Error “ Outlook is Unable to Connect to Your Incoming (POP3) Email Server ” : Resolved
Microsoft Outlook is an useful email application that is mainly popular among business users. However, even Outlook 2019 / 2016 / 2013 / 2010 sometimes malfunctions and users need to encounter several error messages. In this write-up, we will explore the Mirosoft Outlook POP3 error named “Outlook is unable to connect to your incoming (POP3) email server.” This Outlook POP3 problem is also known as Outlook Error 0x80042108. Here, we will share the causes and solutions to this error with the readers. Before that, have a look at a user query from an Outlook forum:
“I have been using MS Outlook 2016 for last 6 months. Till now, I have not faced any issues in Outlook. Except in last week, I failed to access Outlook from the airport. I got an error message that said “Outlook is unable to connect to your incoming POP3 email server.” I could not send or receive any email using Outlook during my Chicago tour either. Surprising, Outlook has been working fine as usual since I have returned home. I have got several business tours planned for next one year. Can anyone tell why this error appears when I am not accessing Outlook from my usual place and how to fix it.”
Reasons for Outlook Error 0x80042108
A number of situations can trigger this Outlook POP3 error message to occur. Some of the reasons for this error are:
- ISP issues or unstable internet
- Improper settings in MS Outlook
- Corrupt registry and system files
- Installation of conflicting programs
- Malware or virus attack on system
- Firewall and anti-virus software
- Junk files with active threads
These are some of the major causes of this error. Now we will move to the next section where solutions to this error will be discussed.
Resolve Outlook PST File Problems in One Step
MS Outlook data file related problems and issues always keep on appearing in user systems. Resolving those errors and issues may not be that easy always. SysTools comes with a efficient and reliable application called Outlook PST Recovery Sofwtare to fix data file issues of Outlook users. Almost all POP3 PST data file errors and problems can be easily fixed using this application.
Solutions to Outlook is Unable to Connect to Your Incoming (POP3) Email Server Error
Just like the causes, there are many remedial techniques for this error. Users may try them depending on the reason. For their own benefit, we are taking the readers through multiple solutions to Outlook error 0x80042108.
Solution 1: Contact your Internet Service Provider
If you try to access MS Outlook outside your Internet Service Provider ISP’s coverage area, this error can occur. Usually, Internet Service Provider facilitates you with a server when a user set up their account in Outlook. ISP also provides authentication that helps you access their server directly. When users try to access Outlook from a different location, ISP of that particular area stops any connection to your own ISP server. To avoid this situation, contact your ISP and ask them for alternate solutions.
Solution 2: Check if POP is Enabled in Email
If POP is not enabled in the email client that you are using, 0x80042108 error is bound to come. If you see this message, it is imperative to check if the POP setting is enabled. If you have Gmail account configured in Outlook, go to Settings of Gmail by clicking on Gear icon. Open Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab and enable POP Download status.
Solution 3: Make System Firewall Allow Outlook
It happens many times that the firewall accidentally blocks Outlook. As a result, Outlook loses the capability to send or receive messages. While facing this error, users must check their firewall settings too. For that, go to Control Panel and then select Windows Defender Firewall from all control panel items. See if both “Private” and “Public” boxes corresponding to MS Outlook are checked. If not, then click on Change Setting and tick both the boxes. Finally, click on Save button to apply the new setting.
Solution 4: Perform Some Basic Troubleshooting
This Outlook Error 0x80042108 is often caused by the smallest of reasons. That is why users must also conduct basic troubleshooting on their system in case of this error “Outlook is unable to connect to your incoming (POP3) email server”.
- See if all settings of Outlook email are correct. If not, then perform correction wherever needed.
- Check if the internet connection of your machine is stable and swift.
- Junk files with active threads can cause this error. Remove all junk files from your system.
- Perform a complete scan of the system with an updated version of anti-virus software. If any malware is responsible for this error, the anti-virus will remove it.
Solution 5: Remove Anti-Virus Integration in Outlook
Sometimes, anti-virus add-ins can result in Microsoft Outlook error codes and messages. Users can remove that add-in and check if the error persists or not. Open Outlook and click on File>> Options>> Add-ins to open a page. Click on Go button on that page. Select all anti-virus and security related add-ins from the list and click Remove.
Conclusion
This post portrayed different solutions to “Outlook is unable to connect to your incoming (POP3) email server” error. This error can affect the users anytime as various causes are responsible for this error. The users should try these solutions to fix this Microsoft Outlook POP3 error by following the prescribed instructions.