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How to Fix Outlook Error Code 0x80070003

What This Error Means

Error code 0x80070003 is a Windows system error meaning “The system cannot find the path specified.” In the context of Outlook and add-ins, it indicates that Outlook is trying to access a file or folder path that no longer exists or has become corrupted.

This error is not specific to any one add-in — it is a general Outlook/Windows issue that can affect any add-in or Outlook feature.

Common Causes

  • Corrupted Outlook cache or profile data
  • A Windows update or Outlook update changed file paths
  • Outlook data files (.ost/.pst) were moved or deleted
  • Antivirus software quarantined Outlook files
  • The Windows user profile has path corruption

Step-by-Step Resolution

1. Restart Outlook

Close Outlook completely (check that it is not still running in the system tray) and reopen it. This resolves the issue in many cases.

2. Clear the Outlook add-in cache

  1. Close Outlook completely
  2. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog
  3. Type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook and press Enter
  4. Look for a folder called WebExtCache or Wef — if it exists, delete its contents (not the folder itself)
  5. Restart Outlook

3. Repair your Office installation

  1. Open Windows Settings → Apps → Installed apps
  2. Find Microsoft 365 (or Microsoft Office) in the list
  3. Click the three dots menu → Modify
  4. Select Online Repair and follow the prompts
  5. Restart your computer after the repair completes

4. Check your Outlook data file paths

  1. In Outlook, go to File → Account Settings → Account Settings
  2. Click the Data Files tab
  3. Verify that all listed file paths exist on your system
  4. If any paths are invalid, remove the entry and re-add your account

5. Create a new Outlook profile

If none of the above steps work, creating a new Outlook profile can resolve persistent path corruption:

  1. Open Control Panel → Mail (or search for “Mail” in Windows Search)
  2. Click Show Profiles → Add
  3. Set up your email account in the new profile
  4. Set the new profile as the default

Still Need Help?

If the error persists after these steps, the issue is likely at the Windows or Outlook level. Contact your IT administrator or Microsoft support for further assistance.