Fixed – Outlook Receiving Error 0x80042108

This article discusses a common error faced by Outlook users when sending or reading emails. The error message reads ‘Reported error (0x80042108): Outlook is unable to connect to your incoming (POP3) email server’.

This error usually occurs mainly due to incorrect configuration settings or due to corruption in PST files. It could also be due to anti-virus interfering with server connection. So, as a first step, you can disable anti-virus temporarily and check if Outlook works normally. If not, proceed with the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the error.

Solution 1: Run Outlook in Safe Mode

Using Safe Mode avoids the possibility of add-ins interfering with your Outlook and causing errors.

1. To open Outlook in Safe Mode, press Windows + R to open Run window
2. Type ‘Outlook/safe’ and hit Enter

If Outlook functions normally in Safe Mode, you can conclude that the error is caused by add-ins. In that case, try disabling add-ins, restart Outlook and confirm that add-ins is the culprit.

Solution 2: Allow Outlook through Firewall

The Windows Firewall may at times interfere with Outlook’s server and cause errors such as ‘0x80042108’. You can turn OFF Firewall for Outlook and check if it helps.

1. Click on the Start menu and type Firewall in the Search bar
2. Click on Windows Firewall from the results and select Turn Windows Firewall ON or OFF
3. Select Turn off Windows Firewall on both private and public networks

Now open Outlook and check if the error is fixed. If it is, proceed with the following steps. If not, turn the Firewall back ON.

1. Click Allow an app through on the ‘Windows Firewall tab’
2. Click on Change Settings, select Outlook and save changes
3. Turn ON the Firewall

Solution 3: Turn On Windows Update Service

To turn on ‘Windows Update Service’, follow the steps below.

1. Open Start menu and type ‘Service’ in the Search bar and click on Services from the list of results
2. Under ‘Windows Update Service’, click on Windows Update and select Automatic from the ‘Startup type’ drop-down menu
3. Click on Apply to apply and save the changes
4. Restart Outlook and check if it resolves the error

Solution 4: Repair PST file using Inbox Repair tool

If none of the above fixes resolve the error, you can try repairing the PST file. A PST file is a data file that saves all Outlook data on your local computer. Any corruption or damage in this file can also produce errors.

In order to repair corruption in PST files, you can use a built-in tool called Scanpst.exe that is already present in your computer.

1. Open ‘File Explorer’ on your system and type ‘Scanpst.exe’
2. Then double-click on the file to run it
3. Click on Browse to select your PST file. (You can find the location of PST by opening Outlook > File > Info > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data files)
4. Click on Repair to repair the selected file

Scanpst.exe is a great tool to repair PST files that can repair certain types of corruption issues. However, if the file is too large or severely corrupted, you may run into issues such as Scanpst not responding etc.

If Scanpst.exe fails to repair your file, there is a possibility that the PST file is severely corrupt. In such cases, you can use professional repair tools such as Remo Repair PST.