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Outlook troubleshooting

Microsoft Outlook is a vital tool for businesses of all sizes, offering email, calendar, and contact management in one seamless platform. However, even the best tools can encounter occasional hiccups. Whether it’s connectivity issues, slow performance, or syncing problems, troubleshooting Outlook doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

At Systems&Smiles, we specialise in helping businesses keep their tech running smoothly. This guide focuses on common Outlook issues and solutions, perfect for ensuring Outlook for small business remains a reliable asset in your day-to-day operations.

Common Outlook Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is essential for Outlook to work correctly. If Outlook is stuck on “Trying to connect” or you can’t send/receive emails, check your WiFi or Ethernet connection.

2. Restart Outlook in Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables add-ins that might be causing problems.

How to Start Outlook in Safe Mode:

  1. Close Outlook completely.
  2. Press Windows + R, type outlook.exe /safe, and hit Enter.

If Outlook runs smoothly in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by an add-in.

Image Placeholder: Starting Outlook in Safe Mode

3. Repair the Outlook Data File

Sometimes Outlook’s .PST or .OST files can become corrupted, leading to crashes or missing emails. Microsoft offers a built-in repair tool to fix these files.

Steps to Repair Data Files:

  1. Close Outlook and open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to your Office installation folder and open SCANPST.EXE.
  3. Select the .PST or .OST file for your account and click Start to scan.
  4. Repair the file if errors are detected.

Image Placeholder: Using SCANPST to Repair Outlook Files

4. Recreate Your Outlook Profile

If emails aren’t syncing or Outlook isn’t opening, recreating your profile can resolve the issue.

Steps to Recreate Your Profile:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
  2. Click Add to create a new profile.
  3. Set up your email account and test the new profile.
  4. Once working, set the new profile as the default.

Pro Tip: Backup your current profile settings before creating a new one to avoid losing customizations.

Image Placeholder: Recreating an Outlook Profile

5. Update and Repair Outlook

Running an outdated version of Outlook can cause compatibility and performance issues.

To Check for Updates:

  1. Open Outlook and go to File > Office Account > Update Options.
  2. Select Update Now to install any available updates.

To Repair Outlook:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Select Microsoft Office, click Change, and choose Quick Repair or Online Repair.

Image Placeholder: Repairing Microsoft Office Installation

Why Outlook Troubleshooting Matters for Small Businesses
For small businesses, Outlook is a central hub for communication and scheduling. Ensuring it runs smoothly minimises downtime and keeps your team productive. These troubleshooting steps will help you quickly resolve issues and maintain a seamless workflow.

Whether you’re managing email overload or fixing connectivity issues, troubleshooting Outlook is a crucial skill for any business. With these steps, you can ensure Outlook for small business remains a dependable tool.

Need help with more advanced Outlook troubleshooting or configuration? Systems&Smiles is here to provide expert IT support and make your tech stress-free, so contact us now!

Photo by Ed Hardie on Unsplash

S&S Systems:

Our solutions, rolled out in two phases, were game changers for a distributed workforce!. First, we consolidated disconnected platforms into Microsoft 365’s suite of apps. In Phase 2, new processes were designed for a 100% remote workforce in two countries. We automated and systematised all IT, from device purchasing to onboarding and offboarding.

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No more hassles keeping track of dispersed hardware.

Security risks of hardware floating around eliminated.

Expanded remote service to include localized repair options.

Cost and time savings.

S&S Systems:

Since innovation is foundational to our client’s business, they totally entrusted us to reimagine their IT from start to finish. We consolidated and streamlined systems, achieved cyber essentials certifications in 3 months, and implemented our zero-touch deployment of Macs and PCs, including architecture industry-specific software needs.

S&S Smiles:

No more friction and frustration, not to mention cost and time savings! IT went from being a nightmare to a dream – and now we’re working on an IT roadmap strategy to evaluate future hardware and software needs as well as optimize their IT infrastructure as they grow.

S&S Systems:

We automated and streamlined all things IT, from device purchasing and management to onboarding and offboarding to core app implementation (e.g., Google workspace, Slack, Vanta) and tackled SOC2 compliance from A to Z.

S&S Smiles:

Zero-touch Mac deployment is now a team crowd pleaser, not to mention the fancy IT and media kit we installed in their posh new offices that work seamlessly, especially during new business pitches! What’s more, no big brand prospect is off the table for our client now that their compliance issues are in-hand.