Fix Outlook Error: The operation failed. An object could not be found

“The operation failed. An object could not be found” is a Microsoft Outlook error commonly associated with error code 0x8004010F. It usually occurs when users try to send or receive emails, access attachments, or archive data. This error indicates that Outlook is unable to locate a required object, for instance, an Outlook data file (PST/OST), email profile component, or Exchange mailbox reference, due to corruption or misconfiguration. The issue is frequently reported in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007, especially in environments configured with Microsoft Exchange Server. Therefore, in this guide, we will explain why this happens, and how to mitigate this error using manual and automated methods.

Why Does Outlook Show “The Operation Failed. An Object Could Not Be Found”?

Here are some of the most common underlying issues that trigger the issue.

• Microsoft Office installation is corrupted.
• Damaged or misconfigured Outlook profile.
• Your MS Outlook is running in compatibility mode.
• Autodiscover settings or incorrect Exchange mailbox.
• Antivirus might be interfering with regular Outlook processes.
• Severe corruption and damage in your MS Outlook data files aka PST & OST.

Manual Methods to Fix Outlook Error: The operation failed. An object could not be found Outlook

• Ensure that Outlook Is Not in Compatibility Mode
• Make a Fresh Outlook Profile
• Turn Off Antivirus Scanner Integrated with MS Outlook
• Repair Microsoft Outlook Application
• Use Scanpst.exe to Scan Outlook Data File for Errors

Further in the article, we will discuss all theses manual methods in detail. Afterward, we will further discuss the expert-suggested automated solution that we described above. So, stay tuned!

Make Sure that Outlook Is Not in Compatibility Mode

To start with, a user needs to make sure that MS Outlook is not in the compatibility mode. If it is working, then a user need to straight away correct it by following the steps mentioned below:

1. Go to the Start button and in the search box type outlook.exe. It will display the corresponding program
2. Then, right-click on the program and select the Properties option from the displayed menu
3. A new dialog box will appear. Go directly to the Compatibility tab
4. Here, you need to check if the Run this program in compatibility mode for: option is checked or not. Verify if Outlook is in Compatibility Mode.

5. Now, if the option is checked, please unchecked it for once. After that, restart the MS Outlook application to send emails again. However, if the option is already unchecked, then there may be some other cause behind this error: The operation failed. An object could not be found in Outlook 2021 / 2019 / 2016 / 2013 / 2010 / 2007.

Make a Fresh Outlook Profile

Another possible cause behind this issue is the corrupted Outlook profile. Therefore, try to create a new Outlook profile to resolve the error.

1. First of navigate to Start >> Settings >> Control Panel option
2. After that, double-click on the Mail icon
3. Now, in the Mail Setup dialog box, click on the Show Profiles option.

4. Then, a New Profile dialog box will appear. Enter a descriptive type of a name for the new profile under the Profile Name and click OK.

5. Next, in the E-mail Accounts dialog box, choose Add a new e-mail account in the e-mail options, and after that click on Next to continue.

6. Now, click on the type of server on which the e-mail account works, and then click Next to proceed further
7. Enter all the required details, including the fields that appear after clicking on More Settings option
8. As you done with entering all the required information, click on Finish button

Turn Off Antivirus Scanner Integrated with MS Outlook

The antivirus application plays an important role in protecting the MS Outlook from viruses. However, its integration with Microsoft Outlook has several hidden problems also. Every time when a user sends/receive emails, the antivirus application will first scan all of them. This will slow down the process of sending or receiving emails and sometimes leads to an error. Hence, a user needs to turn off it. After doing this, one can try to send emails again. If a user still faces an error look forward to the next solution.

Repair Microsoft Outlook Application

Repairing MS Outlook main purpose is to fix all incorrect configuration done in Outlook. To do the same, follow the steps given below:

1. Exit Outlook and go to Start menu
2. After that, type appwiz.cpl or Run in the search box, then hit Enter key
3. In the new window, click on Microsoft Office option and click on Change button
4. Now, a new screen appear, select Repair option and click on the Continue to begin the repair process

5. After repairing, a user needs to restart Outlook and try to send email again

Use Scanpst.exe to Scan Outlook Data File for Errors

If any of the above 4 manuals does not work perfectly, then there are high chances that the error: The operation failed. An object could not be found in Outlook 2016/2013/2010/2007 is due to corruption in Outlook data file (.pst). Therefore, to resolve this problem, one can use the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool or scanpst.exe, to scan the PST file for errors. To use ScanPST first you have to find  Find where Scanpst.exe is located in the system. After running this tool, just choose the corrupted or inaccessible Outlook PST file and begin the repair process.

Automated Solution to Fix Outlook Error: The Operation Failed. An Object Could Not Be Found Outlook

The Inbox Repair Tool does not work well when it comes to fix file corruption came due to Outlook error code 0x8004010f: Outlook data file cannot be accessed. To overcome the limitations of the manual solutions, one is advised to switch to a tool i.e. PST File Repair Tool by SysTools. The tool is designed to repair corrupt Outlook PST file in bulk also without any file size limitation. Moreover, the tool is compatible with all versions of MS Outlook and MS Windows OS.

Therefore, if the cause of the error is corruption in the PST file, one can simply use this tool without any doubt in mind.

Conclusion

“The attempted operation failed. An object could not be found” is the common error faced by Outlook users while sending and receiving error. After understanding the reason behind this error The operation failed. An object could not be found in Outlook 2021 / 2019 / 2016 / 2013 / 2010 / 2007, different methods to resolve this error are discussed. A user can try any of them based on the reason of the error. However, if there is a corruption in the PST file then, one is advised to use a professional solution as discussed above. This tool will help users to repair Outlook PST files without Sacnpst.exe and without any limitation.

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