Bad Syntax Error -17099

[dmpurist]

I am using MS Entourage 2004 on OS X and am receiving the following error when I send/receive:

Bad recipient address syntax. Explanation: Mail could not be sent. Error: -17099

I know the email where the bad syntax occurs, however I already deleted it from my Sent folder (and also from the deleted folder) in order to resolve the error. I STILL get the error and am unable to find the "problem" email since I deleted it. Is it still haunting me from beyond the deleted files grave? Is there a script I can use to turn off this annoying error, which occurs every time I send/receive?

I've scoured the Internet for an answer but came up empty handed. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Diane Ross]

I am using MS Entourage 2004 on OS X and am receiving the following error when
I send/receive:

Bad recipient address syntax. Explanation: Mail could not be sent. Error:
-17099

I know the email where the bad syntax occurs, however I already deleted it
from my Sent folder (and also from the deleted folder) in order to resolve the
error. I STILL get the error and am unable to find the "problem" email since I
deleted it. Is it still haunting me from beyond the deleted files grave? Is
there a script I can use to turn off this annoying error, which occurs every
time I send/receive?

I've scoured the Internet for an answer but came up empty handed. Thanks in
advance for your help.

This could be database corruption. Rebuild your database.

How to rebuild database:

As with any procedure like rebuild, it¹s a good idea to make a backup prior
to running. Your data should not be erased, but if something fails during
this process data could be lost. To be doubly sure, duplicate your Identity
in the Finder folder prior to the rebuild.

Your Identity is located in Your User's Document folder inside the Microsoft
User Data folder.

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/database/index.html#db1>

Make sure you have enough hard disk space available for twice the size of
your database. As part of the rebuilding process, Entourage creates a second
database file. (Note: your HD also needs breathing room to function)

1. On the Entourage menu, click Turn Off Office Reminders.
2. Quit Messenger and all Microsoft Office applications, including
Entourage.

Hold down the Option key and re-launch the application. In a few seconds,
you¹ll be greeted with the database utility. You can verify and, if
necessary, rebuild the Entourage database by using the Microsoft Database
Utility.

During the rebuild process, the old files are renamed in case for some
reason the rebuild was not successful. After you¹ve rebuilt your database
and checked the application¹s performance, you can delete the old version
from your hard drive. Do NOT throw away these files unless you are satisfied
with the rebuild:

Old files are named:

Main [Backed up date and time will be shown] e.g. Main [Backed up 1.21.2007
13.35]

For help with older version of Entourage see:
<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/database/rebuild.html>

 

[dmpurist]

Thank you, Diane. I both verified and rebuilt my database per your suggestion. The rebuild process went well, as expected, however the problem continues.

I have since turned off the sound for Entourage errors in my settings but am looking for a full resolution so that the error itself doesn't display every send/receive.

 

[Diane Ross]

Thank you, Diane. I both verified and rebuilt my database per your suggestion.
The rebuild process went well, as expected, however the problem continues.

I have since turned off the sound for Entourage errors in my settings but am
looking for a full resolution so that the error itself doesn't display every
send/receive.

Go to System Preferences --> Create a New User in Accounts. Switch to the
New User by logging out/in or use Fast User Switching. Test Entourage there
in a new Identity. If that works, you might try moving your current database
to Shared folder so you can drag it to the new test user and see if it works
there. If it does work, then the problem is in your User's folder.

Troubleshooting Your User Account for a Problem

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/troubleshoot/test_user.html>

 

[dmpurist]

I created the new user and deleted the account that was giving me problems. I now receive the following error:

An unknown error (-17199) occurred.
A message in your Outbox could not be sent. The account which created the message cannot be found.

This error message makes sense considering that the account in question has been deleted. I should note that I am also receiving my email through a server. Perhaps there's something I need to do on the server in order to take care of the errors.

 

[Diane Ross]

I created the new user and deleted the account that was giving me problems. I
now receive the following error:

An unknown error (-17199) occurred.
A message in your Outbox could not be sent. The account which created the
message cannot be found.

Can you delete the message in the Outbox?

This error message makes sense considering that the account in question has
been deleted. I should note that I am also receiving my email through a
server. Perhaps there's something I need to do on the server in order to take
care of the errors.

You shouldn't need to make any changes once you get rid of the message.

 

[dmpurist]

Yes, I originally deleted the message from my sent folder and then purged my deleted folder however the error still occurs. This was all done prior to my first post above.

 

[Diane Ross]

Yes, I originally deleted the message from my sent folder and then purged my
deleted folder however the error still occurs. This was all done prior to my
first post above.

The message has to be on your server then and not Entourage. Ask your IT for
help.