You see an Object Not Found error when you try to reply to or forward a message in Outlook. This error prevents you from responding to emails and interrupts your workflow. The problem is typically caused by a corrupted item in your mailbox or a conflict with an add-in. This article explains the root cause and provides steps to resolve the error and restore normal email functions.
Key Takeaways: Fixing the Object Not Found Error
- File > Options > Add-ins > COM Add-ins > Go: Disables third-party add-ins that can interfere with Outlook’s reply and forward commands.
- Ctrl+Shift+F9: Clears the font formatting cache in the current message window, which can resolve display-related object errors.
- Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Microsoft Office > Change > Online Repair: Repairs core Office application files that may be damaged and causing the error.
Why the Object Not Found Error Occurs in Outlook
The Object Not Found error appears because Outlook cannot locate or process a specific component needed to create a reply or forward window. This is a technical failure in the software’s internal communication. The error often points to a corrupted item in your mailbox, such as a damaged email header or a broken calendar attachment. When you select Reply, Outlook tries to reference the original message object, and if that reference is broken, the operation fails.
Another common source is a conflict with an installed add-in. Add-ins extend Outlook’s functionality but can sometimes load faulty code that hijacks or corrupts standard commands like Reply and Forward. A damaged local Outlook data file, especially the OST file in Cached Exchange Mode, can also cause this issue. Finally, problems with the Office installation itself, such as missing or corrupted system files, can lead to object reference failures.
Steps to Resolve the Object Not Found Error
- Disable Outlook add-ins in Safe Mode
Close Outlook. Press Windows Key + R, typeoutlook.exe /safe, and press Enter. In Safe Mode, go to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom, select COM Add-ins from the Manage dropdown and click Go. Uncheck all boxes and click OK. Restart Outlook normally and test the reply function. If it works, re-enable add-ins one by one to find the culprit. - Clear the font formatting cache
Open a new email message window in Outlook. Place your cursor in the body. Press Ctrl+Shift+F9 on your keyboard. This clears cached font and formatting data. Close the message window without saving. Then, try to reply to or forward the problematic email again. - Repair the Office installation
Close all Office applications. Open the Windows Control Panel and go to Programs > Programs and Features. Find your Microsoft Office version in the list and select it. Click the Change button. In the window that opens, select Online Repair and then click Repair. Follow the prompts to complete the process, which may require a restart. - Create a new Outlook profile
Close Outlook. Open the Windows Control Panel and search for Mail. Open the Mail (Microsoft Outlook) control panel. Click Show Profiles. Click Add to create a new profile, give it a name, and set up your email account again. Set this new profile as the default to be used when starting Outlook. Test if the error persists in the new profile.
If the Error is Specific to One Email
- Move the email to a different folder
Select the email that causes the error. Drag and drop it to a different folder within your mailbox, such as the Inbox or a new test folder. Then try to reply to or forward it from the new location. - Forward the email as an attachment
If you need to share the problematic email’s content, create a new blank email. Drag the original email from your message list and drop it into the body of the new email. This attaches it as a .msg file. You can send this attached file to a colleague or to yourself for reference.
If the Object Not Found Error Persists
Outlook Crashes After the Error Message
If Outlook closes completely after showing the error, the corruption may be severe. Use the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) on your PST data file. Search for SCANPST.EXE on your C: drive, run it, and select your Outlook data file to scan and repair. For Exchange accounts, you may need to disable Cached Exchange Mode temporarily. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings, double-click your account, and uncheck Use Cached Exchange Mode.
Error Happens with All Emails, Not Just One
When the error occurs for every email, the issue is likely with your Outlook view or installation. Reset the Outlook view by closing Outlook and running the command outlook.exe /cleanviews from the Run dialog (Windows Key + R). As a last resort, consider a clean reinstall of Microsoft Office: fully uninstall it via Control Panel, then download and install a fresh copy from your Microsoft 365 account portal.
Error Appears When Using Specific Signatures
A corrupted email signature can trigger object errors. Go to File > Options > Mail > Signatures. Create a new, plain text signature and set it as your default for new messages and replies. Delete the old signature that may be causing the problem. Test replying to an email with the new signature applied.
Primary Fix Methods Compared
| Item | Disable Add-ins | Online Repair | New Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Third-party software conflicts | Corrupted Office files | Corrupted profile settings |
| Time required | 5 minutes | 15-30 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Data risk | None | Low | Low, but need to reconfigure |
| Permanent fix | If an add-in is the cause | For system file issues | For local profile corruption |
You can now reply to and forward emails without the Object Not Found error blocking you. Start by disabling add-ins in Safe Mode, as this is the quickest test for a common cause. If the problem returns, use the Online Repair tool for a more thorough system fix. For advanced users, running the SCANPST.EXE tool on a backup of your PST file can repair deep mailbox corruption that other methods might miss.