Fixing the 'Unknown Error' or 'Clock Error' When Activating Outlook 2016 for Mac

If you're experiencing issues with activating Outlook 2016 for your Mac, you may come across the error message 'Unknown error' or 'clock error.' Don't worry; we've got you covered. In this article, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide to resolve this issue and get your Office suite up and running smoothly.

Check Your License

Before we dive into the solution, let's clarify that you're using the correct license for your Microsoft 365 subscription. If you own multiple licenses or have installed an incorrect one, you may need to remove and re-activate your Office suite to ensure you're getting all the benefits of your subscription.

Fix Permissions for PriviligedHelperTools Folder

The next step is to check if your PriviligedHelperTools folder is accessible. This folder is responsible for controlling the permissions that allow Microsoft 365 apps to function properly on your Mac. If the folder is not accessible, you may encounter issues with activation.

To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Open Finder and click 'Go' in the menu bar.

2. Select 'Computer' from the dropdown list.

3. Locate the PriviligedHelperTools folder and check if it has a red dot or stop icon next to its name. If it does, it's not accessible.

One-Time Purchase Issue

If you're trying to activate a one-time purchase of Office for Mac and receive an 'Unknown error' or 'clock error,' it's likely due to the PriviligedHelperTools folder being incorrectly inaccessible to your user account. In this case, you'll need to download a version of Microsoft 365 for Mac from the official website.

Repeated Keychain Access Prompts

Another common issue is seeing repeated prompts to grant access to the keychain when starting an Office app. This may occur if Office has been moved to a location other than the default Applications folder.

To resolve this, follow the steps in our article on 'Office for Mac Repeatedly Requesting Keychain Access.'

Installation Limit Reached Error

If you're receiving an 'Authentication Expired' error or being prompted to sign into your account repeatedly, it may be due to reaching the installation limit allowed by your subscription. In this case, follow the steps in our article on 'Installation Limit Reached Error When Activating Office for Mac.'

By following these simple steps, you should be able to resolve the 'Unknown error' or 'clock error' when activating Outlook 2016 for your Mac and get back to enjoying the full benefits of your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Final Tips

Remember to regularly check your account page to manage your settings and ensure you're not nearing the installation limit. With these easy fixes, you'll be well on your way to a smooth and hassle-free experience with Office 365 for Mac.

Office 365 one time purchase for mac