The error 0x80070057 has been reported by many Outlook users on Microsoft’s forum. This is particularly a send/receive error that can make Outlook client freeze and can also prohibit the user from sending or receiving emails. Moreover, it might even stop you from connecting to Microsoft Exchange. Several users with relatively newer Outlook profiles on Microsoft Exchange server repeatedly encountered this error. This blog will talk about the reasons, and the most effective ways to fix this error and how can you prevent this from happening in the future.
What are the Causes of 0x80070057 Error?
You can see the Outlook sending error 0x80070057 when installing or updating your Windows OS, creating a new profile in Outlook, backing up system data, or saving files. Primarily, this error can pop-up during synchronization of MS Outlook with Exchange Server or if the configuration of Exchange Offline Address Book (OAB) is corrupt. Following are some other few known causes of Outlook sending error 0x80070057:
- Exchange OAB configuration is corrupt: This error occurs in Outlook 2013 and later versions when Exchange Server is only configured to distribute OAB via the Public Folders instead of Web-based distribution.
- Issues with Windows update: When Windows fails to download, install, or complete updates due to anti-virus or other security software.
- Corrupted data files: If Outlook fails to read, write, synchronize data with PST or OST files, it may show the invalid parameter error, thus giving rise to the Outlook error 0x80070057.
- Corrupt Outlook profile: If the Outlook profile being used for communication is corrupted, there can be blockages in the communication.
- Issues in account configuration: Configuring a user account with incorrect server settings (IMAP/ SMTP) can prevent connection with the server.
- Low disk space: Due to low disk space on the system, Outlook might show failed file transfers with inefficient SSDs or hard drives.
How to Fix Outlook Error 0x80070057?
We have provided a few ways to manually fix error code 0x80070057 which are outlined below:
Method 1: App Troubleshooter for Windows 10
App troubleshooter is capable of troubleshooting and fixing all issues you might be facing since upgrading from an older Windows version to a new version.
Step 1: Go to the Search tab and type Troubleshooting.
Step 2: Now, click on System and Security.
Step 3: Next, click on Windows Update and follow the instructions.
Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC)
System file checker (SFC) is a tool from Microsoft that can repair corrupted files in a Windows installation.
Step 1: Go to the Search tab and type cmd.
Step 2: Make sure to run the command prompt as administrator.
Step 3: Next, type sfc/scannow and follow the instructions.
Method 3: Reinstall Outlook Client
There can be instances where the incorrect Outlook installation is responsible for the Outlook send receive error 0x80070057. To avoid this, first uninstall the Outlook client from your PC and then reinstall it to see if it’s functioning properly. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Go to the Control Panel and look for Programs and Features.
Step 2: Select Microsoft Outlook and right-click to select Uninstall.
Step 3: Now, re-install the program to see if it-s properly fixed.
Method 4: Repair Outlook Data Files Using Scanpst.exe
When there is damage or corruption in the data file, you receive Outlook sending error 0x80070057. To resolve this, you need to repair the PST file. If there’s minor corruption, take advantage of the inbuilt Inbox Repair tool known as Scanpst.exe to repair inaccessible PST or OST files.
For users working with Outlook 365, 2019, and 2016, the location of Scanpst.exe to fix Outlook send receive error 0x80070057 can be found here:
You may have to be run ScanPST.exe more than once to repair the PST file properly. Remember, the Inbox Repair Tool cannot guarantee recovery of every PST item, it mainly depends on the level of corruption in the PST file. If the Inbox Repair Tool is unable to fix your PST file, you may need to opt for a trusted PST Repair tool for this task. Kernel PST Repair is a good choice that can easily repair highly damaged or inaccessible data files in a few minutes.
Method 5: Update Drivers
Device drivers are often outdated or faulty, resulting in errors during processes. Here’s how to update drivers:
Step 1: Go to Search and type Device Manager.
Step 2: In the list of all the Devices, choose Disk drives and expand it.
Step 3: Click the option Update Driver Software.
Method 6: Run Outlook in Safe Mode
Try to run Outlook in safe mode to make sure if any faulty add-ins are the root cause behind this error. Follow the steps mentioned below to run Outlook in safe mode:
Step 1: Go to Start > Run.
Step 2: Type outlook.exe/safe in the text box and click OK.
Step 3: Next, in the Choose Profile dialog box, choose the default profile settings, and click OK.
Step 4: This will automatically open the outlook in the safe mode.
Common Mistakes When Fixing Outlook Sending Error 0x80070057
- Making changes in the registry without saving a backup can often result in a non-bootable Windows PC.
- Ignoring the cache accumulated in the SoftwareDistribution folder (which might be corrupted) and running the solutions or restarting the system.
- Performing a chkdsk scan on a drive having severe corruption can make data files inaccessible or damaged, causing data loss.
- Running commands on Command Prompt without opening it as administrator fails to fix the issue or modify the files.
- Considering that the issue is within Windows only, turning off the security software can block the mail deliveries.
Prevention Tips for Future Outlook Errors
Here are some key tips that will help in preventing future errors in Outlook:
- First and foremost solution is to regularly backup data so that you don’t lose crucial email communication in all situations.
- Compress your PST files to reduce the file size, thereby improving the overall performance.
- Disable all the faulty or unnecessary add-ins as they can be a reason for the system crashes.
- Fix the corrupted Outlook profile or create a new one to avoid seeing errors when sending/receiving emails.
- Exit Outlook properly before you shut down your systems to avoid file corruption.
Conclusion
When Microsoft Outlook faces a problem in synchronization with Exchange Server or with the OAB, then Outlook encounters error code 0x80070057. We have provided manual methods to fix this error. We hope you are able to find out exactly why you’re facing this error to choose the most appropriate fix to resolve it quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the possible reasons for Outlook error 0x80070057?
A: Possible reasons behind the error include:
- Faulty hard drive or file system (NTFS).
- Problematic Windows update.
- Damaged or corrupt system files (dll, .sys, .exe).
- Insufficient permissions.
Q: How to fix Outlook 0x80070057 error quickly?
A: You can clear the software distribution folder to fix the corrupted PST files:
- Open the Run window and type services.msc and press Enter.
- Go to Windows Update and click Stop to halt the running service.
- Open the location: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
- Delete all the data and restart Windows Update from services.msc.