Fix ‘This Message Can’t Be Sent Right Now. Please Try Again Later’ Error in Outlook

Ritu Roy | fix How to's IMAP Outlook Software Technology | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 26-12-2024
This Message Can't Be Sent Right Now. Please Try Again Later

Summary: Outlook users sometimes experience problems sending emails and get an error message that reads, “‘This Message Can’t Be Sent Right Now. Please Try Again Later. We have outlined the reasons behind this error message in this post along with some troubleshooting techniques to resolve it. In addition, we have discussed a professional OST to PST Converter tool that can assist in converting mailbox items from OST files that are orphaned or inaccessible.

When using Outlook, users frequently run into several problems and mistakes. “This message can’t be sent right now” is one example of a common error. When users attempt to send emails, the message “Please try again later” appears. The email conversation is interrupted since it is not possible to send the messages, as the error notice makes evident. This error may arise for many reasons, including issues with the Outlook application or data file. The reasons behind Outlook’s “This message can’t be sent right now” error will be discussed here, along with fixes for the problem.

Causes of “This Message cannot be sent at this time” Outlook Error

The following are some common causes for this Outlook sending error:

  • Poor, inconsistent, or nonexistent internet access
  • Inaccurate Outlook Account Settings
  • Incompatible or flawed Prospects Supplements
  • Outlook Profile Corrupted
  • Large OST/PST Outlook data file size
  • Corrupted or damaged Outlook data file

Methods to Resolve ‘This Message Can’t Be Sent Right Now. Please Try Again Later’ Error in Outlook

A quick system reboot can resolve small issues and problems that could be causing this error. Try restarting your system to see if that helps. If this doesn’t work, try the following troubleshooting:

#1. Check Internet Connectivity

This problem can appear if you are unable to send emails due to slow or poor internet connectivity. You can check whether your internet connection is operating correctly. You could try opening a random webpage for this. If there is a problem, you may either call your internet service provider or restart the router to fix it.

#2. Disable Spam Filters in Anti-Virus Apps

A number of users have claimed that turning off their antivirus program’s spam filters resolves the “This message can’t be sent right now” issue. In case the emails aren’t getting through, you can also check and disable the spam filtering feature in your antivirus program. For additional assistance, get in touch with your antivirus supplier.

#3. Check Outlook/Account Settings

If the Outlook account settings, including the port number, DNS settings, etc., are off, you can also be unable to send emails. Go through your account settings and make any necessary changes. follow the guidelines below:

  1. Navigate to Account Settings under File > Account Settings in Outlook.
  2. After selecting your email address, click “Change.” The “Server Settings” window will be shown.
  3. Choose “Advanced” after clicking “More Settings” in this window.
  4. Examine the settings on your server. On the Microsoft website, you can find the Outlook default settings. On the other hand, get in touch with your administrator if you are using an Outlook account in a business.

#4. Reduce Outlook Data File Size

You can experience problems sending emails if your Outlook data file is too big or exceeds its maximum size. To lessen the size of the data file in such a situation, you can archive mailbox contents to a PST file. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Run Outlook and Navigate to File > Info.
  2. Locate Cleanup Tools > Archive in Outlook 2010 and 2013. Go to Tools > Clean up outdated items in Outlook 2016, 2019, and 2021.
  3. Choose the option to archive this folder and all of its subfolders. Decide which items to archive.
  4. In the Archive items older than the field, type a suitable date.
  5. After choosing a location to save the Archive File by clicking Browse, click OK.

What Happens If the Error Isn’t Fixed?

If the issue continues, it indicates that your Outlook data file is corrupted or damaged. You can fix the problem by repairing the data file (PST) if you’re using a POP3 account in Outlook. However, you can recreate the data file (OST) if you’re using an Exchange account or IMAP in Outlook.

Steps to Rebuild OST File

If you are utilizing Outlook with IMAP or Exchange account, then you can recreate the Outlook data (OST) file. Follow the below listed steps:

  1. Close MS Outlook and go to the OST file location.
  2. To make an OST backup, rename the file with the.bak extension. Rename the OST file to abc@xyz.com.ost.bak, for example, if its original name is abc@xyz.com.ost.
  3. Start Outlook after that. All of your mailbox contents will be synced from the mail server, and a new OST file will be created at the default location.
  4. Try sending an email now to see if it resolves the issue.

Once the OST file has been recreated, you can look through the mailbox to see what’s missing. If any items are absent, you can save them in a PST file by retrieving them from the backup OST file using a CubexSoft OST Converter tool. After that, you can import this PST file into your Outlook profile. Emails and all other contents can be extracted from OST files of any size that are orphaned or unavailable with this utility. The extracted OST files can be saved in many different file formats.

The Concluding Lines!

The Outlook error “This message cannot be sent right now.” There are a number of reasons why Outlook may display “Please try again later,” as this post explains. You can follow the solutions to fix this error based on its reason. In the case, that the utility is unable to fix the PST file, utilize a third-party application.