The Reason Why You Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook makes our work life easier. Outlook is synonymous with mail applications in workplaces all over the world. Outlook can also make your work life difficult by giving you an error message that states "Cannot open Microsoft Outlook". What do you do if Microsoft Outlook won't open? How can you fix the Cannot open Microsoft Outlook error message?

Don't worry, this article will explain why Outlook isn't opening. the set of folders cannot be opened outlook It also guides you in how to fix them cannot open Microsoft Outlook error using simple DIY methods

Common causes of the Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook Error

Outlook not opening is usually caused by an old version of Outlook or a corrupt Outlook data file. Here are some reasons Outlook might not open:

• You are trying to access an older version of Outlook
• Navigation Pane error
• Outlook data files may be accidentally deleted or damaged.
• Outlook cannot start because of a defective add-in
• Outlook profile needs to be repaired

These are possible causes of the "cannot open Microsoft error". Let's now look at the solutions to Microsoft Outlook not opening problems.

Please Note: If Outlook is unable to be opened due to Outlook repeatedly asking for password issues you should refer to this.

Method 1: Reset Outlook's Navigation Pane

Outlook's navigation panel is the leftmost section of Outlook. It contains the icons and folders to navigate between email, contacts, notes, and calendars. However, customizations can lead to Outlook not opening.

• Close Outlook
• To open the Run dialog box, press " Win +"
• Enter outlook.exe/resetnavpane (notice the space) and hit OK
• Start Outlook and restart your computer.

Method 2: In safe mode, check for defect add-ins

If that doesn't solve the problem, you can check for any defective add-ins. Outlook is not opened when it is in safe mode. This means that add-ins cannot be loaded. It is therefore easy to determine if these add-ins caused the Outlook not opening error.

• Close Outlook
• To open the Run dialog box, press " Win +".
• Enter Outlook /safe (notice the space) and hit OK
• Select the default settings from the Choose profiles dialog box and click OK
• To disable add-ins click on Files -> Options -> Add-ins
• View and Manage Office Add-ins. Make sure the com Addins are visible and choose to go.
• To disable all add-ins, clear all checkboxes and hit OK.
• Click on File or Exit
• Restart Outlook

Outlook will launch without any problems if it does not have to be enabled by any add-ins. To see the add-in that is causing the problem, you can manually enable it one at a time.

Method 3: Create an Outlook Profile

Outlook profiles will contain Outlook settings. There are also chances that your profile could be corrupted. You will need to create a new profile to verify the integrity of your profile.

• Select Mail from the Control Panel.
• Click on Email Setup-Outlook to view Show Profiles or Add
• Fill in your profile name, and then click "Next".
• Select this profile under When you start Microsoft Outlook. Click OK.
• Restart Outlook in Safe Mode and select the new profile from the drop-down menu.
• Close Outlook, and then restart Outlook normally.

Outlook will start normally if you have a new profile. If this is the case, you may want to repair your Outlook data file.

Method 4: Verify that Outlook is in Compatibility Mode

Compatibility mode is a feature of Windows that allows applications to run in older versions of the Operating System. Try turning off compatibility mode to see if Microsoft Outlook is working. This is only for Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2010 users. The compatibility mode isn't available for the latest versions of Outlook 2016 or 19.

To fix the "Cannot start Microsoft Outlook" error message, turn off compatibility mode by following these steps:

• Locate Outlook.exe on your computer. The following path will allow you to locate the computer's location:
• After you have found Outlook.exe click right on the file to open Properties
• Click on the Compatibility tab. Uncheck the compatibility tab, if selected. Then click on Apply

Restart Outlook and check if the error persists. Outlook cannot open certain folders in Microsoft Outlook. You will need to repair the Outlook data file PST.

How to fix Microsoft Outlook not opening on Mac

1. All Microsoft Office applications and Open Outlook allow you to exit.
2. Choose you to want to rebuild
3. Select the Rebuild option
4. After the process is completed, restart Outlook.

Method 5: Use ScanPST.exe for Microsoft issues not opening

Repairing your Outlook data file is the final solution to Microsoft Outlook, not opening. You may be asking how to repair the PST file to fix the Microsoft Outlook cannot open error.

Microsoft provides an inbuilt utility called the inbox repair tool. ScanPST.exe has some drawbacks, such as the inability to directly repair corrupt PST files. ScanPST.exe is not recommended if you have a corrupted PST.