Outlook safemode command line switch

26 November 2004 by Snakefoot | Comment » | Trackback Off
When Outlook fails to start because it crashes or stops/freezes at the splash screen, then one can try to run it in safemode where the following is disabled:
  • Extensions/Addons
  • Preview pane
  • Toolbar customization
To start in safemode use the following command line switch:

Outlook.exe /safe

More info MS KB Q182112
More info MS KB Q197180
More info MS KB Q296192

Note if Outlook has a slow startup or performs slowly (but can start), then one can try to activate the builtin repair tool. It can be found under Tools and Detect & Repair. Also consider to check if having installed Outlook addins that are causing problems (Antivirus addins can also malfunction). If loading local mail archives that are broken can also cause bad performance. More Info MS KB Q291957

Note if the safemode option solves the problem with actually starting Outlook, then renaming the following files should enable starting Outlook without safemode (Search the computer for the files):
  • Views.dat (Stores views associated with the Integrated File Management component)

    Outlook.exe /CleanViews

  • Outcmd.dat (Stores menu style settings)
  • Extend.dat (Cache for extension registry entries - More info MS KB Q286408)
  • Frmcache.dat (Cache for default and custom forms - More info MS KB Q290806)
  • Usrclass.dat
More info MS KB Q195754
More info MS KB Q232314
More info MS KB Q241817
More info MS KB Q249767
More info MS KB Q305928
More info MS KB Q320835
More info MS KB Q839804

Credits OneComputerGuy.com

Updated: 23 November 2009

Leave a comment


NB! Use the Forum for computer help and off-topic questions.

You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>