When trying to launch Outlook Express or send an email, the user sees this error message:

Task – Send/Receive reported an error (0x80042109): ‘Outlook cannot connect to the outgoing mail server (SMTP)’. If this issue continues, please reach out to your server administrator or Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Causes of this message:

These error messages can appear when Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Outlook Express fails to connect to the email server. Common reasons include:

  • You are not connected to the Internet or a network.
  • Incorrect account settings.
  • Your Outlook user profile is corrupted.
  • Incorrect antivirus software settings.
  • Outlook Express has been removed from your computer or the installation is corrupted.
  • Incorrect personal firewall software settings.

Solutions: