Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client that plays an important role in managing your emails, calendar, and contacts. It is a very powerful application, but still many users face errors in Outlook, due to various reasons. One such problem users face is the “Trying to Connect” error, which can be frustrating when you try to access your emails.
This error mainly occurs if Outlook fails to connect to the server. It not only hampers the work productivity but might also lead to data loss. But fear not, in this guide, we’ll explore some effective steps to troubleshoot and resolve the Outlook “Trying to Connect” error.
What Causes the Outlook is Trying to Connect Error?
The error itself describes that it occurs while Outlook is trying to connect with the associated server. This issue in connecting could be due to many underlying factors, and if we can fix those factors, half the battle is won. So, let us have a look at the reason and their fixes to rectify the issue:
Check Your Internet Connection: The first and most obvious step is to ensure that your internet connection is stable. Outlook relies on a consistent internet connection to synchronize your emails and updates. If you’re experiencing connectivity issues, resolve them first before troubleshooting Outlook.
Restart Outlook: Sometimes, a simple restart can work wonders. Close Outlook completely; and reopen it to see if the error persists. This can help clear any temporary glitches or issues that may be causing the connectivity problem.
Update Outlook: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Outlook. Microsoft regularly releases updates to improve performance and fix bugs. Updating to the latest version may resolve the “Trying to Connect” error. Check for updates in the Outlook application or the Microsoft Office suite.
Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings: Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking Outlook’s connection to the server. Review the settings and make sure that Outlook is allowed to access the internet. If necessary, add Outlook to the list of trusted applications in your firewall or antivirus program.
Repair Outlook Data Files: Corrupted Outlook data files can lead to connectivity issues. Use the built-in Outlook Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) to repair corrupted PST (Personal Storage Table) files. This tool can be found in the Office installation directory. However, if the inbox repair tool crashes, you can fix the inbox repair tool to solve the issue.
Verify Email Account Settings: Incorrect email account settings can lead to connection issues. Double-check your email account settings, including the incoming and outgoing server addresses, port numbers, and security settings. Ensure that the information is accurate and up to date.
Use Safe Mode: Try launching Outlook in Safe Mode to see if the error persists. Safe Mode disables add-ins and extensions, helping you identify if a third-party application is causing the connectivity problem. If the error doesn’t occur in Safe Mode, you may need to disable or update problematic add-ins.
Create a New Outlook Profile: If all else fails, create a new Outlook profile to solve the problem. Your existing profile could be corrupt or damaged. Follow the steps provided by Microsoft to create a new Outlook profile and configure your email account.
The above-mentioned fixes should be your first course of action as and when you encounter the Outlook is trying to connect error. But still, if the issue persists and you are unable to solve the problem, simply back up the Outlook data file into other formats to make it reusable in case of data loss.
If you use an exchange server, then convert OST to PST file format to back up the data in PST format. On the other hand, if you have the PST file format, then convert PST to MBOX, EML, or MSG formats to access them in applications like Thunderbird, Outlook, Seamonkey, Lotus Notes, Apple Mail, etc.
Conclusion:
Facing the “Trying to Connect” error in Outlook can be frustrating, but with these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve the issue. Remember to approach the problem systematically, checking each potential cause one by one. If the error persists after trying these solutions, it may be advisable to seek assistance from Microsoft support or your IT department for further troubleshooting.
