Fatal Error on Startup

[PW]

I am using Outlook 2003 with Vista Home Edition. I've been using it for a
long time, but all of the sudden when I try to open the program, I get an
error message right away stating "Outlook has stopped working" and "this
program will close." I am never able to access anything.

What could have caused this and how can I fix it?

 

[K. Orland]

There could be several issues. One thing I would check is the integrity of
your PST file, there could be corruption. With Outlook closed, you'll want to
find scanpst.exe located on your computer (do a simple folder/file search but
make sure you are searching hidden files/folders). When it's located,
double-click it and follow the instructions. It will ask you to browse to
your existing PST file so you need to know the location. Let it run the scan
and perform any repairs it needs to, when it's finished, let it run again.
If it finds errors again, repeat the steps until no errors are found. Then
try opening Outlook again.
If you've brought this PST from an earlier version of Outlook, it could have
reached its size limit. Outlook 2002 and earlier have a maximum size limit of
2 GB. Outlook 2003 and newer has a much larger PST size limit. Knowing what
version of Oultook your PST was created in would be helpful.
It's also quite possible that your profile is corrupted but you would want
to exhaust all other issues first. Please post back with your findings.

 

[PW]

Thank you for the tips.

I ran the Scanpst.exe against my PST files. Errors were detected and
repaired (or, at least now no errors are detected). However, the problem
still remains when I atempt to open Outlook - as soon as it opens it stops
working and needs to close.

I am using Outlook 2003 and to the best of my knowlegde, the PST file was
created under 2003 (I did not import a PST file).

What do you mean when you say "Profile is corrupted" and how can I fix this?

Thank you.

 

[K. Orland]

It's possible your Outlook profile corrupted. You can delete it and recreate
it easily:

http://www.howto-outlook.com/faq/newprofile.htm

 

[PW]

Thanks. I have setup a new profile and Outlook seems to be working normally
again.

Is there any way to import my old data? I'm not worried about emails, as
they are on the servers, but can I obtain my calander, tasks, and contacts?

Very much appreciated!

 

[Brian Tillman [MVP - Outlook]]

Is there any way to import my old data? I'm not worried about emails, as
they are on the servers, but can I obtain my calander, tasks, and contacts?

Use the Mail applet in Control Panel to add your old PST to the new profile
and make it your delivery location.

 

[PW]

This did not seem to bring back my calander, tasks, and contacts. Perhaps I
am doing something incorrect?

I have all my emails. I use Gmail (IMAP) and Live Email (Outlook Connector).

Thanks.

 

[Brian Tillman [MVP - Outlook]]

This did not seem to bring back my calander, tasks, and contacts. Perhaps I
am doing something incorrect?

That's impossible to say until you tell us exactly what you did. If you
correctly added your original default PST to your current mail profile, you
would see that data.

I have all my emails. I use Gmail (IMAP) and Live Email (Outlook
Connector).

Neither of the PSTs associated with these accounts are likely to be the PST
containing your calendar and contacts.