What to do if An unknown error occurred, error code 0x8000ffff Outlook

Is your working on Outlook halted with an unknown error occurred, error code 0x8000ffff‘? Then let me take you through this error in detail and describe some tricks to fix it in this blog.

Outlook is the most used application for: home for personal correspondence or at work for professional communication. Companies imply the use of Outlook because of its robust features and capabilities. Familiar user interface and easy organization of your assets are what make Outlook raises the bar in terms of usage. Being an application, Outlook also can malfunction sometimes. One such error that halts Outlook email working conditions is the error 0x8000ffff catastrophic failure. Once your Outlook is with such an error, then you are left struggling to find ways to resolve it. Let me now take you through the causes that may participate in the reason for this error.

Reasons for An unknown error occurred, error code 0x8000ffff’ in Outlook 2016

You will encounter this Outlook unknown error 0X8000ffff while adding a data or PST file in the mail applet. The factors that could be the culprit behind such a general error can be any of the following:

  • System File corruption/damage: It is vital to resolve File damage/corruption to prevent your data from being corrupted or lost.
  • Blue Screen of Death/Blue Screen: It denotes fatal system error and is commonly known as a stop error screen or bug check screen.
  • Missing DLL: Dynamic Link Library is an essential part of any program or application. If there is any missing DLL, the system or program will not work.
  • Application Freeze: In such a case, Outlook does not let you perform any task as it shuts down abnormally when you try to perform any task. The other possible reason behind it can be the overutilization of system resources by other programs.

Since an unknown error occurred, error code 0x8000ffff‘ is already here, then let me show you the tricks to solve it.

Manual tricks to solve Outlook unknown error 0X8000ffff

Method 1: Add the PST(Outlook Data File) via Account Settings

If the error conflict occurred while adding a data file in the Mail Applet in Outlook, then we suggest you try the below steps to come out of this annoying issue.

  • To begin the process, start Outlook 2016.
  • Route your cursor to the File tab, tap Account Settings, and after that, tap subsection Account Settings.
  • Take your cursor to the Data Files tab and then click on the Add.
  • Now, you can add the data file as required and then confirm with Ok.
  • Tap on Close on the Account Settings, and that’s it!

If this method could not rectify the error, and still you see an unknown error occurred, error code 0x8000ffff‘. It means that the Outlook data file you are trying to add is corrupt or damaged.

Method 2: Work with Outlook Inbox Repair Tool

If you were not able to fix the error with the above methods, then you need to fix it with the Inbox Repair Tool.

  • To start with, make use of the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Write the below path and hit on the Ok button.
  • “C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16”.
  • Double-tap the SCANPST.EXE file to operate the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair tool.
  • Tap on the Browse button and find the .pst file that you would like to repair. Later, click the Open –>Start button.
  • Ensure to check the option that says Make a backup of the scanned file before repairing and click on the Repair button.

If it all goes well, then the Inbox Repair tool restores your Outlook PST file, and the error will get solved.

Method 3: Alternate Solution with PST Repair Tool

You have tried all the manual tricks, but an unknown error occurred, error code 0x8000ffff‘ is stopping your Outlook workflow. Then, the damaged PST file has a severe corruption issue. In such a case, you need the help of an automated PST Repair Tool to solve the Outlook unknown error 0X8000ffff. With it, you can get back all the corrupted and damaged Outlook PST information with all the email items in a few moments. It is the best recovery method to restore PST data for all versions of Outlook.

Conclusion

An unknown error occurred, error code 0x8000ffff’ in Outlook 2016 can result in failed Outlook performance. We have shared here manual tricks to resolve this Outlook error. But, these manual fixes cannot resolve badly damaged PST files. So, we recommend you to make use of PST Repair Tool to resolve error 0x8000ffff catastrophic failure and bring back your data to a healthy state without any data loss.

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