Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients all over the world used either for personal and professional communication. However, like any other software, it may face some problems that could impede it from opening properly. One of such issues that are most frequently encountered is the “Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook” error. This error is primarily attributed to various factors such as accumulation of damaged files or conflicting configurations due to additional installations.
If you have encountered this error, there is no need to panic because there are a couple of ways that one can follow in an effort to fix it. In this guide, we have prepared the most important and efficient ways to help you use Outlook again.
The Main Reasons of the “Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook” Error
Before showing some troubleshooting steps, I would like to mention several reasons which may be the cause of this error Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook :
Outlook Profile Corruption: The profile in Outlook comprises the settings, account information and preferences of the user. Outlook will not be able to load if this profile gets damaged in any way.
Add-ons: Add-ons are relatively insignificant applications that are added to enhance the features of Outlook. More often than not, such an add-on exhibiting problematic behavior or one that cannot properly function with the current Outlook may lead to Outook not opening.
Corrupted Outlook Data Files: If any database (.pst or .ost files) linked to an Outlook application is impaired, it may result in the application not being able to open.
Software Conflicts: Some other applications, or even older versions of the same Outlook can cause interference with the normal functioning of Outlook.
Corrupt Installation of Outlook: In situations where the Outlook or Office installation on your machine is incomplete or damaged, the program may not be able to launch.
Techniques for Resolving “Unable to Open Microsoft Outlook” Issue
1. Turn on Outllok in Safe Mode to fix Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook
It is recommended that one uses the Outlook Safe Mode in dealing with issues that may arise from add-ons or user-defined settings. In this mode, the user is assured that this version of Microsoft Outlook will launch without any add-ons and any user defined settings and will not cause the mentioned problems.
In order to get into this outlook safe mode one may proceed as follows:
- Press on “Windows” key plus “R” key to launch the “Run” option.
- Outlook.exe /safe is typed on the box and pressing enter or clicking ok.
- If the problem appears to have gone away after starting Outlook in Safe Mode,
Then it means that the problem is related to either an add-in or a custom configuration. You can switch off the add-ins and switch them on one at a time to find the problem.
2. Create a New Outlook Profile
At times, the reason might be due to a malfunctioned outlook profile. In these cases, people can create a new one and assign it as the default profile and check whether it solves the issue.
In order to create a new outlook profile, the following steps could be helpful:
- Open Control Panel and select the option Mails.
- Then click on the option Show Profiles.
- Click on Add option and provide a name of new profile to be created.
- Follow the screes and configure your new profile with your email account.
- Then either Playing Prompts with the use of a Profile or Use new Profile as Default will be selected.
- Then new profile and relations will be opened within Outlook.
The report error does not occur and outlook launches successfully, it can be inferred that the old profile was damaged, in this case either one may choose to use the new or attempt to fix the old profile instead.
3. Repair your Office or Outlook Installation
If you still can’t open Outlook, a more serious solution would be to perform a repair on your installation of Office. Office carries a repair tool within which can restore such files that have gone missing or have been corrupted.
Here’s how you can go about repairing the installation of Office:
- Control Panel, then select Programs and Features.
- Locate Microsoft Office, or, Outlook in the show installed programs.
- Highlight the installed Office program then right-click and click Change.
- Pick Quick Repair and Online Repair as appropriate.
- Quick Repair takes a shorter time to complete as opposed to Online Repair that is more intensive in the repair of the program.
- Obey the instructions to finish the repair routine.
After repair, try to open Outlook once more.
4. Investigate Possible Conflicting Applications
If you have installed something new or changed your system recently, it may lead to some issues that stop Outlook from opening. Try preventing or removing any external programs (for instance, antivirus or other protective software) to check whether this helps.
Moreover, don’t forget to check that you also keep up with Outlook regarding the latest updates:
Launch Outlook or any of the Office applications in your PC.
Select File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
5. Use the Inbox repair tool: Scanpst.exe
Starting Outlook may also be a problem due to corrupted data files of that particular program. There is a software program known as the Inbox Repair Tool or Scanpst.exe, which deals with corrupt .pst/.ost files.
So as to run the Inbox Repair Tool perform the following:
Ensure Outlook is not running.
- Go to the directory where Scanpst.exe file is stored:
- In case of Outlook 2019/Office 365 the address is usually:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\ (XX should be replaced with your version on installation for instance for Office 2016 it would be “Office16”).
- This could also be the case for older versions found at Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX.
- Locate Scanpst.exe file, and then double click it to run.
- Search for where the Outlook data file is stored (looks like this C:\Users
Conclusion
The “Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook” error can be frustrating, but it’s usually solvable with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Whether the issue is related to a corrupted profile, faulty add-ins, or damaged data files, following these methods should help you get Outlook back in working order.
If the problem persists even after trying all of these solutions, you may want to consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.