in Microsoft Outlook Most actions can be performed either by checking the ribbon or by pressing a simple keyboard shortcut. For example, to delete a message in Outlook, select the message and press the Delete key on your keyboard. Despite your proficiency in these things, it's very possible that Outlook may cause an error.
There may be instances where deleting a message in Outlook fails. You may see error messages such as:
- The operation failed. The messaging interfaces returned an unknown error. If the problem persists, restart Outlook.
- The messaging interface caused an unknown error.
- An unknown error occurred.
It's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of this error. However, here's what you can do to fix this Outlook error message:
Use keyboard shortcuts to delete.
Among the many keyboard shortcuts you may remember, this one will be particularly useful. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Select the message you want to delete.
Step 2: Press and hold the . button Shift on the keyboard.
Step 3: click on the button delete on the keyboard.
Step 4: You should receive a pop-up message from Microsoft Outlook asking you to confirm the permanent deletion of the email. Click “yes".
Erase deleted items
One reason Microsoft Outlook might display an error message when you try to delete an item is that your Deleted Items folder is full. When your Deleted Items folder is full, you can't delete Outlook messages.
To fix this error, you need to empty your Deleted Items folder. Here's how it works:
Step 1: In the Microsoft Outlook folder pane, right-click the folder named Deleted Items.
Step 2: From the list of options, select Empty Folder.
Step 3: You should receive a pop-up message from Microsoft Outlook asking you to confirm the permanent deletion of all items in the folder. Click “yes".
Step 4: Go to the message to delete and tap the icon. delete.
Edit mail marked for deletion
Deleting a corrupted mail file may also fail. The best way to delete such a file is to edit it by following these steps:
Step 1: Double-click the message in question to open it.
Step 2: On the ribbon, find a field called Transfer and select the icon More From the transportation procedures.
Step 3: From the dropdown menu, select Edit the message.
Step 4: Type a few letters or remove a few letters from the email.
Step 5: Save and close the message.
Step 6: Go to the message to delete and tap the icon. delete.
Mark items for deletion in Settings
This option only works with Microsoft Outlook accounts set up using IMAPHere's how it works:
Step 1: Close Microsoft Outlook.
Step 2: Launch the Control Panel on your computer.
Step 3: Click on MailIf you don't see the Mail option, change the View by setting to Small icons or try using the search bar.
Step 4: In the new menu called Mail Setup – Outlook, click Email accounts.
Step 5: A new menu called Account Settings should open. Double-click your email address to reveal its properties.
Step 6: Click More from settings.
Step 7: Select tab Advanced Options.
Step 8: In the list called Deleted Items, make sure the following items are selected:
- Mark items to delete but don't move them automatically. Under normal circumstances, when you mark items to delete, they are permanently deleted when you clear your mailbox.
- Remove items when switching online folders.
Step 9: Click OK.
Use the Inbox Repair Tool
Another reason for Microsoft Outlook mail deletion failure may be file corruption. PSTPST stands for Personal Storage Table and is the file format in which emails, calendar events, and other items are stored in Outlook. To repair a PST file, you'll need a tool. Inbox RepairHere's how it works:
Step 1: Close Microsoft Outlook.
Step 2: turn on File Explorer.
Step 3: Open C:Drive.
Step 4: Locate Program files.
Step 5: Locate Microsoft Office.
Step 6: Select version Office Your (Office 14, 15, 16, etc.).
Step 7: Double click SCANST.EXE To play the file.
Step 8: Click "reviewTo select the PST file to scan.
Step 9: Click START YOUR.
Step 10: Click "yesWhen you are asked to confirm creating a backup.
Step 11: Close the tool after the process is complete.
Step 12: Restart Microsoft Outlook and check if the issue is resolved.
Restart Outlook in safe mode
To restart Microsoft Outlook in safe mode, here's what you need to do:
Step 1: Hold down the key CTRL.
Step 2: Click Outlook shortcut.
Step 3: You'll see a warning dialog box asking you to confirm whether you want to run Outlook in safe mode. Click yes.
Other Outlook errors
Failure to delete emails in Outlook is one of the many errors you may encounter while using the application. Other common errors include: Emails stuck in your outbox In Outlook or Unable to expand folder.
