Summary: MS Outlook timeout error 0x8004210a prevails due to misconfiguration in server timeout settings but there can be other causes as well ranging from active Windows Firewall to conflicting antivirus. A long-term prevalence of this error can lead to Outlook crash and hence data loss. This blog presents the best solutions to fix this error that includes changing the server timeout settings, creating a new account, Outlook repair, SCANPST, etc. For issues related to severe PST corruption, the ultimate solution should be to use an automated tool like Kernel for Outlook PST Repair.

Microsoft Outlook is a versatile email client equipped with advanced synchronization capabilities that enable seamless access to emails stored on a central repository known as the Exchange Server. Outlook users are connected to multiple users and servers through specific configurations of port numbers and protocols. The Send/Receive operations are vital for ensuring smooth communication. However, sometimes issues can arise, preventing the expected Send & Receive process from completing due to various technical factors related to MS Outlook configurations. In this context, Outlook users may encounter the POP Server Timeout Error 0x8004210a, often caused by irregularities in the setup.

When an Outlook user encounters the POP Server Timeout Error 0x8004210a, there are typically three primary reasons to consider as possible causes:

  • Existence of any antivirus program might be disrupting the standard connection attempts for MS Outlook
  • Active Windows Firewall could pose as a hindrance to the normalized MS Outlook Send/Receive process
  • Improper configurations in the time-out settings of Exchange Server
  • Incorrect specification of port numbers in the MS Outlook email client
Measures to rectify MS Outlook Timeout error 0x8004210a

When you are aware of the reasons behind the 0x8004210a error, you can rectify these issues by applying some methods that are mentioned here:

  • Check the Internet connectivity :- Your first step should be to check whether the Outlook application is able to connect to the internet. Outlook can function in offline mode, allowing users to work without an internet connection. If Outlook is working in offline mode, it won't be able to send or receive emails until it's reconnected to the internet.
  • Remove suspicious emails from your Outlook mailbox :- If there are infected or corrupted emails in your mailbox, they can potentially disrupt the performance of your entire Outlook application and prevent it from sending or receiving emails. If you are aware of such emails, it's essential to delete them promptly to maintain the health and functionality of Outlook.
  • Disable your anti-virus program :- If your antivirus program is integrated with Outlook, it can potentially interfere with Outlook's performance. To mitigate this issue, consider disabling the antivirus software from scanning Outlook emails.
  • Delete the older account and create a new one :- If your Outlook account is irreparably damaged, your only option may be to delete the old account and create a new one. You can do this through the Control Panel settings.
    1. Close Outlook and open the Control Panel.
    2. Click Mail (Microsoft Outlook 2016.)
    3. Click Email Accounts.
    4. Click New and create a new account’s credentials.

After creating the account again, try to send some test emails to other account to test the connection.

In addition to the common troubleshooting steps, if the issue persists, you should configure the correct port numbers and server timeout settings. The server timeout error 0x8004210a occurs when the Send/Receive operation cannot be completed within the configured timeout limit. Additionally, you should check the port number settings for POP (Post Office Protocol), as the values for the POP port number vary when you configure SSL encryption settings. Let's go through these two troubleshooting tasks one by one:

To configure time-out server settings:
  1. Launch the MS Outlook application
  2. Click the File menu followed by Info
  3. Click the Account Settings tile and select the Account Settings option
  4. Select the desired POP3 account and click the Change option
  5. In the Change Account window, click More Settings
  6. In the Internet E-mail Settings dialog, select the Advanced tab
  7. Turn the slider towards right-side to increase the Server Timeouts range
To configure server port numbers:
  1. Follow the steps through 1 to 6 of Configure Time-Out Server Settings
  2. Specify 995 to Incoming server (POP3) if you have marked This server requires an encrypted connection (SSL)
  3. Specify 110 to Incoming server (POP3) if you haven't activated the This server requires an encrypted connection (SSL) field
Repair via ScanPST.exe: To fix the Outlook Timeout Error 0x8004210a, you can use the in-built utility named ScanPST which helps to fix minor Outlook errors with just an easy scan. Here is how to use this tool.
  1. Open File Explorer and go to this location given below: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX\ [XX is the Office version]
  2. Open the SCANPST.exe file.
  3. Tap on Browse and choose the file.
  4. Tap on Start to begin the process.
  5. As this tool detects any errors and issues with Outlook, click on the Repair option.
Repair the Outlook installation: In case everything fails, the issue can be with the Outlook itself. But how do we fix this? A simple Outlook repair is the easiest way out. Follow the steps below to repair Outlook.
  1. Access Control Panel and click on Programs & Features.
  2. Look for the Microsoft Suite and tap on Change.
  3. Following the screen instructions, choose the option “Quick Repair” and hit Repair.

Modifying these POP server configuration settings should resolve the POP Server Timeout Error 0x8004210a. However, in many cases, PST email items become corrupted due to incomplete and improper Send/Receive operations. Recovering emails from such situations requires a high level of technical expertise because it involves the meticulous restoration of all email items. Experts may encounter difficulties in regenerating PST email items that have been severely corrupted during the occurrence of the POP Server Timeout Error 0x8004210a. Therefore, for a reliable PST recovery solution, it is advisable to use a reputable Outlook PST recovery software.

Use a powerful & comprehensive PST recovery solution

Kernel for Outlook PST Repair software is a next-generation solution designed to handle severely damaged Outlook PST cases. It utilizes agile QFSCI algorithms to ensure precise email recovery with minimal associated risks. The software is equipped with dynamic migration options and individual email format choices, allowing you to save all recovered email items to your preferred email servers, web-based applications, Office 365 accounts, or the latest email formats. You can rely on this dependable software solution to repair PST files damaged by the POP Server Timeout Error 0x8004210a and verify the authenticity of the recovered results.

Conclusion

We hope you are able to counter the MS Outlook timeout error 0x8004210a with our solutions guide. From normal internet connectivity check to Outlook repair, you must try out the solutions carefully as per your convenience. For PST corruption problems, it is always advisable to depend on an automated solution like Kernel for Outlook PST Repair. With its simple user interface and other advanced functionalities, such a tool is a must have in your system. For more detailed info and hands-on experience, take the trial today.