How to Fix Error 3259 in Outlook 2011 for Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

Sarabjeet Kaur | fix olm outlook for mac Software Technology | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 04-07-2025
error 3259 in outlook 2011 for mac

Outlook 2011 for Mac is a popular choice for managing emails, especially among professionals. But like any software, it isn’t immune to issues, one of the common ones being Error Code 3259, which can disrupt your ability to send or receive emails. If you’re currently dealing with this problem and looking for a reliable fix, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some proven solutions to resolve “Error 3259 in Outlook 2011 for Mac”. We’ll explore both a manual method that’s completely free and a more advanced approach using a Mac OLM Converter Tool, which helps safeguard your OLM files during the repair process.

Understanding Mac Outlook 2011 Error 3259

Microsoft is a global leader when it comes to office productivity tools and email clients. For Mac users, one of its most widely used applications is Microsoft Outlook for Mac—a powerful platform designed for managing emails, calendars, contacts, and more. Known for its smooth performance and user-friendly interface, Outlook for Mac has earned a loyal user base over time.

However, like any software, Outlook can sometimes run into issues that disrupt your workflow. One such issue is Error 3259 in Outlook 2011 for Mac. While not typically severe, if left unaddressed, this error can interfere with email communication and potentially lead to data loss or system instability. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what causes this error and walk through effective ways to fix it before it causes bigger problems.

What Causes Error 3259 in Outlook 2011 for Mac?

One of the primary reasons behind Error 3259 in Mac Outlook 2011 is an incorrect configuration of POP3 settings. When these settings are not properly set up, Outlook struggles to receive incoming emails although sending emails may still work without issues. This error often triggers a server timeout, which disrupts the connection between the email server and your Outlook client.

If the issue is not addressed promptly, it can lead to further complications, including the risk of OLM file corruption, which may result in data loss or performance problems in Outlook. Understanding the root causes is the first step in resolving this error effectively.

How to Resolve Error 3259 in Outlook 2011 for Mac Manually?

To resolve Outlook Mac 2011 error code 3259, follow these step-by-step instructions. But before diving into the technical fixes, make sure your internet connection is stable by logging into your Outlook account via a web browser.

Once connectivity is confirmed, proceed to reconfigure your POP3 account settings properly:

  • Open Microsoft Outlook 2011 on your Mac.
  • Go to the “Tools” menu & hit the “Accounts.”
  • Select the email account you’re having issues with.
  • In the Incoming Server field, enter: pop3.live.com
  • Set the Incoming Port Number to: 995
  • For the Outgoing Server, enter: smtp.live.com
  • Set the Outgoing Port Number to: 587
  • Click on the “More Options” button.
  • Under the Authentication tab, choose: Use Incoming Server Info
  • Click “OK” to save the settings.
  • Close the settings window and restart Outlook.
  • Finally, click on “Send/Receive” to check if the error has been resolved.

If everything is configured correctly, you should now be able to send and receive emails without encountering Error 3259.

Alternative Fix: Use an OLM File Converter for Mac Tool

If the manual method doesn’t resolve the issue or you suspect that your Outlook data file (OLM) has become corrupted, using a professional CubexSoft OLM Converter for Mac and Windows OS Tool can be a safer and more reliable option. This application is designed to scan, repair, and convert OLM files without any data loss. Moreover, this versatile tool is suitable with all latest and previous editions of Macintosh, Windows OS, and MS Outlook.

Outstanding Benefits of Using Mac OLM Export Tool

Take a look at the powerful features offered by this utility:

  • Converts OLM files to multiple formats including PST, EML, vCard, MSG, HTML, MBOX, PDF, MHT, ICS, CSV, RTF, and more.
  • Supports importing OLM data directly into popular email clients like Windows Live Mail, Office 365, Zimbra, Hosted Exchange Server, Outlook.com, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, IMAP, and others.
  • Maintains the original folder structure, email formatting, and properties throughout the conversion process.
  • Allows selective conversion to choose specific folders or items from the OLM file to export.
  • Provides a preview of OLM data before conversion so you can verify and confirm exactly what you want to convert.
  • Features a user-friendly interface suitable for both technical experts and beginners.
  • Fully compatible with all OLM file versions and supports all major MS Outlook releases on Windows and Mac.
  • Comes with a free DEMO PACK that lets you convert up to 25 OLM items at no cost.

Final Verdict

I hope you found this blog post helpful in understanding how to resolve Error 3259 in Outlook 2011 for Mac. The steps outlined above should help restore normal email functionality and prevent further disruption.

If you’re dealing with inaccessible or corrupted OLM files, consider using a robust Mac OLM to PST Converter. This powerful utility not only allows you to convert OLM files to PST files, but also offers advanced features to recover damaged or unreadable Mac Outlook OLM files. Moreover, this utility also allows users to export emails from OLM to PDF, EML, MSG, MBOX, ICS, CSV, IMAP, Office 365, Gmail, G Suite, Exchange Server, Thunderbird, WLM, IMAP, and more options without any trouble.

The demo version of the program is developed to let users try out the tool before making a purchase. It allows you to convert only the first 25 .olm items from each opted folder, so you can evaluate its features and performance. With its user-friendly UI and simple-to-use functionality, the demo helps you understand how the utility works in real-time. It’s an ideal and powerful way to test the software’s capabilities without any commitment.