Error messages usually hint you at the root of the problem you’re experiencing. In this case, the Outlook Error 0x800408FC message tells you that two factors cause it – you’re offline, or the server name is wrong. This is similar to the issue of emails stuck in the Outbox.
The server name you entered cannot be found on the network (it might be down temporarily). Please verify that you are online and that the server name is correct.
If you’re online, then you can almost be sure that it’s an issue of an incorrect server name. But this isn’t always the case. After a Windows update, users have received this error, even when their server name is correct.
Fix Outlook Error 0x800408FC
This guide shows you how to fix the Outlook error 0x800408FC. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to repair your Outlook.
- Confirm that you’re connected to the internet.
- Correct your Outlook email account settings.
- Correct your mail server settings.
- Allow Outlook files through your firewall.
- PING your mail server.
- Use Outlook in Safe Mode.
The server name you entered cannot be found on the network
1] Confirm that you’re connected to the internet
Before you go crazy troubleshooting the Outlook Error 0X800408FC, you should know that the issue is most commonly a result of connectivity problems. Therefore, test your internet connection to be sure you’re online.
Check the network icon on your taskbar to see if it’s connected. If in doubt, hover your mouse on it. If it says Not connected, that’s the root of the Outlook error 0X800408FC. Alternatively, launch your web browser and visit a random site, such as thewindowsclub.com. If it doesn’t open, fix your internet.
2] Correct your Outlook email account settings
Another factor that can cause the Outlook error 0X800408FC is misconfigured Outlook email account settings, such as incorrect server name. To fix this problem, you need to go back to the drawing board and reconfigure your Outlook.
3] Correct your mail server settings
Launch Outlook and click on the File menu. Select Account Settings from the right-hand pane. From the dropdown options, click on Server Settings.
Confirm that the username, password, server, port, and encryption methods are right. If in doubt, use the following options where applicable:
- Incoming server (POP3) port: 995 or 993
Outgoing server (SMTP) port: 465 - Mark the My outgoing (SMTP) server requires authentication checkbox.
- After these, click on the OK button to save your changes and restart Outlook.
4] Allow Outlook files through your firewall
The Windows firewall protects your system from malicious activities. Therefore, this solution isn’t recommended. I advise that you only try it out to see if it’s the cause of the Outlook Error 0X800408FC.
Press the Windows key and search for Firewall. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security from the suggestions.
Select Inbound Rules and click on the Action menu.
From the dropdown options, select New Rule.
On the Rule Type window, choose the Program option and hit the Next button.
Select This program path and click on the Browse button. Go to the following path:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
NOTE: The path may be different in your installation and Outlook version, especially the Office16 part. Get your correct directory by right-clicking on the Outlook icon and selecting Open file location.
In this directory, select Outlook.exe and hit Open. Click on the Next button to continue.
Select Allow the connection and hit Next.
Mark the checkboxes beside Domain, Private, and Public. Click Next.
Finally, give the rule a name and optional description. Hit the Finish button to complete the process.
5] PING your mail server
Pinging is a networking process that tests the communication between a specific channel. It’s also used for confirming that a network destination is reachable.
First, get the correct mail server and open Command Prompt. For this guide, we’ll assume that your mail server is mail.yourhost.com.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command with the assumption of your mail server:
ping mail.yourhost.com
Remember to change the mail.yourhost.com part to your actual mail server address. Hit the ENTER key after entering the above command to run it.
You should get a response from the mail server or an error in the process. If the response says that the service timed out or couldn’t find the host, then the mail server is down, incorrect, or you’re offline.
6] Use Outlook in Safe Mode
Now that we’ve troubleshot the connectivity and Outlook account, the next step is to confirm that the Outlook application itself isn’t buggy. For this, you use the Safe Mode.
This method also checks for issues on your profile. Here’s how to do it.
Press the Windows key and click on the search box at the bottom.
Enter the following command and hit ENTER.
outlook.exe /safe
Select a profile next. If there’s a problem, you’ll immediately get a notification that indicates damage in your profile or conflict from add-ins or other software.
I hope something here helped you fix your error.
