Tip 264: Email Won't Send

Having a problem making Outlook send email?

Causes we're aware of include:

1. An add-in that marks items read if you view the Outbox. See After viewing the Outbox, messages won't send for more information. 
2. Not authenticating properly with the mail server. Check your account settings.
3. No default email account set. This is may happen when you use a preconfigured script provided by the mail server administrator.
4. Using a program that access the pst or ost data, such as MSN Desktop Search. Reboot and disable the search before starting Outlook to make it work.

Published June 14, 2005. Last updated on December 21, 2012.