Table of Contents
Resetting the Navigation Pane
The navigation pane, located on the left side of the Outlook main window, plays an integral role in maintaining Outlook's functionality. It is the place where your folder list resides along with icons which you can use to switch between Mail, Calendar, People, and Tasks. Sometimes, the personal customizations on the navigation pane might create a barrier in starting Outlook. Therefore, resetting the navigation pane becomes necessary to fix the issue that's causing Outlook not to open. It helps in removing all the customizations that are specific to the local Outlook on a computer.
Pressing the Windows key and R keys at once
In order to reset the Navigation Pane in Outlook, you must first exit out of Outlook along with any other applications that may be in use. Start resetting by launching the Run tool. The simplest way to launch it is by pressing the Windows key and R keys concurrently. This keyword sequence brings out the Run dialogue box, which leads us to the next step of the process.
Paste a specific keyword in the Run box to reset Outlook
After executing the former process, the Run window will open. In the box provided, type "outlook.exe /resetnavpane" and press ENTER. This command is necessary as it aids in wiping out all personalized changes on the navigation pane. Note that if you are using more than one computer, this process needs to be performed on all of them. This is because your navigation pane customizations are particular to each local Outlook on a computer. After giving this command, the issue preventing Outlook from starting should be resolved.
Creating a New Outlook Profile
Outlook settings are contained within your user profile, which can get corrupted over time, thereby leading to issues with starting the Microsoft Outlook application. Quick rehabilitation can often be achieved by creating a new profile and setting it as the default one when Outlook starts.
Open up Run box
The first step to creating a new Outlook Profile involves opening the Run dialog box. It can be opened by pressing the Windows start button and typing 'Run' in the search box.
Write down a specific command in the blank box
In the Run box, type 'Control Panel' and press Enter to open the Control Panel. If you're using Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11, you can open the Control Panel by typing 'Control Panel' in the Search box and selecting the application.
Change “View by” tab to “Small icons”
Once the Control Panel is open for Windows 10 and 11 users, ensure that the 'View by' box in the upper-right corner is set to 'Category' for easy navigation.
Find and open-up “Mail (Microsoft Outlook)(32-bit)”
In the Control Panel, navigate to the 'Mail Setup - Outlook' dialog box and choose 'Show Profiles > Add'.
Begin the creation of a new Outlook profile
In the Profile Name box, type the name you want for your new profile. This begins the process of creating an entirely new Outlook Profile.
Set up the email account, either through quick setup or manual setup
After you've chosen a name for your profile, proceed to the 'Auto Account Setup' page for the Add Account Wizard. Under the 'E-mail Account' section, fill in your Name, E-mail Address, and Password.
Input mail credentials and wait for Microsoft to establish connection
The Add Account Wizard will automatically search for your mail server settings. You will have to wait for a few moments as Microsoft establishes a connection with your mail server.
Complete profile creation process and set new profile as the always used profile
After successfully connecting to your mail server, choose 'Finish'. At this point, you will find the new profile name you added listed on the 'General' tab in the Mail dialog box. Under 'When starting Microsoft Outlook, use this profile', choose the new profile and then choose 'OK'. Henceforth, when launching Outlook, you will be using the profile you just created.
Running Outlook in Safe Mode
Initiating Outlook in Safe Mode is a beneficial troubleshooting method to determine if extensions or add-ins are the cause of the issue preventing the application from starting. Running Outlook in Safe Mode means the application will be launched with no active add-ins. If Outlook starts successfully in Safe Mode, it's likely that one of your add-ins is causing the problem.
Right-click the Windows button and open up Run box
To start this process, first right-click the Windows start button. Select 'Run' to open the Run dialog box. This is where you will input the command to start Outlook in Safe Mode.
Paste a specific command and hit Enter
In the Run box, type 'outlook.exe /safe' and hit Enter. This command will prompt the application to start in Safe Mode, disabling all active add-ins.
Open the Outlook client in Safe Mode and disable third-party add-ons
Once the command is entered, Outlook will prompt you to confirm if you want to start it in Safe Mode. Click 'Yes' to proceed. After Outlook opens, you can investigate the causing issue. Usually, if Outlook opens successfully in Safe Mode, it's most likely an add-on causing the issue. You should try disabling the add-ons one by one to identify which one is causing the problem. Once the problematic add-on is identified, keep it disabled or uninstall it to prevent future issues when starting Outlook.
Fixing Outlook Error with Repair Programs
If Outlook fails to start, it might be due to an error caused by an Office or Outlook extension or plug-in. This error can generally be resolved by using built-in repair programs or by disabling non-default elements of your software. Here's how to use repair programs and manage add-ins to mitigate these issues.
Open Run box and type in specific command
Firstly, open the Run dialog box by pressing 'Windows Key + R' together. After that, type 'control panel' and then hit 'Enter' to open the Control Panel application.
Identify “Microsoft Office” and change settings
In the Control Panel, search for "Programs and Features". Within this list, find and select the "Microsoft Office" program.
Use the “Quick Repair” option in Office Setup
Choose the "Change" option after clicking on Microsoft Office. The Office setup window will appear, offering you a "Quick Repair" option. Choose it and wait for the repair process to complete. The Quick Repair tool resolves most of the issues associated with the application.
If issue persists, run the “Online Repair” program
If the Quick Repair tool doesn't resolve the issue, return to the Office Setup window and choose "Online Repair". This tool performs a more comprehensive repair.
Boot up Outlook in Safe Mode
If all the above steps fail to resolve the issue, initiate Outlook in Safe Mode by holding the 'Ctrl' key and clicking the Outlook icon. A window will appear confirming whether you wish to start Outlook in Safe Mode. Click 'Yes'.
Go to Options and switch to the “Add-ins” tab
By opening Outlook in Safe Mode, you disable non-default software elements. If Outlook successfully opens in Safe Mode, it indicates that an extension or plug-in is likely causing the problem. Go to the 'File' menu, choose 'Options' and switch to the 'Add-ins' tab to manage your add-ins.
Disable all the COM Add-ins and then test the Outlook app
On the Add-ins page, disable all the COM Add-ins by unticking the checkboxes, then restart Outlook to determine whether it can now open normally. If Outlook opens correctly, you can then start enabling the COM Add-ins one by one until you identify the one causing the issue.
