Outlook hangs on insert file

[Alan]

We have been using Outlook 2003 for years with no problems in a stand-alone
mode (no Exchange Server, no network). Suddenly, when we try to attach
files, the program hangs and freezes. We are able to get to the directories
and select files but they will not attach. We tried to unistall and
reinstall Outlook using the Control Panel Add/Remove Program feature but this
did not solve the problem. When we restarted Outlook, it found our data
files and remained fully updated leaving me to believe the files were not
really removed fully. We have Windows Clean-Up Utility but this looks like
it will remove the entire Office suite rather than allowing us to more fully
remove Outlook only. Questions: Any ideas why we are suddenly hanging on
File-Insert? If unistalling and reinstalling is the answer, how do we more
fully remove Outlook?

 

[Roady [MVP]]

Reinstalling does not remove any configuration settings.
Does it work correctly in Outlook Safe Mode?
Start-> Run; outlook.exe /safe

If so, the issue is caused by an add-in that you have installed. Most likely
your virus scanner.
See http://www.msoutlook.info/question/20

Another possible cause is an unavailable mapped network drive or another
storage location that is currently unavailable.
See http://www.msoutlook.info/question/55

 

[DL]

The Clean Up Utility merely removes the installation/setup entries it has
nothing to do with uninstalling Office or any of its components.
Uninstalling/reinstalling Outlook does nothing to the origonal Outlook
Profile and its settings

 

[Alan]

Update: We have no mapped network drives so that is not the issue. The
problem is happening sporadically. We are able to attach sometimes using
Insert --> File. Other times we are not. We can drag files into emails but
occasionally this causes crash. The problem appears to be totally
unpredictable. All Updates are up to date. Any other recommendations?

 

[Roady [MVP]]

Yes, I gave a few other recommendations in my original reply as well. Tried
those already? What were the results?
Cleared your Internet History already as well?