable. If you’re using a corporate account, you should also check that your account has an enabled mailbox with access to Outlook.
Finally, a recent update could be another cause of the “something went wrong” error in Outlook. If this update is faulty and causes problems with Outlook’s functionality, you might experience the error.
Restart Outlook and Disable Add-Ins
When Microsoft Outlook displays the “something went wrong” error, you should start with a few common troubleshooting steps.
Ifrestarting Outlookdoesn’t resolve the problem, close any open programs andrestart your computer. Once your computer starts again, open Outlook to see if the error is gone.
If the error persists, tryopening Outlook in safe mode. This will ensure any problematic add-ins are temporarily disabled. To do this, press theWindows + R keysto open theRunbox (or right-click the Start button and pressSettings). InRun, typeoutlook.exe /safeand pressEnter.
If Outlook works correctly in safe mode, it’s likely an add-in causing the issue. You can then remove it from your setup to restore functionality. To remove add-ins from Outlook, follow these steps.
Remove and Re-add Your Outlook Account
If you’re facing the “something went wrong” error in Microsoft Outlook, one approach to fixing it is to remove and re-add your Outlook account. You can do this by following these steps.
After you’ve removed your account, re-add it to Outlook using these steps:
Once you’ve re-added your Outlook account, check if this has resolved the “something went wrong” error.
Modify the Windows Registry
Sometimes, Outlook errors can be resolved by modifying theWindows Registry. If the cause of the problem is the autodiscover process, you can modify the registry to bypass the problem.
Before you start, remember that registry changes can be risky, so back up your registry before proceeding. Then, follow these steps.
After modifying the registry, restart your computer and launch Microsoft Outlook to check if the “something went wrong” error has been resolved.
Repair or Reinstall Outlook
You may have a problem with your Outlook installation yourself. If that’s the case, it may prevent you from running Outlook, causing the “something went wrong” error.
If repairing didn’t solve the issue, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Office, which includes Outlook.
After you complete the steps, launch Outlook to see if the error is resolved. Remember that these steps focus on repair and reinstallation, but additional solutions may exist if the issue persists.
Resolving Microsoft Outlook Issues
With these steps, you’ll have a solid chance of fixing the “something went wrong” error in Microsoft Outlook. If you’re using a corporate account, you can also troubleshoot the issue with your system administrators to ensure your Outlook inbox is enabled for your account.
A “something went wrong” error could point to broader Outlook issues. IfOutlook won’t open, for instance, you may need to consider reinstalling your Office installation.
Decided toswitch to another email provider? You canclose your Outlook accountor delete it entirely.
Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing.Read Ben’s Full Bio
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