How to Resolve Unable to Open Outlook Error?
Outlook is the widely used email client by millions of users. But sadly it was found that many users complained their Outlook is not opening and is displaying the following error:
This error can be a big trouble for you, as it is hard to fix. So, let us discuss all possible ways in which you can fix cannot start Microsoft Outlook error message.
Reasons Why Outlook is Not Opening in Windows 10
There is no definite reasons for cannot start Outlook error but still some of the possible reasons are:
- Corrupted PST file can be a cause for this error.
- Unfortunate power failure.
- Infected files stored along with Outlook folder.
- Unsuccessful installation of a program is also a reason.
- Your Outlook is not up to date and needs update.
- Outlook is not compatible with the Windows you are using.
- Using many add-ins for better functioning of Outlook.
Now, that we know the reasons for unable to start Outlook error, let us fix this error by discussing it’s solution.
Methods to Resolve Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook Error
Now we know all the possible reasons behind this problem, let us find out the appropriate solution to eliminate this issue. There are various methods to solve this problem. All of them are discussed in the section given below:
How to Fix Cannot Start Outlook Error?
Now, as we know that there are various reasons for unable to start Microsoft Outlook error. So, obviously there will be not only one solution but many. Let us discuss them one by one.
Solution 1: Start Outlook in Safe Mode and Disable Add-Ins
# Start Outlook in safe mode
Every time something wrong happens with Outlook, Microsoft recommends you to start Outlook in safe mode. To launch Outlook in safe mode:
Many users of the Outlook uses various add-ins in order to enhance the functionality. But sometimes these add-ins can create different problems and stops Outlook from opening. As your Outlook is not opening normally, then the only solution for you is to run Outlook in safe mode. By running Outlook in safe mode, all the add-ins will be disabled and your Outlook will be opened normally.
To run Outlook in safe mode follow these steps:
- Press Windows key + R >> search for Outlook /safe and press Enter.
- After that,Choose a Profile window will open >> Click Ok.
- After opening Outlook, go to Files >> Options >> Add-ins.
- In View And Manage Office Add-ins ensure that the manage box shows COM Add-ins.
- Now, uncheck all the check boxes to disable all the Add-ins>> click OK/
- After that, close Outlook.
Now as you have disables all the Add-ins. You have to open Outlook and enable all of them one by one. Until you find the one, which is causing this error.
Steps to enable Add-ins
May be your Windows is not updated and Outlook may not function if your Windows is not upto date. (missing full stop) Steps to Update Windows
- Press Windows key+ R >> search for Outlook and press Enter.
- Now, go to Files >> Options >> Add-ins and enable some Add-ins.
- After this, close the Outlook and restart it.
- Then, open Outlook again and enable one or more Add-ins again and repeat this until the infected Add-ins is recognised.
For some users, Add-ins were the cause of this error and after disabling the infected Add-ins the error was solved.
Solution 2: Create a New Profile
In some cases your Outlook profile can get corrupted and you may be can not access Outlook. To solve this problem you just have to make a new Outlook profile.
Steps to make a new profile:
- First of all, open Start Menu>> type Control Panel in search box >> select Control Panel.
- After opening Control Panel, select Mail.
- Right-click on the Show Profile button and choose Add.
- Enter the name for new profile >> Fill all the Information required >> click Next button.
- After this, your new profile is created and is added to the General Tab.
- Select Prompt for the Profile to be Usedoption and click OK.
- Now, open Outlook click on the recently created profile >> click OK.
Solution 3: Repair your Outlook Data File
As we all know that all of our Outlook data is stored in data file. What if the data file itself get corrupted? Sometimes the whole data file gets corrupted and prevents us from opening Outlook. So, to fix this error you just have to repair the corrupted data file using SCANPST.EXE utility.
Steps to repair data file using SCANPST.EXE
- First of all go to Start >> search SCANBPST.EXE and press Enter >> run SCANPST.EXE.
- Now, click on the Browse button and select the file you want to repair.
- After this, click on the Start button to begin the scan process
- If any error is found in the scanning, click the Repair button to repair the file.
Solution 4: Run the resetnavpane Command
You can also fix this Cannot start Microsoft Outlook error by running this command in your PC.
Steps:
- Ensure that the Outlook on your system is completely closed.
- Press Windows Key + R type Outlook.exe /resetnavpane >> Press Enter.
This command allows you to remove all the customization related to the navigation pane and fixes the errors. These are the best solutions for fixing Outlook not opening error. You can use any of the above techniques to fix the error. You can also use the technique, which is given below in order to fix the error effectively and efficiently.
Recommended Approach to Fix Unable to Start Error
The above given methods are the best way to fix this error but they may not work in some circumstances like badly damaged PST file. In that case you can use the third-party software named. SysTools Outlook Recovery tool You can use this tool repair the corrupted file. It helps the user to get its file repaired without any loss of data.
Wrapping Up
These are the best techniques to help you to fix cannot start Microsoft Outlook error message instantly. Still in some cases, if the above-mentioned techniques do not work. Then you can use the SysTools Outlook Recovery tool to fix this error effectively and efficiently without any loss of data.