Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client, but users sometimes encounter errors that disrupt their workflow. One such error occurs when attempting to reply to an email and receiving the message: “Cannot send this item.” This issue can be frustrating as it prevents the user from responding to important emails, potentially causing delays in communication.
Causes of the Error
The error can result from various factors, including:
- HTML formatting issues: Outlook struggles with certain complex HTML email formats.
- Large or corrupt images: Embedded images or signatures that are too large or improperly formatted can lead to errors.
- Corrupt email signatures: Outlook might have trouble handling signatures containing broken or incompatible formatting.
- Conflicting add-ins: Some add-ins can interfere with Outlook’s ability to process outgoing emails correctly.
- Corrupt Outlook profile: User profiles that have become damaged over time may contribute to sending issues.
How to Fix the “Cannot send this item” Error
1. Change Email Format
Since the issue often stems from the formatting of the email, switching to Plain Text or Rich Text may resolve the problem.
- Open the problematic email.
- Click Format Text in the toolbar.
- Select Plain Text.
- Send the email again.
If this works, the error likely originates from incompatible HTML formatting.
2. Remove and Reinsert Images
Emails containing embedded images, particularly in signatures or forwarded messages, can cause sending issues. Try these steps:
- Open the email and delete all images.
- Manually reinsert essential images if necessary.
- Try sending the message again.
3. Disable Problematic Add-ins
Outlook add-ins can sometimes interfere with email functionality. To check if an add-in is causing the problem:
- Open Outlook and go to File > Options.
- Select Add-ins on the left pane.
- Click the Go button next to “Manage: COM Add-ins.”
- Uncheck all add-ins and click OK.
- Restart Outlook and retry sending the email.
If the issue is resolved, enable add-ins one by one to identify the problematic one.
4. Create a New Outlook Profile
If none of the simpler solutions work, the issue may be related to a corrupt Outlook profile. Creating a new one can help:
- Close Outlook.
- Open the Control Panel and go to Mail.
- Click Show Profiles and select Add.
- Create a new profile and configure your email account.
- Restart Outlook and use the new profile.
5. Repair Outlook Installation
If the issue persists, Outlook itself may need to be repaired:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Find Microsoft Office in the list.
- Right-click and select Change, then choose Repair.
- Follow the prompts to complete the repair process.
After repairing, restart your computer and try sending the email again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why does Outlook show the “Cannot send this item” error?
This error is often related to HTML formatting issues, large or corrupt images, conflicting add-ins, or a damaged Outlook profile.
2. How can I quickly resolve the error?
A quick fix is to change the email format to Plain Text, as this removes any problematic HTML formatting.
3. Can my email signature cause this issue?
Yes. Corrupt or complex email signatures with embedded images can trigger this error. Try sending an email without the signature to check if it is the cause.
4. Should I disable Outlook add-ins?
Temporarily disabling add-ins can help identify if any are causing interference. If the error disappears, re-enable add-ins one by one to find the culprit.
5. What if none of the solutions work?
If the problem persists, repairing the Outlook installation or creating a new Outlook profile may be necessary.
This error can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, users can usually resolve the issue quickly. Whether the problem is due to formatting, add-ins, or a corrupted profile, implementing these solutions should help restore Outlook’s email functionality.
