Outlook Common Errors and Solutions

Outlook is the most widely used Email client all over the world. The reason behind this is the easy-to-use interface and advanced features of Outlook. But it has some glitches or error also. Some errors in MS Outlook arises out of nowhere. These errors can be a trouble for the user as they are difficult to resolve. Some most common Outlook issues are:

• Outlook not responding.
• Inactive or Sluggish working.
• Issues with profile handling.
• PST corruption.
• Outlook crashes unexpectedly.

And many more. We will study about the causes and solutions for these Outlook common errors. Follow the article till the end to find the solution of the above-listed 5 common Outlook issues.

Some Common Reasons Behind Errors in Microsoft Outlook

There can be many reasons for a single error in Outlook. But some of the main causes can be as follows:

• Sudden power failures
• Corrupted PST file
• Virus attack on your system
• Using old version of Outlook
• Incorrect configuration of Outlook

Many times these are the causes through which Outlook error arises. But as I said there is not a single cause responsible for an error, there can be many other reasons.

Common Microsoft Outlook Issues - Reasons & Solutions

1) Sluggish or Inactive Outlook Performance

If a user is using Outlook from a long time, then he/ she must be familiar to this error. Over a period of time email, entries, calendar etc., keeps on piling in Outlook and its size increases abnormally large. After a point of time, the size reaches its limit and results in slow working of Outlook.

Solution: A user can simply starve the PST file. Delete all unwanted emails that are larger than 100 KB. If there is an important email, then store it in disk and clear the PST and clear all trash.

2) Outlook Crashes Unexpectedly

Sometimes the things which are meant to help us itself causes trouble for us. There are many Outlook add-ins which are designed to help us and make Outlook easier. But sometimes these Outlook add-ins itself get corrupted and generates an error.

3) Outlook PST is Not a Personal File Error

There can be various possible reasons behind this error like corruption in PST, sudden power failure, PST file is marked as “read-only” attribute or it is saved in CD.

Solution: To fix this error you have to follow the following steps:

• First of all, move your PST file from CD to the hard drive.
• After this, uncheck the “Read Only” attribute by going in its Properties

4) Your Are Sending Spam Mails

Many of your friends may have tell you that they are getting unwanted or spam mails from you. And this all happens without your knowledge. This could be dangerous if the receiver is a business associate and the mail is irrelevant The reason behind this error can be a malware in your computer system that has access to your email address. And, the other possible reason is that your mail account is hacked.

Solution: To fix this error you can just simply change your email password. But in some cases a user is not able to change the password, then you have to report this issue to Support team immediately. You can also run an anti-virus to scan your system and remove the malware.

5) Unable to Start MS Outlook

According to many experts, corrupted PST file or corrupted navigation pane settings is the reason behind cannot start Microsoft Outlook error. Whenever you see a file with a name like, file_name.xml and its size is zero it means the file is corrupted.

Solution: Follow the below-mentioned steps to fix this error:

1. First of all, go to Start >> type Outlook.exe /safe in search box.
2. Then remove all the add-ins

NOTE: To disable all the add-ins follow the following steps:

1. Choose file Tab >> Options >> Add-Ins >> select Com Add-Ins.
2. Now, click on Go option >> clear all the choices in the list box
3. Then, click on OK button and restart Outlook.

Expert Solution to Fix Common Outlook Errors

The above mentioned solutions may have some limitations but the solution which I am going to tell you overcome all the limitations of above method. Experts suggests the users to use a third-party tool to fix the all above errors. The most widely used third party tool is Outlook Recovery tool. With the help of this tool a user can solve any Outlook error with in minutes. Key features of this tool.

1. Recovers permanently deleted Outlook emails.
2. Repair damaged PST file in Outlook.
3. Repair multiple PST Files in Batch Mode.
4. No PST File Size Limitations Imposed.
5. Recover Password protected corrupted Outlook PST files.
6. Repair & Recover deleted Outlook PST Data items.

Wrapping Up

Any small error in Outlook can create big trouble for the users. It might lead to inaccessibility of mailbox data, which break the continuity of the work. Thus, in this post, 5 common Outlook issues faced by a user are covered with respective solutions. These methods will surely solve the Outlook common errors. In addition, one can also use SysTools Outlook Recovery for better results.

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

1. Press Windows key+ R >> search for Outlook and press Enter.
2. Now, go to Files >> Options >> Add-ins and enable some Add-ins.
3. After this, close the Outlook and restart it.
4. 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

1. First of all go to Start >> search SCANBPST.EXE and press Enter >> run SCANPST.EXE.
2. Now, click on the Browse button and select the file you want to repair.
3. After this, click on the Start button to begin the scan process
4. 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:

1. Ensure that the Outlook on your system is completely closed.

2. 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.

Why Outlook is not Working Properly

Outlook is an email client introduced by Microsoft. It enables users to send and receive emails and also acts as a personal information manager. Many users have faced various issues while working with Outlook. They also said that it hangs, stops connecting, stucks and freezes while performing operations. There is a reason for everything, similarly, Outlook also has some reasons for why it is not working properly. It is important to know the cause behind the occurrence of the issue. Therefore, in this blog, we are going to discuss the different reasons that lead to improper working of Outlook. In addition to this, we are also going to explain why Microsoft Outlook is not working after updating Windows and how to resolve this issue.

Possible Reasons Behind Outlook is Not Working Properly Issue

There are many reasons for Microsoft has stopped working. The various reasons for this are:

• Using an old version of Outlook.
• Using Outlook to process a large number of data.
• Bug in your Outlook.
• Error in your office program is also a reason for this.
• Outlook data file can be corrupted.
• Outlook is working for too long on a single process.
• Too much of Outlook add-ins are executing.

Methods to Resolve Microsoft Outlook has Stopped Working Issue

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:

#1 Remove Hanging Outlook process

While working with Outlook, many users have experienced the hanging issues, even if they attempts to shut it down. Basically, in it one process remains in the memory preventing Outlook from shutting down.To resolve this issue, you have to quit unwanted task from the Task Manger. For this, right-click on Task bar and then select Task Manger. After that, select the unwanted task and click on the End Process

#2 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:

• First of all go to Start Button.
• Then search for Outlook.exe/safe in cmd.
• Now it will ask for your approval to launch the application in safe mode by displaying this message.

• Click Yes and the program will be launched.

#3 Update your Window

May be your Windows is not updated and Outlook may not function if your Windows is not upto date.

Steps to Update Windows

1. To begin, click on Start menu and type update.
2. Click Windows Update
3. Wait till the updating process completes.
4. Now, click on the Install Updates.
5. After the updates are installed, restart your windows.
6. Then open your Outlook and click on the File option.
7. Click on the Update option >> Update Now button.
8. After the updating process is completed, reopen the Outlook and it will run properly.

#4 Make Sure Your Outlook is Not Working On Large Processes

Outlook stores thousands of messages and allows to read them any time. Whenever a user tries to delete large amount of data at once, Outlook starts hanging. See the status bar you will know that the process is still in progress. In that case, give Outlook some time to complete all the process and afterwards, it will work normally.

#5 Repair your Office Program

Sometimes just by repairing your office program, ‘Outlook is not responding’ issue and other issues related to Outlook can be resolved.

Steps to repair Office Program

1. To begin the process, quit all Office programs that are running in the background.
2. Go to Control Panel >> Program and Features.
3. Right-click on the Microsoft Office located in the list of installed program.
4. Select Change >> Repair.
5. After that click on Continue button.

#6 Repair Your Outlook Data File

Outlook may not work properly if there is an error in Outlook data files you are using. So, to repair corrupt PST file, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. First of all, open Windows Explorer.
2. Then, go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16.
3. Open SCANPST.EXE.
4. Now click on Browse and select a PST file to repair.

5. Then, click on the Start button.
6. Check the Make backup of scanned file before repairing box.

7. Now click OK to finish the repair.

#7 Create New User Profile

In Outlook you can create multiple profiles and can add a new email to a profile.

Steps to create a new Outlook Profile

• Close Outlook.
• Now, go to Start >> Control Panel >> Mail >> Show Profiles.
• Choose Add, type a profile name in the Profile Name box and click OK.
• Fill the information required.
• After creating the Outlook Profile, on the Show Profiles dialog, choose Prompt for a profile to be used.
• Open Outlook and choose your new profile

NOTE: If by creating a new profile solves the issue, then delete the old profile.

Final Words

Any small error in Outlook can break the continuity of work and there can be loss of data also. To overcome this situation, it is important to fix the issue as soon as possible. Thus, to fix the Outlook is not working problem, a user can try various solutions given above. These solutions will definitely resolve your problem in an efficient way.

Inbox Repair Tool or scanpst.exe is an inbuilt tool in Outlook developed by Microsoft. In order to repair any corrupted or damaged PST file, the tool is used. When working on Outlook we face so many issues regarding corruption in Outlook items like Email, Calendar, Tasks, Contacts etc. To fix the issues or the errors we use Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe).

Where Can We Find SCANPST Utility?

SCANPST tool’s location may vary in different Microsoft Outlook versions. To find its location you can follow these steps (regardless of any Outlook versions):

Why Do We Need Inbox Repair Utility?

We might encounter another error i.e., 0x800CCC0F Outlook error.

How to Find and Run Inbox Repair Tool?

These steps are to be followed:

• At first, close your "MS Outlook".
• Go to (C :) Drive >> Select "Program Files" >> "Microsoft Office" >> "Office14" >> click on "SCANPST".

• Now, you will see a pop-up window, choose "Browse" button to select the PST Outlook File & click "Start" button.

Location to find PST File: C:\Users\admin\Documents\Outlook Files:

• Click on "Start" button, and the tool will analyse the file.

• Now, you’ll see a new window, where the location of PST file will be shown, along with the number of folders found and total items found in this PST file. Make sure to check the option: "Make backup of scanned file before repairing". And then, hit "Repair" button in order to repair the corrupt Outlook PST file.

• The Inbox tool repair utility will display a "Repair complete" message. Hit "OK" button.

Points to Remember:

• Create a backup of PST File before performing the SCANPST operation.
• The all above steps are for MS Outlook 2010, however, these can be performed on any version.

What to do if SCANPST not found?

There can be a scenario where you won’t be able to find SCANPST on its default location. You have to make sure that you haven’t disabled this option:"Show hidden files and folders"

To Check (Window 10 OS):

• Go to "Ask me anything" and then type "Folder Options" >> Go to "File Explorer Options".

• You will see a new window with the name "File Explorer Options" . Visit the "View" tab inside the "Advance settings", enable this option- "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" and Hit "OK".

What if Inbox Repair Tool doesn’t work?

If Inbox Repair Tool fails to repair corrupted PST file, then it only happens when your PST file is severely damaged. This tool is capable to repair only minor level corruption in Outlook PST files. If you need a utility to repair major level corruption of PST files, you won’t find any such tool in web. In that condition, you can switch to any third party source which is capable to repair corrupted PST File in Outlook.