Outlook Operation Failed When Opening Attachment | A to Z Solution
There are many users who use attach a file or document to an email message, and they simply send it to someone online. But some users, have reported receiving the “Operation Failed” attachment error message in Microsoft Outlook not on send but on opening it. If talk about the error then, when users try to open any attachment then they will get this Operation Failed error message and due to that they are not able to view or read their attachment.
So, if you are having trouble during opening or sending email attachments? And your answer is yes, then go through this blog carefully. Because here we are going to resolve the ” Outlook operation failed when opening attachments”
But before moving forward to the procedure let’s first discuss what are the main factors that are responsible for this error message.
Reasons Behind Outlook Operation Failed When Opening Attachment Error
There are several causes for this problem, and we’ve compiled a list of nearly all of them below.
#Reason 1: Using Outdated Outlook
In order to stay up with technological advancement, Microsoft releases an upgraded version of Outlook every once in a while. If you are using an earlier version of Outlook, you are vulnerable to a variety of problems.
#Reason 2: Corrupted Outlook PST File
Outlook requires access to the PST file to execute tasks, and if it cannot access the PST file for any reason, or if the PST file is damaged or corrupted, then it will show the problem you are currently experiencing.
#Reason 3: Outlook Add-ins:
Add-ins extend Outlook’s capabilities, but mutually incompatible Add-ins generate issues like this
#Reasons 4: Incompleted Outlook installation:
If the Office/Outlook installation is incomplete, Outlook will be unable to correctly attach attachments.
#Reason 5: Outlook Rules:
Rules are automatic activities that are executed based on particular criteria. You will see the attachment error notice if they are not correctly configured or if they limit attachments.
Now, we know the reasons that are responsible for this error. So it is time to troubleshoot the issue one by one.
Best Way to View Outlook Attachments
If you are getting an attachment error while opening it, then you can try the Outlook Attachment Extractor software. This tool can easily extract multiple attachments from Outlook without any hassle. The software is capable to save attachments from Outlook MSG, PST, OST, OLM, OLK.
In fact, you can try the demo version of this tool to know the working and features of the software.
How to Fix Outlook Operation Failed When Opening Attachment?
Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure that you have administrator access to the system. Also, if you are on a business network, notify your organization’s information technology administrator first.
#Fix 1: Update Outlook
Microsoft distributes Outlook updates on a regular basis to improve its performance, add new features, and repair issues. If the present error is the result of a flaw that Microsoft has already addressed in its newest updates, upgrading Outlook to the most recent version may resolve the issue.
1. Navigate to the File menu.
2. Select Office account from the drop-down menu.
3. Click the Update Option.
4. Now, to update the software, click the Update Now button.
5. After upgrading, restart Outlook and verify that it is still operational.
#Fix 2: Outlook Rules Should Be Removed
Rules are a method of automating actions in Outlook if a message meets certain criteria. However, if there are conflicting or redundant rules, Outlook displays an operation failed attachment error. In such a case, deleting the rules may solve the problem.
1. Click on the File
2. Select Manage Rules & Alerts.
3. To remove a rule, click on it.
4. Choose Delete.
5. To confirm the action, click Yes.
6. Click the OK button.
7. Repeat the process for any rules that appear to be troublesome to you.
8. Now, close Outlook and reopen it to see if it has resumed regular operation.
#Fix 3: Reinstall Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office usually generates errors as a result of incorrect installation. As a result, manual repair of the Microsoft Office software may also be beneficial in this case. To fix the Microsoft Office software, simply follow the procedures below.
1. To launch the Run dialogue box, press the Windows button + R. Then, in the Run box, type appwiz.cpl.
2. Now, right-click on the Microsoft Office edition and choose Change.
3. Then, to proceed, click the Yes button.
5. Select one of the repair choices (immediate or online) and press the OK button.
6. When the procedure is complete, restart your Outlook application and try to view your emails again.
#Fix 4: Repair Outlook PST
As previously stated, PST corruption is the primary cause of this Outlook operation failed when Opening Attachment. As a result, users are recommended to repair the Outlook file> The great thing is that you can fix Outlook Inbox Repair Tool, commonly known as scanPST.exe.
Note: The scan PST is located at C: Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice15.
1. When you find the exe file, double-click it to launch ScanPST.exe.
2. To add a PST file, click the Browse button.
3. Now, choose Scan to begin scanning the file.
4. Make a backup of the PST file before repairing it by checking the box and specifying a location for the backup file. Select Repair. backup of the PST file
5. After a while, the repair procedure is done, and you may try restarting Outlook to see if the problem has been resolved.
Note: This manual PST repair method only restores minor corruptions in PST files up to 2 GB in size. Additionally, users may need to run this tool many times to correct all problems in the Outlook PST file.
Best Way to Repair Outlook PST File
As you can see, ScanPST.exe cannot restore heavily damaged PST files, nor can it repair huge PST files. ScanPST is not an ideal solution because of these limitations. As a result, taking into account the demand, we are going to offer one of the best ways to repair the Outlook PST file in this part.
Outlook Recovery Program is a PST repair software that can quickly cure any Outlook-related issue. The program provides immediate correction and exports corrected PST data in several file formats. The program can also retrieve things that have been permanently removed from Outlook.
The greatest thing is that you can test this program for free by downloading its demo version, and if you are happy with it, you may purchase it.
Conclusion
Outlook is riddled with frustrating errors, one of which is the operation failed error in Outlook while opening attachments. Now, to resolve this issue here we have discussed the best ways for resolving this Outlook operation that failed when opening an attachment. So. go through the write-up and fix the problem on your own.