How to Fix Microsoft Outlook Error 0x80040115 in Windows 11

Learn how to fix the Microsoft Outlook error 0x80040115 that prevents it from working correctly in Windows 11. This article provides a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve this common issue.

Problem

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients in the world, but it is not without its flaws. Sometimes, Outlook users may encounter an error message that says “Something is wrong with one of your data files and Outlook needs to close. Outlook might be able to fix your file. Click OK to run the Inbox Repair Tool.” This error code is 0x80040115 and it can prevent Outlook from working correctly. In this article, we will explain what causes this error, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening again.

The detail error message as below:

Task reported error (0x80040115 ): “We can’t complete this because we can’t contact the server right now. Please try again later.”

What Causes Outlook Error 0x80040115?

The error 0x80040115 usually occurs when there is a problem with the Outlook data file, also known as the PST file. The PST file stores all your emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and other Outlook items. If the PST file is corrupted, damaged, or inaccessible, Outlook will not be able to read it and will display the error message.

There are several possible reasons why the PST file may get corrupted, such as:

• Power outage, system crash, or improper shutdown of the computer
• Virus, malware, or ransomware infection
• Hardware failure, such as hard disk or memory errors
• Software conflict, such as incompatible add-ins or antivirus programs
• Network issues, such as poor internet connection or firewall settings
• User error, such as deleting or moving the PST file

How to Fix Outlook Error 0x80040115?

The good news is that Outlook error 0x80040115 can be fixed by using the Inbox Repair Tool, also known as the ScanPST.exe. This is a built-in utility that comes with Outlook and can scan and repair the PST file. To use the Inbox Repair Tool, follow these steps:

1. Close Outlook if it is running.
2. Locate the ScanPST.exe file on your computer. The location may vary depending on your Outlook version and Windows 11 edition. Here are some common locations:
   • C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 (for Outlook 2016 and 2019)
   • C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office15 (for Outlook 2013)
   • C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office14 (for Outlook 2010)
   • C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office12 (for Outlook 2007)
3. Double-click the ScanPST.exe file to launch the Inbox Repair Tool.
4. Click the Browse button and select the PST file that you want to repair. If you are not sure where the PST file is located, you can search for it by typing *.pst in the Windows search box.
5. Click the Start button to begin the scanning process. The tool will check the PST file for errors and display the results.
6. If the tool finds any errors, click the Repair button to fix them. The tool will create a backup copy of the original PST file before repairing it.
7. When the repair process is completed, click the OK button and close the tool.
8. Restart Outlook and check if the error is resolved.

How to Prevent Outlook Error 0x80040115?

To prevent Outlook error 0x80040115 from happening again, you should take some preventive measures, such as:

• Keep your Outlook and Windows 11 updated with the latest patches and security fixes.
• Avoid storing large or unnecessary items in the PST file. You can delete, archive, or compact the PST file to reduce its size and improve its performance.
• Use a reliable antivirus program and scan your computer regularly for any malware or virus infections.
• Backup your PST file regularly and store it in a safe location. You can use the Windows 11 backup feature or a third-party backup software to do this.
• Avoid closing Outlook abruptly or shutting down your computer while Outlook is running. Always exit Outlook properly and wait for it to close completely before turning off your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What is the difference between the new version and the old version of Outlook?

Answer: The new version of Outlook is also known as the Outlook on the web or the Outlook web app. It is a web-based version of Outlook that you can access from any browser. The new version has a modern and simplified interface that removes some features, such as the File option, that are available in the old version. The old version of Outlook is also known as the Outlook desktop app or the Outlook client. It is a standalone application that you install on your computer. The old version has a more traditional and complex interface that offers more features and customization options.

Question: How can I switch between the new version and the old version of Outlook?

Answer: If you have both the new version and the old version of Outlook installed on your computer, you can switch between them by following these steps:

• To switch from the new version to the old version, open the new version in your browser and click the Settings icon in the top right corner. Then, click the View all Outlook settings link at the bottom of the panel. In the Settings window, click the General tab and then click the Outlook version option. Uncheck the box that says Try the new Outlook and click the Save button. The browser will reload and switch to the old version.
• To switch from the old version to the new version, open the old version on your desktop and click the File tab in the top left corner. Then, click the Office Account option and then click the About Outlook button. In the About Outlook window, check the box that says Coming Soon and click the OK button. The desktop app will reload and switch to the new version.

Question: How can I update my Microsoft 365 to the latest version?

Answer: If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can update your Microsoft 365 to the latest version by following these steps:

1. Open any Microsoft 365 app, such as Outlook, Word, or Excel, on your desktop and click the File tab in the top left corner.
2. Click the Account option and then click the Update Options button under the Product Information section.
3. Click the Update Now option and wait for the update process to complete.
4. Restart your Microsoft 365 app and check the version number in the About Outlook window.

Summary

In this article, we have learned how to fix the Microsoft Outlook error 0x80040115 that prevents it from working correctly in Windows 11. We have explained what causes this error, how to fix it using the Inbox Repair Tool, and how to prevent it from happening again. We have also answered some frequently asked questions related to the topic. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The author and the publisher are not liable for any damages or losses that may result from the use of the information or methods described in this article. Always consult a qualified IT expert before making any changes to your system or software.