Fix Microsoft Outlook problems like freezing, corrupt PST, Profile

Some of the most common problems with Microsoft Outlook include startup issues, freezing, slow response, corrupt PST or Profile, and Add-in problems.

Fix Outlook problems and issues

In this post, we will suggest a few tips that would help you in resolving Microsoft Outlook issues on your windows computer.

Disable Outlook add-ins via Add-in Manager

If you can open Outlook, then we can disable it from there.

Outlook 2003: Go to Tools > Options > Advanced > Add-in Manager
Outlook 2007: Tools > Trust Center > Add-ins
Outlook 2010/2013/2016/2019: File > Options > Add-ins. There you’ll find COM Add-ins select that option and uncheck all non-Microsoft related add-ins you would also select the Exchange add-ins and disable them from there as well. Then close Outlook.

Sometimes Outlook won’t close – it will continue to run in Task Manager. So, we have to open Task Manager, go to the Process tab, look for Outlook.exe, and kill the process. Then re-open Outlook and see if the problem is still there.

Disable Outlook add-ins using Office Ins

Disable Outlook add-ins via Registry

Go to Start and type in Regedit. Then let’s make a backup of the Registry.

Click “Computer” then Go to File > Export > type the File name as Registry back and click on Save. Then go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\Outlook\add-ins (32- Bit System)

The add-ins are in the Add-ins key. To remove an add-in, highlight it and Right Click on it to Delete it.

It’s easy to temporarily disable the Right-side Pane in Outlook. To disable the Right-side Pane in Outlook, double-click on the “Load Behavior” value in the Registry and change the Value data from “3” to “0.” Close the Registry and open Outlook to test it.

Sometimes a corrupt PST file or profile can cause Outlook to crash. If Outlook has crashed due to an improper shutdown, it may be due to the size of the PST. A new PST may improve Outlook’s performance.

Corrupt PST file in Outlook

Microsoft Outlook has an inbuilt Tool called “SCANPST.exe.” Using that program, you can scan and repair issues with PST.

Use the Browser button to select the PST you want to repair. Select Start to begin the process. It might take some time to complete, so don’t disturb it. Learn more about how to repair corrupt Outlook PST files with Inbox Repair Tool or Microsoft Fix It. Stellar PST Viewer will let you scan and view the contents of damaged or corrupted Outlook data files (.pst) files.

Corrupt Profile in Outlook

Most of the time, a corrupt Outlook Profile can cause errors when trying to open Outlook or when sending/receiving messages. To test if this is the case, you can try creating a new Outlook Profile.

To create a new Profile, go to Start > Control Panel > Mail.
Then Select Show Profiles.

Select Add and Type a new name for the profile. Set up the e-mail account and click Finish. Under “Always use this profile,” select a new profile name and click OK. Open Outlook and test it.

If that works, then you need to move your old PST that has all the E-mails to a new Outlook Profile. Go to Control Panel > Mail > E-mail Account, and Select the Data tab.

Troubleshoot Outlook issues using Command switches

A few of the several command switches for different types of troubleshooting are very popular. The following would be helpful.

Start > Run > Outlook /<Switch> (Without <>)

Outlook /Safe – To open Outlook in Safe mode
Outlook /Resetnavpane – This will reset Navigation Pane is Outlook. It will resolve common issues like “Cannot start Outlook…” etc.
Outlook /reset folders – Restores missing folders for the default delivery location.
Outlook /clean reminders – If Outlook freezes while opening due to Alarms using this switch will fix it.

Shari Torres

Hello, My name is Shari & I am a writer for the ‘Outlook AppIns’ blog. I’m a CSIT graduate & I’ve been working in the IT industry for 3 years.

Fix Microsoft Outlook problems like freezing, corrupt PST, Profile, Add-in, etc.