Outlook sending message 1 of ...

If you've come across this bloody infuriating mildly irritating Outlook error, you'll know the kinds of problems it causes.

Outlook appears not to be sending the email you want to send, yet is sending X amount of 'ghost' messages that just aren't there.

The problem? People who are sending you emails are requesting read receipts, and Outlook is struggling to send them.

The solution? Download this program called Outlook Spy. 

Once downloaded, close Outlook and install Outlook Spy. Then, re-open Outlook and you'll see a new toolbar at the top. Follow the steps below to resolve:

1. Select the folder you need to delete a read receipt from - this will be the top folder in Outlook Today or the Folder Menu on the left, normally titled something like 'Mailbox' or 'Inbox'.

2. Once highlighted, click the IMsgStore button that is on the new Outlook toolbar.

3. In the window that opens, clicks the Open Root Container button at the top left.

4. In the (new) new window, click the GetContents Table tab. The receipts will be listed on the left side, and the number shown underneath should correspond with the number of false messages Outlook is trying to send. Highlight one of the receipts, and choose Open Entry or double-click it to open (another!) new window.

5. Click on IMsgStore::Abort Submit. Then click OK in the pop-up box to confirm. Close the window.

6. With the same message highlighted, click Delete to remove the receipt.

7. Repeat as required, and when you're all done you can close all the windows and run the Outlook Spy installer again if you want to remove the application.