Best Solutions to Fix Outlook Error 0x80070021

Read time: 7 minutes
Outlook is Microsoft’s desktop email client and one of the most popular email applications in the world. With its features and capabilities, it can be a powerful tool for organizing and managing your email communications. However, like any software application, Outlook can occasionally experience errors. We will provide an analysis of the prevalence of Outlook Error 0x80070021 and easy solutions to fix this error code in the best way possible. Read on to learn more.
Causes of Outlook Error 0x80070021
There are some reasons that you may cause Outlook Error 0x80070021.
- The most common reason is that the Office installation on your computer is corrupt.
- When you try to install Office from a downloaded file that is incomplete or damaged.
- Different applications are running in the background
- An incompatible plugin or add-ins in Outlook. If you’ve recently installed an add-in or plugin, try turning it off or uninstalling it to see if that fixes the problem.
- Finally, this error can also occur if your Outlook data files are corrupt.
How to Troubleshoot Outlook Error 0x80070021?
When you are facing such an Outlook error, it can hamper your business in one way or the other, and thus, it becomes important to fix this issue as soon as possible. We are here with the easiest of solutions that require almost no technical expertise. Just follow these methods, and you will get your work running smoothly in no time.
Solution 1: Using the Task Manager
If you’re getting Outlook Error 0x80070021, it’s likely because the Outlook process is still running in the background even after you’ve tried to exit it. To fix this, you’ll need to end the Outlook process using Task Manager. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the taskbar; now select Task Manager.
- In the Processes tab, find the entry for Microsoft Outlook. If you don’t see it, make sure to click Show processes from all users at the bottom of the window.
- Select Microsoft Outlook and click End Task.
- Close Task Manager and try opening Outlook again. It should now work properly.
Solution 2: Removing the Search Email Indexer
One common fix for Outlook Error 0x80070021 is removing the Search Email Indexer from your computer.
- Access Outlook and go to the Options tab.
- From the left side dashboard, click on Add-ins and look for Windows Search Email Indexer.
- Select this Email Indexer and change the Manage settings to Disable Items. Tap on Go and then OK.
- Restart your computer and check if Outlook Error 0x80070021 has been fixed.
Solution 3: Performing a Clean Boot
If you are facing any Outlook issues, you may want to try a Clean Boot. This will help you identify the problem by starting Windows with only basic drivers and startup programs. To do this, follow these steps:
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- Go to Start; here, in the search box, type “msconfig” and hit Enter on your keyboard.
- On the Services tab, check the “Hide all Microsoft services” option, and click on Disable all.
- On the Startup tab, click on Open Task Manager.
- In the Startup tab in Task Manager, for each item, click on the item and click on the Disable button in the lower right-hand corner. Close Task Manager when done.
- Click OK when you see the System Configuration dialog box informing you that you must restart your computer to apply these changes.
- Check if the problem persists;. If it does not, then it is likely that one of those disabled items was causing the issue.
You can enable them one after the other until you find the culprit. Once found, leave it disabled or uninstall that program if unnecessary. Reboot to test after each change.
Solution 4: System Restore
The Outlook Error code 0x80070021 can be caused by a number of things, including a corrupt registry or a corrupted Outlook profile. There is a way to fix this error, and other Outlook disconnected errors by using System Restore.
System Restore is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to roll back your system to a previous state. This means that if Outlook Error 0x80070021 was caused by a recent change, you could simply restore your system to undo the change.
To use System Restore, simply open the Start menu and type “System Restore” into the search bar. Then, choose a restore point and restore your system.
Solution 5: Booting your System in Safe Mode
Sometimes your computer can have a problem that is only happening in Windows. These problems are often caused by a program or driver that is not working correctly. To help fix these types of problems, you can start your computer in Safe mode.
This starts Windows with only the essential programs and drivers. This can help because starting into Safe mode can sometimes prevent the person from logging in if a problem exists before the login screen.
There are different ways to start with Safe mode, but the most common way is to use the key F8 when you restart your computer. As soon as you restart, start pressing F8 repeatedly. You will see the Advanced Boot Options screen.
On this screen, you need to use the arrow keys, choose Safe mode, and then press Enter on your keyboard.
If you have multiple operating systems on your computer, you will also see an option for Safe mode with Networking.
Opt for this if you want to use the Internet while in Safe mode. It can take a little practice to time it just right so that you don’t miss the boot options screen. If this happens, restart the PC, and try again.
Note: If you’re still seeing any other error like Outlook error 0x80040116 or Outlook error 0x8004010f, then it’s likely that there’s a more serious problem with your Outlook installation. In that case, you’ll need to uninstall and then reinstall Office on your computer.
Solution 6: Kernel for Outlook PST Repair Tool
To deal with such a complex situation, it is advised to make use of this advanced utility. This smart software has been designed with an advanced scanning technique that can efficiently repair damaged or corrupt PST files within a matter of minutes.
In addition to this, the tool also provides an option to save repaired PST files at user-specified locations. Apart from the 0x80070021 error, this PST Repair software can successfully fix various types of PST file errors such as CRC (cyclic redundancy check), header corruption, synchronization errors, virus attack, 2GB file size limitation issues, etc.
Furthermore, this intuitive tool is compatible with all popular versions of the MS Outlook application, including 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, & 2007. Lastly, there is a trial version available for the users to get a prior firsthand experience with this software.
Final Thoughts
Although the Outlook Error Code 0x80070021 is frustrating, it can be fixed relatively easily. We’ve outlined some solutions that should work for most users. Just make sure you follow each method carefully and be a pro in no time.
If you are again having trouble, be sure to use our recommended tool and get 100% resolution to most of your Outlook issues. For any further assistance, you can always get back to us 24×7.