Learn How to Fix the Error, 'Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook'

As you know that while using Outlook, a user encounters many errors and they might not be able to access the files. You will find multiple ways to fix the error on the internet; however, you need to be smart enough to use the correct solution if you cannot start Microsoft Outlook. If a user gets a pop-up message, 'Cannot start Microsoft Outlook', then it can be due to several reasons. In this blog, we have listed the common reasons that cause the issues and how a user can fix the error.

Reasons behind the Error, 'Cannot start Microsoft Outlook'

1. Faulty add-ins in Outlook
2. If a user is operating an older version of Outlook.
3. If an OST file is corrupted.
4. Incorrect setting of Outlook profile.

The above-listed are some of the common reasons that cause the error, 'Cannot start Microsoft Outlook'. To fix the issue, a user can use several ways, however, we have mentioned some of the solutions to fix the error in the next section.

Ways to Fix the Error, 'Cannot start Microsoft Outlook'

The user can fix the error by either using the manual approach or an automated tool. In this section, we will further discuss both the methods in detail so that the user can fix the error on their own without taking help from someone else.

Manual Method

• Start Outlook in Safe Mode

A user can apply this method if the error is due to a faulty add-in, then they can start Outlook in Safe Mode as it opens Outlook with basic settings. Beneath, we have mentioned the steps that will help the users to start Outlook in Safe Mode:

1. From the 'Dialog Box' open 'run' option.
2. Now, type Outlook in the Run Dialog Box.
3. Then, disable the add-ins.
4. To know the faulty add-in, click on File > Options > Add-ins > Com Add-ins > Go.
5. Click on 'OK'.
6. Now, restart Outlook.

• Disable the Compatibility Mode

If you are unable to fix the error by using the above method, then try this one and resolve the error. The user can disable the 'Compatibility Mode' to fix the error if a user cannot start Outlook. Let us find out how to shut down the Compatibility mode:

1. Click on 'Run' from the Dialog Box.
2. Now, type 'Outlook.exe'.
3. Right-click on 'Outlook.exe'.
4. Go to Properties > Compatibility option.
5. Now, clear the Check-box.
6. Click on 'OK'.
7. Restart Outlook.

• Reset the Navigation Pane

Another way to fix the error is by resetting the 'Navigation Pane'. A user can reset the Navigation Pane from the 'Settings' and resolve the issue without spending even a single penny. We have mentioned the steps below:,

• Open 'Run' and type 'resetnavpane' and 'Outlook.exe'.
• Click 'OK' and 'Enter'.
• Now, restart Outlook.

Make certain that you put a space between 'resetnavpane' and 'Outlook.exe' and if you are unable to do it, then delete the 'XML' file that consists the settings. Use this method as a last resource. To use this technique, follow the below methods:

1. Open 'Run' and type '%appdata%\Microsoft\Outlook'.
2. Now delete the Outlook.xml file.

• Make a New Outlook Profile

If none of the above manual methods is able to start Outlook, then you can create a new Outlook profile and set it as default. Let us find out how to recreate a new default Outlook profile;

1. Open the 'Control Panel' and go to Start > Control Panel > Programs > User Accounts.
2. Click on the 'Mail' and 'Show Profiles' option.
3. Now, click on 'Add' and rename the new file.
4. Fill the relevant details such as your password, username, primary SMTP address.
5. Click on 'Next'.
6. Click on 'Finish'.
7. Now, restart Outlook.

The above are some of the manual ways to fix the error, however, a user might not be able to get the desired result. We suggest you choose the right approach to fix the error as this way, you will be able to start Outlook without losing a file. If after trying the above-mentioned solutions you are still able to start Microsoft Outlook, then you use OST to PST converter to repair the issue.

Automated Tool

Fix the Issue by Using KDETools OST to PST Converter

If a user cannot start Microsoft Outlook, then we suggest you opt for KDETools OST to PST Converter. The software has advanced algorithms that allow the user to convert orphaned, damaged, corrupted, and password-protected OST files. To resolve the issue, a user can use the tool and fix the error in a short span of time. Let us have a glimpse of the highlighting features that make it possible for the user to extract data from the damaged OST files and open Outlook without any hindrance.

Why Should a User Opt for KDETools OST to PST Converter?

KDETools OST to PST Converter stands out in the market as it ensures 100 % retrieval of data and fixes minor as well as major issues. Let us find out why a user should pick the software over other options:

1. The tool has a simple and user-friendly interface that allows the user to convert files without any issue.
2. The advanced software converts files into numerous file types such as HTML, RTF, EML, EMLX, PDF, and etc.
3. The tool has an enhanced GUI that makes the tool stand out in the market.
4. By using the tool, the user can fix all the common errors that a user faces while operating Outlook.
5. The software is well-equipped with all the latest features and enables the user to save the converted data at the desired location.
6. It supports all the versions of Windows and Microsoft Outlook.

Three-tier Recovery Process to Fix the Error, 'Cannot start Microsoft Outlook' Via KDETools OST to PST Converter

A user can resolve the issue if they are unable to start Outlook and an error message pop-up on their screen suddenly. Don't panic as you can repair the error by using the three-tier recovery process.

1. Choose the Outlook OST files.
2. Deeply scan the files.
3. Restore OST files.

Summary

If an error, "Cannot start Outlook" appears on your screen unexpectedly, then we assume you know how to deal with the problem. This blog entails the detail on how to fix the error by using the manual method and automated tool.