For Microsoft Outlook users, one of the most agitating experiences is when the application is stopped due to an error. An example of a common message users are likely to see is such as: “We’re Sorry, But Outlook Has Run Into an Error” This type of error can occur due to simple issues such as software malfunction to more serious concerns such as account settings, internet connectivity, and more so the parts of the Outlook itself.
In this article we will outline some of the reasons why this error Outlook Has Run Into an Error occurred and detail some of the steps in order to fix it.
1. Basic Troubleshooting Steps “We’re Sorry, But Outlook Has Run Into an Error”
Before getting into more elaborate solutions, some basic troubleshooting that deals with common causes of errors should be done as it is likely to work:
a. Restart Outlook and Your PC to fix Outlook Has Run Into an Error
In some instances, the error may be temporarily caused. The easiest solution is to close Windows and restart Outlook, if that fails, Windows can be restarted as well. This eliminates any active tasks that are stopping the program from performing its workings.
b. Looking For New Updates
Most of the time, issues and improvements of stability are found in updates for Outlook as well as for Office. Nevertheless, it is very important to ensure that all the software is current. Here is how to do it:
Launch Outlook.
Click on the File tab and choose Office Account.
From the Product Information section, click on Update Options and then click on Update Now.
2. Repair Outlook
For software related issues, the first thing you need to do is restart the application. However, if this does not yield any positive response, the next step will be to repair the Outlook application. Installation repair fixes any broken components such as files and configuration settings that may lead to such errors.
To repair Outlook:
- First, you need to open Control Panel of your computer (you can looking for it on Start menu).
- Then go to Programs > Programs and Features.
- You should then see a list of all the programs installed and search for Microsoft Office.
- Right-click on it and click on Change.
- Select Repair and complete the steps which follow. There might be an option for Quick Repair or Online Repair.
- The Online Repair option is more comprehensive, though it also requires internet availability.
3. Check for Profile Corruption
If not designed, an Outlook profile often comes complete with errors, which is the case with the one you are having. Sometimes, it is simply a matter of starting over and creating a new profile.
In order to create a new Outlook profile:
- Open Control Panel and click on Mail.
- Then, in the dialog box for Mail Setup, click on Show Profiles.
- Click Add in order to make a new profile and follow the wizard to name the profile and add the email account into the profile.
- Once you have created the new profile, in that dialog box either select Prompt for a profile to be used or Always use this profile in order to make the new profile the default profile.
4. Check Add-ins
Add-ins installed in outlook are beneficial in some situations but in other instances can lead to conflict or errors. Consider switching off the add-ins to see if the problem persists.
To disable add-ins:
- Make sure Outlook opened in Safe Mode. To do this, press and hold the Ctrl key while Outlook is starting, or go to Run dialog box and type outlook.exe /safe (to open Run, press Win + R).
- When you are in Safe mode, click on the File tab and then go to Options > Add-ins.
- At the bottom of the Add-ins screen, change the dropdown from All to COM Add-ins and click Go.
- Clear all add-ins and press OK.
- Restart the Outlook in a normal way. If that fixes the problem, the add-ins can be enabled one at a time to pinpoint the specific add-in causing the issue.
5. Verify Your Email Account Configuration
In some cases, the issues with Outlook can be attributed to the incorrect settings associated with your Outlook email account. Take another look at your accounts setup:
- From the menu, select File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- Click on the account you want to modify, then click on Change.
- In particular, pay attention to the server settings while checking them and ensuring that they are correct depending on the account type being imap, pop, or exchange, etc.
If you have any doubts, remove the account and add it back to Outlook.
6. Temporarily Disable any Antivirus Software/Personal Firewalls
Sometimes, security programs like antivirus or firewall software prevent Outlook from functioning. You may want to try switch off your antivirus or firewall to see if it allows the program to work. Remember to activate it again afterwards.
7. Look for Problems with the Computer
There can also be some system protection that can cause issues with opening or using outlook such as insufficient disk space, corrupt or outdated system files or an incorrect user profile. Please try the System File Checker tool as follows to fix any corrupted system files.
Enter the command line as an Administrator (right-click and select Run as administrator).
In command prompt, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
Allow the process to finish, then restart the system.
8. Repair Office/Outlook
If all else fails, it might be necessary to remove all the Microsoft Office suite applications (Outlook included) all together and then install the suite afresh. Remove and reinstall to address issues that are fixed in the registry or other files deep within the system.
In order to remove Office:
- Go to Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
- Locate Microsoft Office on the list, click on it, and click the button labeled Remove.
- Then when prompted, please go to the Office website and reinstall Office. Follow the instructions given.
Conclusion
The error message “We’re sorry, but Outlook has run into an error” can be caused by a wide range of issues, but most of the time, it’s fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. Start with basic solutions like restarting the app, repairing Outlook, or creating a new profile. If the problem persists, checking your account settings, disabling add-ins, and even reinstalling Office can often get Outlook back to working properly. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.