If you were trying to send an email using Microsoft Outlook 2011 for Mac and received the message: “Outlook Mac Error Code 17199,” you’re not alone. This common Outlook for Mac error appears when the application fails to identify or connect with the email account associated with an outgoing message.
This blog explains the major reasons behind Outlook Error 17199, effective manual solutions to fix it, and the best alternative method if the error is caused by corruption in OLM files.
Understanding Outlook Mac Error Code 17199
Outlook Error Code 17199 is frequently encountered by users of Outlook for Mac 2011 and later versions. The error generally pops up when Outlook fails to send an email and displays a message similar to: ‘An unknown error has occurred in Outlook / A message in your Outlook could not be sent / The account that created the message cannot be found. / Error code 17199.’
This error indicates that Outlook cannot read or access the account information stored in its internal data files. In many cases, the root cause is corruption in OLM or OLK database files, improper configuration, or several related issues. As a result, users become unable to send emails until the underlying problem is resolved.
What Causes Outlook Error Code 17199 on Mac?
Outlook for Mac stores mailbox data in OLM and OKL file formats. When you add an email account, Outlook creates several OKL files, such as:
- OLK14MESSAGE – email header data
- OLK14MESSAGE – email body content
- OLK14MESSAGE – contact information
- OLK14MESSAGE – item categories
- OLK14MESSAGE – calendar event details
- OLK14MESSAGE – email signatures
- OLK14MESSAGE – account credentials and configuration
If the OLKMAILACCOUNT file becomes corrupted, Outlook loses the ability to map outgoing emails to an existing account, resulting in Error Code 17199.
Common Reasons Behind the Error:
- Sudden or improper system shutdown
- Malware or virus attack
- Corrupted storage media
- Network interruptions or an Exchange server crash
- Oversized or damaged OLM files
- Incomplete or faulty installation of Outlook
- Importing Mac OLM files into Windows Outlook without conversion
- Sync issues and internal database corruption
Understanding these reasons helps you select the most effective troubleshooting steps.
Manual Methods to Fix Outlook Mac Error Code 17199
- Check Internet and Server Connectivity
A weak or inactive connection can prevent Outlook from sending mail.
- Open your browser.
- Try logging into your email account (Gmail, Outlook Web App, etc.).
- If you cannot sign in, resolve your internet issue first or contact your ISP.
If the login is successful, continue with the next method.
- Re-enter Your Username and Password
Sometimes Outlook fails to authenticate your account due to an expired, incorrect, or changed password.
- Open Outlook for Mac.
- Go to Tool > Accounts.
- Select your email account from the left panel.
- Re-enter your email ID and password.
- Verify incoming and outgoing server
- Close the window and restart Outlook.
Try sending a new email to see if the error persists.
- Delete Pending Emails from Outlook
Corrupted or struck messages in the Outbox can trigger Error 17199.
- Open Outlook.
- Navigate to the Outlook folder.
- Select all pending emails and delete them.
- Click Send/Receive to refresh the connection.
If the issue continues, move to the next solution.
- Repair Outlook Identity or Create a New One
If the Outlook identity (profile) is corrupted, sending emails becomes impossible.
For Outlook 2011 Users – Using Microsoft Database Utility
- Open Finder →
/Application/Microsoft Office 2011/Office/
- Launch Microsoft Database Utility.
- You can try:
- Renaming the identity, or
- Rebuilding the identity (auto repair.
- If the issue is not resolved, click Add (+) to create a new identity.
- Configure your email account again.
- Once it works, delete the old corrupted identity.
For Outlook 2016 and Later – Using Outlook Profile Manager
- Go to Applications.
- Right-click Microsoft Outlook > Show Package Contents.
- Navigate to:
- Content > SharedSupport
- Open Outlook Profile Manager.
- Try renaming or editing the existing profile.
- If not successful, click Create a New Profile (+).
- Configure your account and set this profile as the default.
It usually resolves the 17199 error if profile corruption is the case.
While these manual methods can fix minor issues, they cannot repair severely corrupted OLM files or damaged Outlook identities. In such cases, you may still face the same error even after multiple troubleshooting attempts. So it’s better to use an automated tool.
What’s alternate?
Outlook Mac error code 17199 commonly appears when the OLM file becomes corrupted, oversized, or structurally inconsistent. Manual solutions—like removing stuck emails or verifying login details—may fix minor issues, but cannot repair damaged OLM/OLK data. When the internal mailbox structure is broken, manual fixes only offer temporary relief, and the error continues to reappear.
Are you thinking of migrating to another platform?
A lot of users are moving to cloud platforms like Office 365; however, you may have other choices. Shoviv OLM Converter is a one-stop solution for transferring OLM file data to various targets.
Key Features of Shoviv OLM Converter
- Maintains complete mailbox hierarchy and metadata integrity.
- Converts OLM into PST, EML, MSG, HTML, and more.
- Supports large OLM files with no size limitations. You can add multiple OM files for a single go transfer.
- It exports directly to Office 365/Exchange mailboxes.
- High-speed batch processing for multiple OLM files.
- Simple, user-friendly interface suitable for non-technical users.
- Simple step-by-step process with a clear guide.
Wrapping Up:
In this article, we covered the main causes of Outlook Mac Error Code 17199 and fixes to resolve the issues. While manual fixes can resolve minor issues, they are ineffective against deep OLM corruption. If you are considering moving to a new platform, Shoviv OLM Converter should be your choice as an exporter. A free demo version of this utility is always available to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can try checking network settings, re-entering your password, cleaning the Outlook, or repairing the Outlook identity. However, these manual fixes do not work if the OLM file is corrupted.
No. You can simply purchase a Corporate license or any above versions to execute both tasks.
Absolutely. Shoviv OLM Converter has no size limitation and includes a PST split feature to manage large files.
Yes. A free demo version is available to download. It is a restricted version that allows processing the first fifty items per folder.
