FIX: An Unknown Error Has Occurred on Windows Live Mail

An “Unknown Error Has Occurred” message usually shows up when you try to delete, move, or sync emails in Windows Live Mail, especially in your Inbox. This error means that Windows Live Mail couldn’t handle the email you selected, often because of problems in its database or missing files.

The most common reason is a broken or “ghost” email that the program can’t read properly. Other reasons might include connection issues while syncing or timeouts with the IMAP server.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Attempt to Forward Multiple Messages to Unlock Stubborn Emails

You can manually move non-existent or unwanted emails to the Deleted Items folder, but this can be very time-consuming if you have many emails to process. Pretending to forward multiple messages can help unlock these stuck emails, allowing you to delete or move them easily.

1. Select multiple emails by clicking one, then holding SHIFT while clicking to select several in a row. Scroll up or down to continue selection across multiple screens. Stop when the FORWARD button turns grey—this means you’ve found an email that cannot be forwarded.
2. Keep holding the SHIFT key and click on the emails to pinpoint which message is causing the issue. Usually, once the Forward button becomes active, you know you’ve skipped the problem email.
3. Select several messages at once and click ‘Forward.’ If you get an error like, “One or more messages could not be attached. Select OK to continue creating the note,” click ‘Cancel.’
4. The attempt to forward will unlock these messages. With them still selected, delete them by clicking the Red X button or move them as needed.
5. The message that caused the Forward button to turn grey should now be removable.
6. Repeat this process until you’ve deleted all emails responsible for the initial error.

2. Delete Messages Individually

This method can help you force the removal of a stubborn email message.

1. Right-click the problematic message and select “Open.” An error message will appear.
2. Then, right-click the message again and select ‘Delete.’ This time, the message should be deleted successfully.

3. Move Messages to a New Folder and Delete the Entire Folder

This strategy moves all your problematic emails into a single temporary folder so you can delete them all at once.

1. Create a new folder—give it any name, such as ‘Bad Files.’
2. Drag each problematic message into this folder.
3. Then, delete the entire folder containing the troublesome emails.

If right-clicking and moving each message causes errors, just drag and drop the messages into the ‘Bad Files’ folder or another folder you create.

4. Repair Windows Live Essentials

Windows Live Essentials is the foundation for Windows Live Mail. Repairing it can often fix corrupted files and data issues that cause these errors.

1. Press the Windows/Start key and ‘R’ together to open the Run window.
2. Type ‘appwiz.cpl’ into the box and press Enter. This opens the Programs and Features window.
3. Find Windows Live Essentials in the list and double-click it.
4. Choose the option to repair all Windows Live programs.
5. After the repair, try to move or delete your messages again.

5. Delete Emails via Your Web Browser

Windows Live Mail synchronizes your mail with your online account, so emails deleted online will also be removed in the application. Here’s how you can do it through the MSN website:

1. Log in to the MSN homepage using your email address and password.
2. Go to ‘Outlook Mail.’ Your emails here should match those in Windows Live Mail.
3. Delete the problematic emails, and empty your Deleted Items/Trash folder as well.
4. Log out of your MSN account.
5. Log back into your WLM application, and you should see that the emails have disappeared.

With these steps, you should be able to resolve the “unknown error” and get your Windows Live Mail working smoothly again.