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How To Fix Issue Outlook 2013 Cannot Connect To Server?

At times, Outlook 2013 has issues while trying to connect to the Exchange server. Turning it off and then on might work sometimes. But it does not work always. When you encounter this situation, there is no necessity to panic. You can always use some troubleshooting techniques to resolve the issue of outlook 2013 cannot connect to server. The following are some solutions to fix the problem:

Solution-1:

If you are having trouble while getting Outlook 2013 to connect to the server, there are chances that your Outlook is in the Offline mode. Follow the steps given here to solve the problem:

  • In your Outlook window, click the Send/Receive tab.
  • Locate the Work Offline button.
  • Turn off or disable the Work Offline button.
  • When you look at the bottom part of the Outlook window, you can see the following message: “Trying to Connect…”
  • When Outlook 2013 gets connected to the Exchange server, the issue outlook 2013 cannot connect to server is resolved. But, if you find that it is still not connecting, then go to Solution-2.

Solution-2:

Outlook 2013 makes use of two types of data files; .pst and .ost. These file types are open to problems, which, in turn, can cause a connectivity issue. Now, try the following steps to get rid of the problem:

  • Start by closing Outlook.
  • Go to the Start menu and open Control Panel.
  • Under Control Panel, look for the Mail icon and click on it.
  • A new window will open up. In this window, click the Data Files button.
  • Now, search for the file that has the same name as that of your email address.
  • Select the Open File Location option.
  • In case your file is of the .pst type, there is no need to change anything as of now.
  • But, if your file is of the .ost type, then right-click it. Rename the extension as .OLD
  • Finally, close all the windows that you have opened.
  • Open Outlook again.
  • Now, Outlook will begin to rebuild your data file. This process might take from 10 minutes to more than an hour.
  • The time taken will depend on the number of Outlook files that you have on your system.
  • Please avoid closing Outlook when the rebuilding process is taking place.
  • Once the rebuilding process is completed, you will find the following message on your screen: All folders are up to date
  • In case you don’t have a .ost data file, but a .pst file, then you have to run the Inbox Repair Tool to fix the issue outlook 2013 cannot connect to server.

To do the same, carry out the following instructions.

  • Go to File Explorer and open C:\Program Files. Otherwise, open C:\Program Files (x86).
  • In the Search box, type in scanpst.exe.
  • Now, double-click the application to run it.
  • Your default .pst file would have been selected already.
  • Click the Start button.
  • Scanpst will now start running some scans on your data file. If any errors are found in your data file, Scanpst will request you to click the Repair button to fix the outlook 2013 cannot connect to server error.
  • Now, select the checkbox next to the option, Make Backup of Scanned File Before Repairing.
  • When you find that the backup has been done and the repair has been completed, you can reopen Outlook.

Solution-3:

Try repairing your Microsoft Office install. This step will help resolve the issue that the other solutions have not fixed. Follow these instructions to repair the install:

  • First, on your computer, open the Control Panel.
  • Choose the Programs and Features option.
  • Search for Microsoft Office installation. Select the same.
  • Next, right-click Microsoft Office installation and click the Change button.
  • You will see that a new window appears on your screen. In this window, select the Repair option. Then, click the Continue button.
  • After the repair gets completed, restart your computer.
  • Once your system is running again, open Outlook 2013. Now, check if it can connect to the server.

Solution-4:

Outlook contains a logging feature that might aid in finding the problem that causes the connectivity issue. To make use of this feature, you need to turn logging on.

Since you are using Outlook 2013, follow the steps given here:

  • On your computer, open Outlook. Click the File tab.
  • Select Options and then choose the Advanced option.
  • Now, select the checkbox beside the Enable troubleshooting logging (requires restarting Outlook) option.
  • Click the OK button.
  • Finally, restart your Outlook 2013.
  • When you find that Outlook is up and running, attempt to replicate your connectivity issue such that Outlook can log it. After doing this, open the following log file: OPMLog.log
  • For locating the log file, navigate to the path: C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\OutlookLogging\
  • In case you see error codes that do not look like “0x00000000,” then you need to research the codes that you see. By doing this step, you will get to know the reason for the entire issue.

You should be able to resolve the issue outlook 2013 cannot connect to server by following any one of the solutions described above.

outlook 2013 cannot connect to server