What are the Steps to Troubleshoot Outlook is Sending Multiple Copies of an Email?

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Written By Nimisha Ramesh  
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh 
Published On May 3rd, 2024
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

“There is some problem arising in my Outlook Express 6. Every time when I send an email message to a recipient, then Outlook Express sending emails multiple times automatically. I do not know why this error is generated in OE. I also checked the configuration setting but, I do not find any strange with that. Can anyone tell me what is the problem and why is Outlook Express sending multiple copies of emails with attachments? Please Help!”

Microsoft Outlook Express was a popular email client, but now it is a discontinued application. However, many users still use the different versions of Outlook Express and face various problems related to the application. One of the popular glitches is Outlook is sending multiple copies of an email. There are multiple reasons that are responsible for this technical problem. Therefore, in this post, we are going to discuss the causes and remedies of the error that Outlook Express sends the same email multiple times.

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Quick steps to solve Outlook is Sending Multiple Copies of an Email

  1. In this scenario, if it’s convenient, you can try to change a network environment to check if it helps.
  2. Also, you can try to open Outlook in safe mode to verify if it’s related to the add-ins.
  3. Additionally, if you have any anti-virus software installed that is connected to Outlook, please try to temporarily disable it to see whether the problem still exists.
  4. Adjust Send/Receive Interval.
  5. Increase Server Timeout: You must modify the server timeout if you configure email using POP or IMAP.
  6. Disable Integrated Virus Scanner: Sometimes, antivirus software integrated with Outlook can cause email duplication.

Why Outlook is Sending Multiple Copies of an Email?

There are several potential causes for Outlook’s multiple email copies. Let us get to know them.

  • Emails that are stuck in the Outbox: Outlook may try to send the email again if it gets stuck there and is not sent through the first time, resulting in numerous copies. If there are any unsent messages, check your Outbox if there are any unsent messages left try them to delete or resend.
  • Email Rules: Emails may get copied and forwarded more than once due to incorrectly set email filters or forwarding rules. Ensure your email rules are configured appropriately by reviewing them in Outlook settings.
  • Sync Issues: Multiple copies may result from issues with Outlook and the email server’s synchronisation. To refresh the synchronization, try manually synchronizing your email or restarting Outlook.
  • Viruses or Malware: Viruses or malware on your computer might occasionally cause unexpected actions, such as sending duplicate emails. Make sure your computer is clean by doing a comprehensive antivirus scan.
  • Server Issues: Outlook may be sending duplicate emails as a result of temporary server problems on the part of your email service provider. Watch for a time to see if the problem goes away on its own.

Also, Read on the Following Topic:

How to Troubleshoot Outlook Express Sending Email Multiple Times?

It is clear from the above that low space in the disk or mailbox creates this problem in the Outlook Express application. So, it is suggested to make some storage space in the system. To do this, follow the below instructions:

  • Go to the Recycle Bin folder, and delete all the unnecessary data items
  • Uninstall the programs that are not in use to create some storage space
  • Delete the emails from Outbox that are repeatedly sent to the same person
  • Reduce some space by removing the message header and body in OE

Moreover, users can also perform the methods that are mentioned below:

Approach 1: Eliminate Messages from Mailbox

  1. Launch the Outlook Express application and go to the Tools tab. Select the Options from the drop-down menu.
  2. After that, click on the Maintenance/Advanced tab.
  3. Now, perform the following steps sequentially:
    • Delete messages after (D) days after being downloaded (Here is  D similar to a number of days). By default, the limit is five days.
    • not keep read messages: This feature allows the users to delete all the read messages when they close the OE application.
    • Compress files when there is (X) percent wasted space. 20 percent is defined in the program by default.

Approach 2: Use Clean-Up Option to Solve Outlook is Sending Multiple Copies of an Email Error

This method will remove email messages from the mailbox, not from the server. Now, go through the below steps:

  1. Go to the File menu, and select the Clean Up Files option.
  2. Now, the following option appears on the screen.
    • Compact: This option is able to eliminate useless space from the disk
    • Delete: It removes the complete email body with a header.
    • Remove Messages: It deletes the email body but keeps the header.
      Note: For Outlook Express 5/5.5/6, users first need to delete the mail body and header. After that, reset the folders to save the headers again by clicking on the Reset button.
  3. Finally, click on Close>>OK.
Suggestion: Convert DBX to PST to move from Outlook Express to other popular email clients.

Approach 3: Increase the Server Timeouts

Microsoft Outlook allows to configure user accounts using IMAP and POP3 protocols. . You need to increase server timeout from 1 minute to 3 minutes if your Outlook is sending multiple copies of an email message.

IMAP and POP3 protocols can be used to configure user accounts in Microsoft Outlook. Both IMAP and POP protocols give sync, send, and receive responses according to timeout settings. And if your Outlook is sending duplicate emails. you need to set the server timeout from 1 minute to 3 minutes.

  1. Firstly, launch the MS Outlook  and choose the File option.
  2. Now Choose the Server Settings under the Account Settings.
  3. Select the Outgoing Mail option.
  4. Increase the Server timeouts from 1 minute to 3 minutes and press Next button.
  5. While you update your profile, kindly wait.
  6. Account successfully updated, click on the Done button.

Few Closing Thoughts

Outlook Express mailbox has only a 2 GB size limit. Once this mailbox has reached up to a maximum limit, Outlook is Sending Multiple Copies of an Email. Hence, in this blog, we have discussed the top solutions that can resolve Outlook Express sending emails multiple times error easily.

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By Nimisha Ramesh

Nimisha Ramesh is a dynamic professional known for her expertise in content and brand strategy. With a passion for crafting compelling narratives, Nimisha excels at creating content that not only engages but also aligns with brand objectives. Her strategic approach to content development and brand management has made her a valuable asset in reaching broader audiences and driving business success.