Everyone - Delete Large Messages Stuck in Your Outlook

We've all done it once or twice -- we'll have a message stuck in the Outbox because it's too large for Outlook to send. Deleting it doesn't work - Outlook returns an error because the message is being processed by the MAPI spooler.

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.

     

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:

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Restart Outlook

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Close the Temporary PST File

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