MS Outlook continues running as a process when terminated

[Nick Cunio]

I have a similar problem to one posted 22/7/08 solved by Alias but mine
still happens.
MS Outlook continues running as a process when terminated as shown by Task
Manager; it disappears from the Applications tab but remains under the
Processes tab.
If Outlook is reloaded, two copies appear under Processes (albeit the second
with only small memory usage) but nothing under Applications.

If the two copies are killed (End Process in Task Manager) and Outlook is
then reloaded again, I'm informed that Outlook failed to load properly and
do I want it loading in Safe Mode now. Outlook loads successfully in either
mode, but still leaves a copy of itself behind under Processes when
terminated.

This is all running under Windows XP Pro SP2 and Office SP3. I have norton
360 but this problem didn't happen just after this.
Have moved the pst file to other computers and exported it but doesn't
occurr there so appears related to Office 2003 on this computer. Similar non
terminating occurrs with winword that has multiple cppies running as
precesses but function is not affected.
Did what was suggested and removed Addins from
"Tools/Options/Other/Advanced Options/Com Add-ins or Service
Options?" (including "Itunes Helper") no help. Rebooted twice.
When I reboot or terminate the extra outlook processes outlook opens. If I
try to open outlook a third time without doing above it fails and anothing
process starts.
Don't use the animated helper? Do not have Junk Mail and Deleted Items empty
automatically.
Do have autobackup but present for 12 months no issue.
Please help re something else causing non closure.
? remove ittunes ?
Nick

 

[Rahul Goswami]

Hi,
There are mainly four steps that we can try

1)Disable Add in
In Outlook 2003 and earlier, add-ins are found on the Tools, Options, Other
tab.

Click the Advanced Options button.
Click COM Add-ins button and uncheck add-ins to disable.
While most add-ins are listed under COM add-ins, some may be in Add-in
manager.
Return to Outlook.
In Outlook 2007, you need to go to Tools, Trust Center, Add-ins.

Select COM Add-ins from the dropdown at the bottom of the dialog
Press Go.
Uncheck the add-ins you suspect might be keeping Outlook open
Close the dialog.

Other Causes ♦ Setting Outlook's "Empty deleted items when closing" option
can also cause it. Disable it on the Tools, Options, Other tab.

♦ In sites where both Outlook 2000 and 2003 are in use, Outlook 2000 may not
close properly due to conflicts between Outlook 2000 and 2003. This occurs
when Outlook 2000 is used to open your mailbox after accessing it using
Outlook 2003 or if another user viewed your shared Calendar with Outlook
2003. You can try opening Outlook 2000 using the /cleanfreebusy switch, but
if that fails to correct the problem, you'll need to call Microsoft for the
hotfix in Outlook 2000 Post-Service Pack 3 Hotfix Package: January 13, 2004.

♦ In addition, a corrupt *.SRS (send and receive profile file) appears to
keep Outlook 2003 open. Find and rename the SRS for the profile. It's a
hidden file found at C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application
Data\Microsoft\Outlook. Use Windows Search to find the files (enable the
advanced options to search all hidden files and folders) or paste this line
into the Windows Explorer Address bar:

%USERPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook


2)Download Tools
Close Outlook Close Outlook is a small utility that closes Outlook so
you can back up the PST file. Just use the Windows Task Scheduler to run it
before your automated backup starts. Free.

KnockOut Free system tray application to monitor the state of Outlook
(and Word) on your machine. Shows you when Outlook is running, even if you
can't see any Outlook windows. Allows you to shut down Outlook or Word. Can
turn off the "new mail" envelope icon. Very useful for developers.

Outlook Shutdown Addin Outlook Shutdown Addin is a COM add-in which
enables Outlook to shutdown completely when a user exits from the
application, eliminating the need to open Task Manager to end OUTLOOK.EXE

 

[Alistair F]

I have the same problem with Outlook 2003 so I'm trying your suggestions.
However, I find the same beHaviour with other Office 2003 applications. Do
you know if the remedy is likely to be the same?

Cheers