cannot connect to the server

Question

Task 'Synchronizing subscribed folders for ******@telus.net.' reported error (0x800CCC0E): 'Outlook cannot synchronize subscribed folders for ******@telus.net. Error: Cannot connect to the server. If you continue to receive this message, contact your server administrator or internet service provider (ISP).'

Answer 1

Hi,

Several users have recently reported experiencing this issue. The Microsoft team is currently aware of the problem and is actively investigating the cause. While a permanent fix has not yet been released, Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround that may help resolve the issue in the meantime. You can find the details of the current workaround here:

https://support.microsoft.com/office/users-get-errors-0x800ccc0e-0x800ccc0f-synchronizing-gmail-and-yahoo-accounts-in-classic-outlook-e5a7b684-7c5c-4848-ab2d-d48291451f67

Answer 2

The error indicates Outlook cannot maintain the IMAP/POP connection to the Telus mail server. Use these steps to troubleshoot on Outlook for Windows:

1. Verify account password / app password
   • If the Telus account uses IMAP with an app password (common when the provider has 2‑step verification), sign in to the Telus webmail portal and create a new app password under Account Information > Security.
   • In Outlook:
     1. Select File.
     2. Under Account Information, choose the Telus IMAP account.
     3. Select Account Settings > Server Settings.
     4. Paste the new app password into the Password box.
     5. Select Next, then Done.
   • Test send/receive again.
2. Check for TLS 1.3 issues (Windows 10 only) If using Windows 10 and the Telus server recently enabled newer TLS, TLS 1.3 on the client can cause connection drops:
   1. Click Start, search for Regedit, and open it.
   2. Navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols
   3. If a TLS 1.3 key exists under Protocols:
      • Right‑click Protocols and select Export to back up the key.
      • Delete the TLS 1.3 key and its subkeys.
   4. Restart Outlook; if sync still fails, restart Windows and test again.
3. Confirm server/network availability
   • Since the error explicitly says Cannot connect to the server, verify:
     • Internet connection is working.
     • Telus mail server is reachable (check via webmail or with the ISP if needed).
     • Any firewall, antivirus, or router security features are not blocking IMAP/POP/SMTP ports.

If the problem persists after these steps, contact Telus or the ISP with the exact error text and confirm the correct IMAP/POP server names, ports, and encryption settings for the account.

---

References:

• Outlook IMAP or POP server unexpectedly terminated the connection, and the server was interrupted