The error message “Cannot start Microsoft Outlook” can be caused by various reasons, such as a corrupted Outlook profile, incompatible add-ins, damaged Outlook data files, or issues with the Outlook program itself.
To fix this issue, you can try the following steps:
Solution 1: Start Outlook in Safe Mode
This solution is a quick way to determine if any add-ins are causing the issue. Safe Mode starts Outlook without loading any add-ins and checks for issues with the Outlook data files.
- Press and hold the CTRL key while you click on the Outlook icon.
Solution 2: Reset Navigation Pane
Outlook permits customers to personalize the navigation pane. Sometimes, customizations can prevent Microsoft Outlook from starting. Resetting the navigation pane may resolve this issue.
- Close Outlook and any other applications using Outlook.
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run tool.
- Type “outlook.exe /resetnavpane” and press ENTER.
Solution 3: Repair Microsoft Outlook Data Files
If your Outlook data files are corrupted, you can use the built-in Inbox Repair Tool (SCANPST.EXE) to fix them.
- Go to the Outlook installation directory.
- Look for the SCANPST.EXE file and double-click on it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the data files.
Solution 4: Repair Microsoft Office Application
If the issue persists, repairing the Office application may help.
- Close any Office applications that are running.
- Open the Control Panel, search for “Programs and Features.”
- Find Microsoft Office in the list and click on it.
- Click “Change,” then select “Repair” and follow the prompts.
Solution 5: Remove and Reinstall Office
If repairing does not resolve the issue, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Office.
- Download Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant utility.
- Run SetupProd_OffScrub.exe.
- Follow the instructions to remove Office and reinstall it.
Solution 6: Create a New Microsoft Outlook Profile
If the issue persists, it may be due to a corrupted Outlook profile. Create a new profile to resolve this.
- Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
- Click on “Add” and follow the instructions to create a new profile.
Solution 7: Disable Add-ins
If a third-party add-in is causing the issue, disable it to resolve the problem.
- Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
- Click on “Go” next to “Manage: COM Add-ins” and uncheck any suspicious add-ins.
Solution 8: Reinstall Microsoft Outlook
If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling Microsoft Outlook may fix the issue.
- Uninstall Outlook, then reinstall it from the Microsoft Office website.