Outlook outgoing mail server not working

The frustration of an outgoing mail server not working in Outlook! Don't worry, I'm here to help you troubleshoot the issue.

Here are some common causes and solutions to get your outgoing mail server up and running again:

1. Check your account settings

• Ensure that your account settings are correct:
  • Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  • Select your email account and click "Change".
  • Verify that the "Outgoing mail server" (SMTP) is set correctly.
  • Make sure the port number is correct (usually 587 or 25).

2. Check your internet connection

• Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working properly.
• Restart your router and modem if you're experiencing connectivity issues.

3. Check your firewall settings

• Ensure that your firewall is not blocking the outgoing mail server:
  • Check your firewall settings to allow outgoing traffic on the SMTP port (usually 587 or 25).
  • If you're using a third-party firewall, ensure that it's not blocking the outgoing mail server.

4. Check your email provider's settings

• Contact your email provider's support team to ensure that their outgoing mail server is working correctly.
• Check their website for any known issues or maintenance schedules that may affect outgoing mail.

5. Check for DNS issues

• Ensure that your DNS settings are correct:
  • Check your DNS settings to ensure that they're pointing to the correct outgoing mail server.
  • Run a DNS lookup to verify that the DNS settings are correct.

6. Check for antivirus software interference

• Ensure that your antivirus software is not interfering with the outgoing mail server:
  • Temporarily disable your antivirus software to see if it resolves the issue.
  • If it does, you may need to configure your antivirus software to allow outgoing mail.

7. Check for Outlook add-ins

• Ensure that any Outlook add-ins are not interfering with the outgoing mail server:
  • Disable any add-ins that you're not using.
  • Try sending an email without any add-ins enabled.

8. Reset Outlook's sending settings

• Reset Outlook's sending settings:
  • Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  • Select your email account and click "Change".
  • Click "More Settings" and then "Advanced".
  • Click "Reset" to reset the sending settings.

9. Reinstall Outlook

• If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to reinstall Outlook:
  • Uninstall Outlook and reinstall it from the Microsoft website.
  • Ensure that you're using the latest version of Outlook.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may want to contact Microsoft Support or your email provider's support team for further assistance.