When you click a hyperlink or try to open a specific email in Outlook, you may see the error message ‘Operation Failed. Object Could Not Be Found.’ This error typically appears when Outlook cannot locate the file or object linked to the action you are trying to perform. The root cause is often a corrupted navigation pane configuration, a broken link to a data file, or an issue with the Outlook search index. This article explains why the error occurs and provides step-by-step fixes to resolve it.
Key Takeaways: Fixing the ‘Operation Failed. Object Could Not Be Found’ Error in Outlook
- File > Options > Add-ins > Go (Manage COM Add-ins): Disable third-party COM add-ins that may interfere with Outlook navigation and cause the error.
- Outlook.exe /resetnavpane: Run this command to reset the navigation pane configuration when corrupted settings cause the error.
- File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files: Check and repair the path to your Outlook data file (.pst or .ost) if the file is missing or corrupted.
Why Outlook Shows the ‘Operation Failed. Object Could Not Be Found’ Error
The error ‘Operation Failed. Object Could Not Be Found’ occurs when Outlook attempts to access a resource that no longer exists or is unreachable. This can happen in several scenarios. When you click a hyperlink in an email, Outlook tries to open a file or webpage. If the link points to a file on a network drive that is disconnected, or if the file was moved or deleted, Outlook cannot find the object and displays the error.
Another common cause is a corrupted navigation pane. The navigation pane stores shortcuts to folders, mailboxes, and data files. If the configuration file for the navigation pane becomes damaged, Outlook may not be able to locate the folder or item you are trying to open. This is especially common after an Outlook update or a crash.
A third cause is a broken link to your Outlook data file. Outlook uses a .pst file for POP3 accounts or an .ost file for Exchange and IMAP accounts. If the file path is incorrect, the file is corrupted, or the file is stored on a removable drive that is not connected, Outlook cannot find the object and throws the error.
Step-by-Step Fixes for the ‘Operation Failed. Object Could Not Be Found’ Error
Follow these steps in order. Test after each step to see if the error is resolved.
Fix 1: Disable Third-Party COM Add-Ins
- Open Outlook in Safe Mode
Press the Windows key and type Outlook.exe /safe, then press Enter. If the error does not appear in Safe Mode, a COM add-in is likely the cause. - Disable all COM add-ins
Go to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom, in the Manage dropdown, select COM Add-ins and click Go. Uncheck all add-ins in the list and click OK. - Restart Outlook normally
Close Outlook and open it normally. If the error is gone, re-enable add-ins one at a time to identify the offending add-in. Keep the problematic add-in disabled.
Fix 2: Reset the Navigation Pane
- Close Outlook completely
Make sure Outlook is not running. Check Task Manager to confirm there is no Outlook process active. - Open the Run dialog
Press Windows + R on your keyboard. - Run the reset command
Type Outlook.exe /resetnavpane and press Enter. This command resets the navigation pane configuration to its default state. - Verify the fix
Outlook will open. You will see the default navigation pane. Try the action that previously caused the error.
Fix 3: Repair the Outlook Data File
- Locate the data file path
In Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. Select the Data Files tab. Note the path shown for your account. It will end in .pst or .ost. - Close Outlook
Close Outlook completely. - Run the Inbox Repair Tool
Navigate to the path C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 (or your Office version folder). Locate SCANPST.EXE and double-click it. Browse to the .pst or .ost file you noted and click Start. Let the scan complete and repair any errors. - Open Outlook and test
Open Outlook and attempt the action that triggered the error.
Fix 4: Rebuild the Outlook Search Index
- Open Indexing Options
In Windows, go to Control Panel > Indexing Options. Alternatively, search for Indexing Options in the Windows search bar. - Click Advanced
In the Indexing Options dialog, click the Advanced button. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes. - Rebuild the index
In the Advanced Options dialog, under Troubleshooting, click Rebuild. Confirm the action. This process may take several hours for large mailboxes. - Wait for indexing to complete
Do not close the Indexing Options window. Wait until the status shows Indexing complete. Then open Outlook and test.
If Outlook Still Has Issues After the Main Fix
If the error persists after trying the fixes above, the issue may be related to the Outlook profile or a corrupted installation.
Outlook profile is corrupted
A corrupted Outlook profile can cause the ‘Object Could Not Be Found’ error. To fix this, create a new profile. Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles. Click Add, give the profile a name, and configure your email account. Set the new profile as the default. Open Outlook and check if the error is resolved.
Office installation is damaged
If no other fix works, the Office installation itself may be damaged. Run the Office repair tool. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find your Microsoft Office product, click Modify, and select Quick Repair. If the error persists, run Online Repair which requires an internet connection and takes longer.
Common Causes of the Error: A Comparison
| Item | Corrupted Navigation Pane | Broken Data File Link |
|---|---|---|
| Primary symptom | Error when clicking folders or shortcuts in the navigation pane | Error when opening specific emails or performing actions that access the data file |
| Root cause | Damaged XML configuration file for the navigation pane | Missing, moved, or corrupted .pst or .ost file |
| Fix method | Run Outlook.exe /resetnavpane | Run SCANPST.EXE or recreate the data file path in Account Settings |
| Time to fix | Less than 1 minute | 5 to 30 minutes depending on file size |
The table above compares the two most common causes of the ‘Operation Failed. Object Could Not Be Found’ error. Identifying the symptom helps you choose the correct fix.
You can now resolve the ‘Operation Failed. Object Could Not Be Found’ error in Outlook by disabling COM add-ins, resetting the navigation pane, or repairing the data file. If the error persists, creating a new Outlook profile or repairing the Office installation will likely fix it. For future prevention, avoid storing Outlook data files on removable drives and run SCANPST.EXE monthly to catch corruption early.