Everyone - Delete Large Messages Stuck in Your Outlook

Purpose

This procedure outlines steps to resolve issues with a stuck email message in Microsoft Outlook's Outbox. It provides guidance for removing the message by using offline mode, and if necessary, by temporarily changing the default delivery location using a new PST file. This process ensures that the Outbox is cleared and normal mail flow can resume.

 

Process

Method 1: Use Offline Mode

  1. Switch Outlook to Offline Mode

    • In Outlook, go to the Send/Receive tab and click Work Offline to disconnect Outlook from the mail server.

      Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

  2. Wait for the Spooler to Shut Down

    • Allow approximately one minute for Outlook’s mail spooler to stop running.

    • Alternatively, close and reopen Outlook after going offline.

  3. Delete the Stuck Message

    • Navigate to the Outbox, right-click the stuck message, and select Delete.

  4. Return to Online Mode

    • Go back to the Send/Receive tab and click Work Offline again to deselect the option and reconnect Outlook to the mail server.

Method 2: Use a Temporary PST File (if Method 1 fails)

If you are unable to delete the message while offline, or if Outlook will not allow you to enter offline mode, proceed with the following steps:

  1. Create a New Outlook Data File (PST)

    • Go to the Home tab, click New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File, and create a new PST file.

  2. Set the New PST as the Default Data File

    • Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings, then select the Data Files tab.

    • Select the new PST file and click Set as Default.

  3. Restart Outlook

    • Close and reopen Outlook. Your original mailbox (PST) will now appear as a secondary data file.

  4. Delete the Stuck Message

    • Browse to the old message store, open the Outbox, and delete the stuck message.

    • Also delete the message from the Deleted Items folder to ensure it is fully removed.

  5. Restore the Original PST as Default

    • Return to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files.

    • Select the original PST file and click Set as Default.

  6. Close the Temporary PST File

    • Right-click the temporary PST in your folder list and choose Close to remove it from your Outlook view.

 

Print Article