How to Deal With Outlook Error Code 0x80070021?

Updated On - October 22, 2024 by Prakriti | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Encountering errors with any email client is not new; all email clients face these errors. Outlook is not an exception; it also faces several errors caused by various reasons. Out of many errors, Outlook Error Code 0x80070021 is common, and many Outlook users face it. There are plenty of reasons behind the occurrence of Outlook indexing error 0x80070021. Many users search for the solution of this error, and this blog will dive deep, be with the blog, and fix this issue quickly.

Reasons/ Symptoms of Outlook Error Code 0x80070021

However, for each user, the reasons, symptoms, and causes may vary as there is no absolute one. Yet, some of the common ones are mentioned below:

• Applications Running in the Background
  The issue mainly occurs due to several other applications running in the background that may use Outlook’s features for their process, like Microsoft Office Communicator, Calendar Sync, Skype, etc.
• Abrupt Outlook Application Shutdown
  If you abruptly shut down the Outlook application, it may also lead to this error. Also, your Outlook may not close properly because of different obstacles like add-ins enabled in the working stage.
• Received Email is Corrupt or Infected
  In Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, etc., error code 0x80070021 occurs due to receiving corrupt or infected emails. It could come on any sent or received email items. 0x80070021 is an Outlook error code that prevents users from copying or backing up their folder files.
• Hardware problem
  Hardware failure is also a reason behind the Outlook error, and due to this, users may face PST file corruption or damage issues. It can occur in data storage devices, network devices, and sudden power failures.

How do you deal with Outlook Error Code 0x80070021?

Dealing with an Outlook Error is a multidimensional process as there are no absolute reasons; hence, we have to look for all the possible causes and their cross-check.

1 – Close Outlook Running in the Background

If your Outlook is running in the background, this can be the reason for the error.

Solution mentioned below

• First, Right-click on the Taskbar and choose Task Manager from the context menu to continue.
• In the pop-up window, scroll down to find Outlook.
• Then right-click it to choose End task to continue.

Now, try to copy and manage Outlook data files and check that the error is solved.

2 – Do Clean Boot

To fix the Outlook error 0x80070021, you can perform a clean boot so that a minimum of programs are running.

Here is the Solution:

• Click the Windows and R keys together to open the Run dialog, then type msconfig in the box and click OK to continue.
• Now go to the Services tab, check the option ‘Hide all Microsoft services’, and click Disable all.
• Now go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Make a selection for the unnecessary items and choose Disable to continue.

Manage the Outlook file again and check whether the error 0x80070021 is solved.

3 – System Restore

Outlook Error code 0x80070021 may stem from various factors, including a corrupt registry or a damaged Outlook profile. But you can address this error, along with other Outlook disconnected errors, by using System Restore.

• Begin by accessing the Start menu and typing ‘System Restore’ into the search bar.
• Next, select a restore point and proceed to restore your System.

4- Uninstall the Microsoft Communicator App and Check

• Press the Windows key + R.
• Now, type “appwiz.cpl” in the prompted box and click OK.
• Find the MS Office Communicator App in the list if it is.
• If you find it, then uninstall it. Restart the System and check if the Outlook Error 0x80070021 is resolved.

5 – Disable Faulty Add-Ins

• Press the Windows Key with R.
• Type “Outlook.exe/safe” in the dialog box and click OK.
• As Outlook opens the safe mode, click on the File tab. Go with the Outlook Options and choose Add-Ins.
• Click the Go, check for Add-ins, and remove all unnecessary/faulty Add-ins.
• You must disable the Windows Search Email Indexer.
  Now, restart Outlook and check if the Outlook Error Code 0x80070021.

6- Repair PST Files

If none of the above-given workarounds has worked for you and you are still facing the error, then it indicates that your PST file might be corrupt. Corrupted PST files always lead to errors and degrade Outlook’s performance. For this, using the professional Outlook PST Repair Tool is the best option to fix the error code 0x80070021; use the Regain Outlook PST Recovery Tool. The tool can scan, recover, and save all mail items with their original folder structure to a new PST file at your desired location.

Some of its highlights are:

• It works for all severely corrupted PST files and recovers them.
• There is no file size limit; it works for all PST files of any size.
• You can use it for multiple PST files without any restrictions.
• After recovering PST files, you can save them in a PST/EML/MSG/EMLX/MBOX-like file format.
• If your PST file is oversized, then after recovering the PST files, you can also set the size for the new PST files.
• It also facilitates exporting PST to Office 365, Yahoo Mail, Exchange Server et cetera.
• It recovers each and every data of PST Files.
• This utility is compatible with all versions of Windows OS.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $39

Let’s See How Simple It Is to Recover PST Files:

• Simply, install and launch the Regain Outlook PST Recovery Tool.
• Now, add the Outlook Data File (PST) file you want to recover.
• The software will scan and recover the PST file items.
• Here, you can preview the items after the recovery.
• Select the PST format as the target file format and provide the destination path.
• Here, you can also set the size for the resultant PST file to manage the PST size.
• Finally, click Convert Now, and your recovered data will be saved in the new PST file.

You can use the tool to copy the emails, attachments, contacts, tasks, notes, calendar items, etc., from the inaccessible PST file to a healthy Outlook PST file or import directly PST to Office 365/Microsoft 365 or live Exchange mailbox.

Wrapping Up:

Nothing is perfect, and email clients are not an exception. Even after being technically enriched, Outlook shows many errors for multiple reasons and tasks. Outlook Error Code 0x80070021 is also one of them, and there are several reasons for this. This write-up has mentioned some general workarounds to deal with this error, but if nothing works, then it indicates corruption in the Outlook data files (PST File). Regain Outlook PST Recovery Tool is the most suitable utility for this task, which is explained above. Users can also try the demo version of the software.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Ques1. As mentioned in the blog, I checked for the Microsoft Communicator App but didn’t find it in the list; why is it not there?

Ans. Everyone is encouraged to have the Microsoft Communicator App as it is not a default application. If you don’t have this app, then no need to worry. Find the reasons for the Outlook Error 0x80070021.

Ques2. How does running background Apps cause the Outlook Error code 0x80070021?

Ans. Any application running in the background and using Outlook’s dll can hamper the smooth running of the process.

Ques3. How will I know that my PST files are corrupted?

Ans. An oversized PST file is always prone to corruption; however, there are some other reasons, too. But, apart from this, if your Outlook is not opening the PST file or your Outlook performance has been degraded, then it indicates corruption in the PST file.

Ques4. Can I confirm the recovery of the PST file without buying the license for the Regain Outlook PST Recovery Tool?

Ans. You can easily install the free demo version and preview the recovered data in the software here. In this way, you can confirm the recovery of the items from the corrupted PST file.