Flat vector illustration of a laptop with Outlook error “The operation failed. An object could not be found,” surrounded by icons representing stuck email, missing object, puzzle piece, and repair tools on a dark blue grid background

Fix: Outlook “Operation Failed – Object Not Found” When Sending Email

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TL;DR: This error usually means Outlook can’t locate the item you’re trying to send—often due to a stuck message in the Outbox or profile corruption. Jump to Solution 1 to clear the Outbox.

You’ve composed an email, clicked “Send,” and instead of the satisfying swoosh, Outlook throws a cryptic error:

“The operation failed. An object could not be found.”

This message can appear when sending, replying, or forwarding. It indicates that Outlook is trying to reference an item (email, attachment, or folder) that no longer exists or is inaccessible. The problem is frustrating, but it’s almost always fixable with the right steps.

📌 Note: This error typically affects the Classic Outlook desktop application. If you are using the “New Outlook” (web‑based) version, the architecture handles objects differently. For New Outlook, try clearing your browser cache or checking your internet connection first.

What Causes “Operation Failed – Object Not Found”?

  • Corrupt stuck message in the Outbox – The most common cause.
  • Corrupted Outlook profile – Profile corruption can break message references.
  • Add‑in interference – Some add‑ins attempt to access objects that aren’t available.
  • Corrupted PST file – If using a POP account, the PST may have internal errors.
  • Missing folder or item – The target folder (e.g., Sent Items) may be corrupted or deleted.
  • Outdated Outlook or Office installation – Bugs in older versions can trigger this.

How to Fix “Operation Failed – Object Not Found”

Work through these solutions in order.

1. Clear the Outbox

A stuck or corrupted message in the Outbox is the leading cause of this error.

  1. In Outlook, go to the Outbox folder.
  2. Look for any messages that remain unsent.
  3. Delete them (or move them to Drafts if you need to keep the content).
  4. Compose a new test email and try sending again.

💡 Pro Tip: If the Outbox appears empty but the error persists, switch to Work Offline (Send/Receive tab → Work Offline), restart Outlook, then go back online. This often forces a refresh and can dislodge hidden stuck messages.

2. Check Your Sent Items Folder (Online)

If you’re using a Microsoft 365 (Exchange) account, the object might be missing server‑side.

  1. Log in to Outlook.com or your organization’s webmail.
  2. Check your Sent Items folder. If the email you tried to send is there, the problem is local to your Outlook app.
  3. If the sent item is also missing online, it may be a server‑side issue—contact your IT admin.

3. Run Outlook in Safe Mode & Disable Add‑ins

A faulty add‑in can try to reference an object that isn’t available.

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type outlook.exe /safe, and press Enter.
  2. If the error stops in Safe Mode, the issue is an add‑in.
  3. Go to File → Options → Add‑ins.
  4. At the bottom, select COM Add‑ins and click Go.
  5. Disable all add‑ins, restart Outlook normally, and test. Re‑enable them one by one to find the culprit.

4. Use SCANPST to Repair the PST File

If you’re using a POP account, corruption in the PST file can cause this error.

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Locate SCANPST.EXE – search your C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\ folder (the “XX” varies by version).
    Quick cheat code: Search for “SCANPST” in Windows search and select the one that matches your Office version.
  3. Run it and browse to your PST file (find its location in Control Panel → Mail → Data Files).
  4. Click Start, then Repair if errors are found.
  5. Run the repair multiple times until no errors remain.

⏳ Note: For large PSTs, SCANPST may appear frozen. Do not cancel—let it finish. Forcing a shutdown mid‑repair can cause more corruption.

5. Repair the Outlook Profile

Profile corruption can break the link between Outlook and your data files.

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Open Control Panel → Mail (Microsoft Outlook) → Show Profiles.
  3. Select your profile and click Properties → Data Files.
  4. Ensure the correct PST is listed. If not, add it.
  5. Alternatively, create a new profile:
    • Click Add, give it a name, and set up your email account.
    • Under “When starting Microsoft Outlook,” select Prompt for a profile.
    • Open Outlook with the new profile and test sending.

6. Repair Office Installation

Corrupt Office files can cause unexpected object errors.

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps (or Programs and Features in Control Panel).
  2. Find Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office.
  3. Click Modify → Quick Repair (or Online Repair for a deeper fix).
  4. Restart your computer after the repair completes.

7. Check for Windows & Office Updates

Outdated software may contain bugs that trigger this error.

  • Windows Update: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
  • Office Update: In Outlook, go to File → Office Account → Update Options → Update Now.

8. Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)

SaRA can automatically diagnose and fix profile and PST issues.

  1. Download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant.
  2. Run the tool and select Outlook → Outlook data file (PST) has issues or Outlook is slow or freezes.
  3. Follow the prompts. SaRA will attempt to repair or isolate the problem.

9. Create a New Email Profile (Alternative Method)

If all else fails, a fresh email account configuration can resolve deep corruption.

  1. In Control Panel → Mail → Show Profiles, add a new profile.
  2. Set up your email account from scratch.
  3. If you need to access old emails, import the PST from your old profile using File → Open & Export → Import/Export.

Related Reading from Mukunda Software

Explore our other Outlook troubleshooting guides for comprehensive help:

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