How to Fix: Outlook Cannot Send or Receive Emails

Infopackets Reader Felix S. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I recently upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10, and now my Outlook won't send or receive email. Every time I try and check for email, I get a 'Cannot send or receive 8004010F' error. I've searched the Microsoft website on how to fix this issue but the instructions are absolutely horrible and did not solve my problem. I was wondering if you can help me fix the 'cannot send or receive' error 8004010F? I am willing to pay for your help! Much appreciated! "

My response:

I asked Felix if he would like me to connect to his system using my remote desktop support service, and he agreed.

Based on my experience, I have come across this issue a few times with other customers, though whether or not the error message 8004010F was the same or not, I cannot remember. For the record, error code 8004010F means "outlook data file cannot be accessed". The last time I came across this issue was when another client had asked me to move his Outlook .PST data file to another location, and Outlook flat out refused to send or receive emails after that, even after specifying the proper location for the .PST file.

To put it plainly, this error is a pain to fix!

How to Fix: Outlook Cannot Send or Receive Emails

After about 2 hours or so of trying various things, I managed to come up with a solution. From what I could tell, Outlook has major issues when it comes to write permissions on the data file, and is ultra finicky about how things are set up. The instructions below effectively explain how to reset Outlook and the data file, which should then resolve the issue. If not, you are welcome to contact me for 1-on-1 support (described further down)!

Here goes:

1. First - locate and make a backup copy of your Outlook email data files (Outlook data files end in .PST extension). You can find the location of the data files if you launch Outlook, then click the File menu, click your Account, then go to the Data tab - this will tell you where the .PST data file is located.
    
2. Next, close Outlook and then click Start -> Control Panel; locate the "Mail" icon (pic). Launch the "Mail" program, then delete all your Outlook Profiles. Based on many hours of research - deleting your profile is required. The reasoning here is that if you try and set up a new account with Outlook or try and point Outlook to a new data file, you will end up with the 'cannot send or receive email' error again. To fix this, delete all profiles and start new.
    
3. After you've deleted the Profiles in Step #2 above, you will now need to rename your .PST Outlook data file. This is IMPORTANT! The Outlook data file usually has the name of your email account, followed by the .PST extension. For example: if your Outlook data file is name@example.com.pst, you will want to rename it as: archive-name@example.com.pst. The reasoning here is that when you create a new Outlook account, Outlook will try and create yet another name@example.com.pst data file, but will call it name@example.com.pst (1) instead. When you go to import your old name@example.com.pst file, Outlook will create two separate inboxes and you'll end up with your emails all over the place in effectively two separate accounts. Holy stupid Outlook, Batman (pic) - trust me, this is not what you want! So, please rename the original outlook .PST data file and proceed to the next step.
    
4. Now it's time to create your new Outlook account. Launch Outlook and the Outlook Account Setup wizard will start; enter in your email info and continue on until you finally get to the main Outlook page. Now it's time to point to your old Outlook data file to import your old emails. To do so: click the File menu, then click your account, then click the Data file tab, and add your old data file (using the above example: archive-name@example.com.pst). Click OK, then make your way back to the main Outlook window. Your old data files should now be displayed as part of your newly created account.

Problem solved! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Additional 1-on-1 Support: From Dennis

If all of this is over your head, or if your Outlook still won't let you send and receive emails - I can help using my remote desktop support service. Simply send me an email briefly describing the issue and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Got a Computer Question or Problem? Ask Dennis!

I need more computer questions. If you have a computer question - or even a computer problem that needs fixing - please email me with your question so that I can write more articles like this one. I can't promise I'll respond to all the messages I receive (depending on the volume), but I'll do my best.

About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.