5 Methods to Fix Outlook an Unexpected Error Has Occurred Issue

Amy Dennis

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Recover Emails • Proven solutions

Does an error message "Outlook an unexpected error has occurred" appeared on your screen all of a sudden? When it appears, usually it crashes Outlook, corrupts it, or makes it stop responding. Are you also into such a situation? If yes, then you will learn here the possible reasons that cause this issue and the various methods to fix it.

Causes of An Unexpected Error Has Occurred in Outlook

If you are experiencing an unexpected error suddenly on your Outlook, the reason can be any. Some of the possible ones are:

• Your corrupt Outlook profile
• An installed add-in can cause hindrance in the functioning of the Outlook
• Deleted or damaged PST file
• Older Outlook version
• Incorrect configuration or installation of the application
• Corrupt Software
• Virus attack
• Conflict in the internal registry

The cause can be any. But as said above, when the error occurs, it restricts you from accessing your Outlook application. As your stored data and emails become inaccessible, you might be looking for solutions to fix the issue.

We have discussed various methods for addressing this issue in the next part. Read on to learn the detailed steps that help you access your Outlook quickly. To prevent further data loss, it's advisable to backup your Outlook emails to a USB drive or hard drive

Five Methods | Fix "An Unexpected Outlook Error Has Occurred" Issue

After learning the various causes for Outlook unexpected error, now take a look at the different methods and its detailed steps.

1 Repair an Office Application

If the error is due to damaged data files, then you need to repair your Microsoft Office application. Begin the procedure with the below easy and detailed steps:

Step 1: Close Microsoft Office Applications

If there is any open or running application of Microsoft Office, closing it is mandatory for beginning the repair process.

Step 2: Open Control Panel and reach Programs and Features.

Step 3: Look for the Microsoft Office version and right-click it.

Step 4: Click on the repair option to begin the repairing process

Once the repair process completes, start the Microsoft Outlook and see whether you can use it now.

2 Set Up a New Outlook Profile

If you create your new Outlook Profile, it can also help in fixing the issue. Create it with the below steps:

Step 1: Click on Start and open Control Panel

Step 2: Open Mail Setup from the "Mail" option.

Step 3: Open "Show Profiles" and click on "Add" to create your new profile.

Step 4: Give a name to your created profile and click on "OK."

Your profile is created; you can try accessing Outlook now.

3 Reinstall Outlook on Your Computer

If your Outlook installation is incomplete or incorrect, it can also cause an unexpected error. You can fix it by reinstalling Outlook with the below easy steps:

Step 1: ¬Open Control Panel and search "Programs"

Step 2: Click on Outlook and then on the "Uninstall" option. You can see the "Uninstall" option when you right-click on your Outlook. Your Outlook is removed once you click on "Uninstall."

Step 3: After the successful uninstallation, reboot your computer to reinstall Outlook.

Are you now able to access Outlook? If yes, then it shows the error was due to incorrect installation.

4 Use the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool

Microsoft's inbox repair tool, ScanPST.exe, is an excellent way to fix the unexpected error. Proceed with the below-listed steps:

Step 1: Run the ScanPST.exe file after searching from the Outlook installation folder.

Step 2: Click on "Scan" you will see the option to select the file that needs repair. After selecting the file, click on "Repair" to begin the repairing process.

Relaunch Outlook when the repair process completes.

5 Try Professional Outlook Repair Tool

After trying all the above-listed steps, is the error not resolved? Use Stellar Outlook Repair; it will surely help to fix the problem. PST files are bigger and often get corrupted. It doesn't matter how severe the corruption is; the powerful Stellar PST repair software can help you fix it quickly with its user-friendly GUI interface.

Step 1: Add PST file

In the main interface, you will come across two options: "Browse" and "Find." Click any one option from the two. You can hit "Browse" if you know the exact location of the file, else click on "Find" to search for the required file.

Step 2: Repair the PST file

After file selection, click on the "Repair" and begin the repairing process. You can see the growth of the process from the progress bar. While repairing, if you feel like stopping the process anytime, click on the "Stop" button. It will immediately stop the process. The complete time taken by the process depends on the level of corruption and the file size.

Step 3: Preview and save

The software permits you to view the repaired files and confirm before saving them. Double-click on the files listed in the left side panel. Confirm to view after clicking on "OK." Select the location to save the file.

Your file is repaired, now you use can access your Outlook.

The Bottom Line

By now, you must have understood the various reasons why Microsoft Outlook an unexpected error has occurred. So, while accessing Outlook, whenever you come across such an error, try removing it with the above-discussed detailed methods. Stellar Outlook Repair is the best of all, and we recommend using it for fixing unexpected Outlook errors quickly and easily.

We hope our guide proves helpful to you!