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Microsoft Outlook Troubleshooting


Cannot start Microsoft Outlook
Cannot open the Outlook window


Symptom:

When trying to start Outlook a message box is displayed containing the message:

Cannot start Microsoft Outlook.
Cannot open the Outlook Window.

Possible Cause:

This error is probably indicative of some corruption within Outlook.

Remedy:

  • Shutdown Outlook. Restart Outlook with the '/resetnavpane' switch. The easiest way to do this is Start → Run and in the Run box enter:
    outlook /resetnavpane

    This switch will reset the navigation pane for the current profile, which will have the effect of removing any shortcuts and favourite folders.


These notes have been tested with Microsoft Outlook 2007 under Windows Vista, but may apply to other versions as well.



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