Proper use of Drafts on an email server/client. (e.g., Outlook desktop, Gmail in Chrome, Apple Mail)
This frustrating issue: losing time redoing emails and reattaching files is the last thing anyone needs. This is a common problem across email clients like Outlook, Gmail, and others. It often stems from sync conflicts, read-only flags on the draft, corrupted cache, or format issues (e.g., HTML vs. plain text). This is an outline of the most likely causes and step-by-step fixes below, starting with the simplest.
Quick Workarounds for Immediate Relief
While troubleshooting, to avoid reattaching files every time:
· Save attachments separately: Before drafting, zip your files into a folder and save it locally (e.g., on your desktop). This way, you can quickly reattach from the same spot without hunting them down.
· Draft in a text editor: Compose the body in a simple app like Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or Google Docs, then copy-paste into a fresh email. This bypasses draft-saving glitches.
· Use the web version: Switch to the browser-based email (e.g., outlook.com or mail.google.com) as a temporary workaround—drafts often behave better there.
Troubleshooting Steps
Try these in order. Test by creating/saving a short test draft after each one.
1. Check and Adjust Email Format (Common Fix for "Operation Failed" or Permission Errors)
a. Drafts saved in HTML/Rich Text can trigger read-only or permission issues when reopened, especially in Outlook or Exchange accounts.
b. Open the draft.
c. Go to the formatting options (in Outlook: Format Text tab; in Gmail: at the bottom of the compose window).
d. Switch to Plain Text or Rich Text, save, close, reopen, and try sending.
e. If it works, stick to Plain Text for future drafts.
i. Why this helps: Inline elements (like images or bullets) can mark the draft as read-only during sync.
2. Clear Browser or App Cache/Sync Issues (If Using Web or Mobile) Temporary glitches in storage or extensions can block saving/sending.
a. Browser (Chrome/Firefox/Edge): Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data (select "Cached images/files" and "Cookies"). Restart the browser and log back in. Disable extensions one by one (e.g., ad blockers).
b. Mobile App (iOS/Android)**: Force-close the app, clear its cache (Settings > Apps > [Email App] > Storage > Clear Cache), and restart your phone.
c. Desktop App: Close the app fully, then restart.
d. Why this helps: Corrupted cache causes "message changed" or permission errors during draft sync.
3. Repair or Reset the Email Profile/Data File (Especially for Outlook) If you're on Outlook (desktop or web), this fixes local corruption.
a. Quick Profile Reset (Outlook Desktop)
b. Close Outlook.
c. Search for "Control Panel" > Mail (or Mail (32-bit)) > Show Profiles > Add a new profile > Set up your account again > Set as default > Restart Outlook.
d. Repair Data File: In Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Data Files > Select your file > Settings > Repair.
e. Online Repair (Full Office Fix): Control Panel > Programs > Right-click Microsoft Office/365 > Change > Quick Repair (or Online Repair if that fails).
f. Why this helps: Drafts get flagged as "changed by another user" due to sync mismatches or read-only saves.
4. Disable Auto-Save and Check Attachments. Auto-save can conflict if your connection dips, and large/special attachments (e.g., over 20MB or certain file types) block operations.
a. In Outlook: File > Options > Mail > Uncheck "Automatically save items that have not been sent after this many minutes" (set to 0 to disable).
b. In Gmail: No direct toggle, but compose in a new window and avoid auto-pause.
c. For attachments: Remove them temporarily, send the draft, then forward with files added. Compress files if needed (e.g., ZIP).
d. Why this helps: Overloaded drafts fail permissions during save/send.
5. Update Software and Check Account Settings
a. Update your email app/browser to the latest version.
b. Verify Drafts folder permissions: In Outlook, right-click Drafts > Properties > Permissions (ensure full access). In Apple Mail: Preferences > Accounts > Mailbox Behaviors > Ensure Drafts is set correctly.
c. If on Exchange/Office 365, switch to Cached Exchange mode (File > Account Settings > Change > Use Cached Exchange Mode).
d. Why this helps: Outdated software causes read-only or permission blocks on drafts.
6. Advanced: Run Inbox Repair Tool (For PST/OST Files in Outlook), If nothing else works, your data file might be corrupted.
a. Close Outlook.
b. Find scanpst.exe (search in File Explorer; usually in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16).
c. Run it, select your .pst/.ost file, and let it scan/repair.
d. Why this helps: Corrupted files trigger "operation not permitted" on edits/sends.
If these don't resolve it, open a ticket with more details (e.g., exact error wording, device/OS, email provider), at www.rcitsupport.org