News and Announcements

Office 365 - Issues with Sending Email/Creating Events

Posted: 2016-11-28 13:38:57   Expiration: 2016-12-10 13:38:57

Disclaimer: This news item was originally posted on 2016-11-28 13:38:57. Its content may no longer be timely or accurate.

Beginning over Thanksgiving weekend, users have reported an issue sending mail or creating events in Outlook on the Web.

Update from 12/06/16:

Microsoft has deployed the fix! We've received word from their Engineers that the deployment has completed. Please check to see if you are able to send emails successfully and/or create calendar events in Outlook on the Web.


Update from 12/05/16:

Microsoft has not yet deployed the fix. At this time, cases will no longer need to be escalated. As soon as the fix is deployed, this will be updated. In the meantime, please continue to use the Outlook desktop client, if applicable. Contact the Help Desk with any questions or for assistance setting up the desktop client.


Update from 12/03/16:

The issue has been defined by Microsoft and they have put a fix in place that will be deployed. There is currently no ETA at this time for when the fix will be deployed, but Microsoft is actively working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.


Update from 12/02/16:

A case has been opened with Microsoft. They have found where the issue is and we are actively working with them to find a resolution. Please use the workarounds listed below in the meantime.


Update from 11/29/16: Notice Posted on Outage Page

Click the link to see the posting: "Unusual Behavior by Office 365 When Sending Emails"

NOTE - This behavior only occurs when users are sending an email from Outlook Web Access.

When users compose an email in Office 365 and then send the message, the window with the composed message does not disappear. It remains open. Please be aware, however, that the message is sent as normal when this occurs.


Original Posting from 11/28/16

This manifests itself in one of two ways - the sending wheel never stops spinning, or it takes 5+ minutes for the sending screen to disappear. Regardless, the mail does still send. This does also prevent the creation of calendar events, often giving an error of "The event couldn't be created on the server."

The Outlook desktop clients have not been affected by this issue. In the meantime, you can configure your account in a version of Outlook that is compatible with your system, if you are eligible. For system requirements, review Microsoft 365 (Outlook on the web | Outlook for Windows/MacOS) - System Requirements. The configuration instructions for Outlook 2016 on Mac and Windows machines are below.

Mac Configuration: Microsoft 365 (Outlook for Mac) - Configure Outlook.
Win Configuration: Microsoft 365 (Outlook for Windows) - Configure Outlook.

If you are unable to use an Outlook desktop client, you can try popping out the composing pane by clicking the "Edit in a separate window" button to the far right of the screen. Once you click Send and then close the window. This has worked for some users.

-- DoIT Help Desk: Rhianna Campbell