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FIX: Outlook error 0x80042108 in Windows 10
Discover tried-and-true strategies vetted by our team of specialists
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
TheOutlookerror 0x80042108is one that occurs when checking or sending emails inMS Outlook. WhenOutlookusers try to open emails, the software occasionally returns an error message stating:
Receiving reported error (0x80042108) : Outlook cannot connect to your incoming (POP3) e-mail server. if you continue to receive this message, contact your server administrator or internet service provider (isp).
Consequently, they can’t send or receive SMTP emails. The error message highlights that the (POP3) mail server isn’t working correctly.
Error 0x80042108 can be due to corrupted PST files, third-party anti-virus or firewall software,Outlook‘s configuration settings, or incomplete installation of MS Office. Here are a few potential fixes for the 0x80042108 error inOutlook.
How do I fix Outlook error 0x80042108 in Windows 10?
1. Switch off your antivirus software
Many third-party anti-virus utilities, such as Norton, have integratedemail scannersand firewalls that can undermineOutlook‘s server connection. Thus, error 0x80042108 could be due to your antivirus software.
You can temporarily disable most anti-virus software by right-clicking their system tray icons and selecting a disable context menu setting. Select to temporarily deactivate the antivirus utility before openingOutlook.
Additionally, you can switch to abetter antivirus toolthat will not interfere with your email apps or any other programs for that matter.
2. Reinstall Outlook
ReinstallingOutlookwill give it a fresh configuration. It might also fix issues with the originalOutlookinstallation. Uninstall the application with a third-party utility that will also erase leftover registry entries.
You can uninstall it manually from Windows settings. Just type remove into your taskbar, open Add or remove programs, find Outlook in the list and select Uninstall.
Alternatively, we recommend youuse third-party uninstaller software.
This type of utility is able to completely remove stubborn programs that can’t be uninstalled from Windows settings.
They can help remove residual files like installers and other unwanted files that just take up space for no reason.
On top of that, if an app is not completely removed from your system, reinstalling it may be difficult or impossible.
3. Check the Internet connection
First, check your internet connection is working. Of course, you can’t send or receive emails when the net connection is down. If your internet connection is down, try resetting the router.
Alternatively, the Internet Connections troubleshooter in Windows might also help fix the web connection. You can open that by entering ‘troubleshoot’ in Cortana’s search box, clicking Troubleshoot, and then selecting the Internet Connections troubleshooter.
For more information on what to do if your Internet connection is down, follow the troubleshooting steps listed inthis article.
4. Run Outlook in Safe Mode
Outlook has its own Safe Mode that starts the software without add-ins and additional customization files. OpenOutlookin Safe Mode when there’s something up with the application.
To openOutlookin Safe Mode, press the Win key + R hotkey and enterOutlook/safein Run’s text box.Outlookwill open in Safe Mode when you pressOK.
If you’re having trouble openingOutlook,this troubleshooting guidewill help you fix the problem.
5. Switch off Windows Firewall
This solution it’s extremely convenient as you can fix the 0x80042108 Outlook issue by changing the Windows Firewall.
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Click Windows Firewall to open the Control Panel tab shown directly below.
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ClickTurn Windows Firewall on or offto open further settings.
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Select both theTurn off Windows Firewalloptions and clickOKto switch the firewall off.
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If that fixes error 0x80042108, clickAllow an app or feature throughon the Windows Firewall tab to open the window shown directly below.
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Press theChange settingsbutton.
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Scroll through the list of apps until you get toOutlook. Select bothOutlook‘s check boxes if they’re not selected, and pressOKto apply the new settings.
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Switch the Windows Firewall back on.
The Windows Firewall can also interfere withOutlook‘s server connection. You can switch the firewall off by pressing the Cortana button and entering the firewall in the search box.
6. Check the Windows Update service is on
7. Fix the PST file with theInbox Repairtool
Error0x80042108 is often due to a corrupted PST (Personal Storage Table) file. Consequently,Outlookhas an Inbox Repair Tool that fixes corrupted PST files.
Those resolutions will probably fix the 0x80042108 error so that you can open and send emails withOutlook. Deleting temporary files, anti-virus scans and the System Restore tool in Windows might also help resolve the issue.
If you encounterOutlook cannot synchronize subscribed folders 0x800ccc0eerror, make sure to check out our dedicated guide on it.
You can also fixOutlookissues with theMicrosoft Support and Recovery Assistantsoftware.
Was this guide useful to you? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
More about the topics:Outlook Errors,Outlook Mail,System Errors
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
