What is Error Code 0x800CCC0E on Outlook?
Outlook error 0x800CCC0E normally appears when users are attempting to send or receive e-mail with Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express. A typical error message is as follows:
“The connection to the Server has failed. Account: ‘your account’, Server: ‘your_SMTP_server’, Protocol: SMTP, Port: 25, Secure (SSL): NO. Socket error: 10061, Error Number: 0x800CCC0E”
This message reports a failure of communication between the mail server and Outlook.
What Causes Outlook Error 0x800CCC0E?
This is not a rare issue among Microsoft Outlook users. It’s usually the result of several configuration or connectivity issues. Finding out the actual reason is necessary in order to apply the right solution.
Following are some likely causes for the 0x800CCC0E error:
- Unstable or lost internet connection
- Antivirus software blocking email traffic
- Windows firewall preventing Outlook’s network access
- Malicious or corrupted emails
- SMTP authentication problems
Alternative Solutions for Complex Email Account Settings
Some users configure Outlook using IMAP or other advanced protocols instead of the standard POP3. In these cases, incorrect folder locations, synchronization rules, or server settings can cause error 0x800CCC0E.
IMAP Configuration Check
Double-check your IMAP configuration. Confirm the server names, port numbers, and encryption are identical to those provided by your email provider.
Synchronization Settings
Head to:
File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Change > More Settings > Advanced
Ensure that server timeouts and folder paths are in line with your provider’s requirements.
Adapting these configurations to match your email provider’s standards can prevent recurring errors.
How to Fix Error 0x800CCC0E on Outlook
If you’re getting this error on Windows 10, follow these solutions to fix the problem.
Check the internet connection
Start with your connection. Bad internet connection or incorrect connection is one of the primary reasons for 0x800CCC0E. If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, try using a wired connection or reset your router.
Check the settings for the email account on Outlook
Go into your account settings in your email account inside Outlook and ensure that your incoming and outgoing server information are correct. Your username should contain your full email address, and all the password fields should be accurate.
Delete emails if they look suspicious
Spam or infected emails can clog your mailbox and prevent further syncing. Utilize the webmail version of your account to review and remove these emails safely.
Clean all messages stuck in Outlook
Messages stuck in the Outbox may be causing the error. In Outlook, choose the “Work Offline” selection from the “Send/Receive” tab. Check your Outbox and clean or move trapped messages to the Drafts folder.
Check the antivirus app and disable it
Some antivirus programs block incoming or outgoing mail as a protective measure. Turn off your antivirus for the time being and resend or receive emails once more. If Outlook is functional, you can include Outlook in your antivirus exceptions.
You can utilize a tool like Outbyte PC Repair to streamline overall system performance and resolve underlying problems affecting Outlook functionality.
Check your firewall configurations
Firewalls can also restrict applications from accessing the internet. Configure your firewall settings to permit Outlook. If you are not sure how to go about it, consult your system or firewall settings guide.
Delete “copy-cat/similar” accounts
Duplicate Outlook accounts can create conflicts. To remove one:
- Go to File > Account Settings > Email
- Select the duplicate account
- Click “Remove” and confirm your choice
Restart Outlook and check if the problem persists.
SMTP server settings
The issue may also lie in incorrect SMTP configurations. Check and adjust the outgoing mail server settings or try using an alternative port (e.g., 587 instead of 25). Also, verify that SMTP authentication is enabled under More Settings > Outgoing Server.
If these adjustments don’t help, increase the server timeout settings under More Settings > Advanced.
Dealing with Antivirus and Firewall Interference
The antivirus and firewall software on your system are necessary for security but may interfere with Outlook working properly.
Antivirus Software
Temporarily disable your antivirus application to see if that resolves the issue. If so, add Outlook as an exception so that the software will not interfere with its operation in the future.
Firewall Settings
Your firewall is probably blocking Outlook from connecting to outside mail servers. Turn it off temporarily and check if the error disappears. If yes, turn your firewall on again and set it to allow Outlook to pass through.
🔐 Tip: If you’re unsure which security app is causing the conflict, try using Outbyte AVarmor—it helps manage threat protection while minimizing disruptions to trusted apps like Outlook.
Don’t ever fail to reactivate your security software after testing.
Verify your Outlook profile
If none of the above solutions work, try setting up a new Outlook profile:
- Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles
- Click Add, configure the new profile, and set it as default
Try sending and receiving emails. If successful, your previous profile may have been corrupted.
Start Outlook in Safe Mode
Launching Outlook in Safe Mode can help diagnose and temporarily bypass faulty add-ins or extensions.
For Windows 10/11/8/7/Vista:
Use the search bar to type:outlook.exe /safe and press Enter.
For Windows 2003/XP/2000:
Click Start > Run, enter outlook.exe /safe, and click OK.
Once in Safe Mode, test Outlook’s functionality or explore repair options.
Conclusion
Outlook error 0x800CCC0E can be caused by a range of issues, from improperly set account settings to network security software blocking connections.
Its resolution often entails checking both your email configuration and overall environment—your firewall, antivirus, internet settings, and even queued messages.
Working through these solutions step by step offers a sound path toward getting Outlook up and running again.
Check These Out Next:
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FAQs
What is the main cause of Outlook error 0x800CCC0E?
The most common cause is incorrect email settings or unstable internet connections. Security software like antivirus and firewalls can also interfere.
Can antivirus software trigger this error?
Yes. Antivirus tools may mistakenly block Outlook’s access to mail servers. Disabling the software temporarily can help identify if it’s the root cause.
Should I use IMAP or POP3 to avoid this error?
Both can work if configured correctly, but IMAP tends to require more accurate folder and sync settings. Make sure your settings match those from your email provider.
What do I do if Outlook only works in Safe Mode?
This likely means a faulty add-in is interfering. Disable add-ins one by one to isolate the issue.
Is there a tool to help fix general PC issues affecting Outlook?
Yes. Outbyte PC Repair can clean up junk files, fix incorrect settings, and improve overall system stability that may impact Outlook.
