Friday, April 16, 2010

TIPS & TRICKS: Microsoft Outlook Unable to Open

PROBLEM:
Attempted to launch Outlook 2007. Received an error message of:

Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook window.


Here's a screen shot:



Outlook, like most other programs, can be run from a command line, albeit Microsoft's version. This usually means that there should be options in launching Outlook. Originally, I wanted to start Outlook in Safe Mode. This works by holding the CTRL key down while clicking on the Outlook icon, not a command line. However, this did not work and I received the same message.

THE FIX:
Still not quite a command line option, but close. With Outlook and the error message gone, click on Start > Run (or Start, and type run in the search field in Windows Vista and 7). Type outlook.exe /resetnavpane.

This solved my problem. If your problem is different, here's a site that has a list of different options:

http://www.howto-outlook.com/howto/commandlineswitches.htm

Be careful, though. I would find a way to backup your data in Outlook before attempting something you are not certain about. Most of the commands will not affect your data, but it's better to be safe.

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