What is meant by the Error ‘Outlook has run into an error’?

Well, the error message “Outlook has run into an error” is a standard clich? error message delivery by the email management program Microsoft Outlook when there is an error that the program cannot fix by itself upon detection of an error. Such an issue could be concerned with different internal factors like:

Corrupt Outlook data files (.pst or .ost)
Outlook plugins/Add-ins problems
Antivirus or firewall interference
A corrupted or previously installed, but unupdated Outlook version
Improper settings of the application or account in use

No matter what the cause at the core of the issue is, it explains why the client may not launch and perform normally.

Primary Factors that Cause this Error

Below are the most prevalent reasons that explain why you might encounter this error message:

File Corruption: Profile and Data Files. Outlook has profile and data files that help in keeping different details, such as emails, calendars, configuration and so on. Corruption of such files can imply that users will not be able to launch Outlook successfully.

Add-Ins: Third-party add-ins are capable of enhancing the functionality of Outlook, but they can also hinder the normal operation of the program after updating the program or changing program settings.

Antivirus Issues: Certain antivirus applications have been known to respond poorly with Outlook resulting in crashes or preventing the program from opening entirely.

The Issue of Using Old Versions of Outlook or the Office Suite: If you are operating an old copy of Outlook or any of its Office family siblings, the chances that Outlook will function will be minimized due to issues of Compatibility.

User Credentials and Connection Considerations: In addition to that, the configuration settings of your email account (for example the server settings and logging in details) and a failure to connect to the email server can also cause difficulties in using Outlook.

How to repair the message ‘Outlook has run into an error’

1. Start Outlook in Safe Mode

Safe mode is known to be one of the best way to fix most of the Outlook errors. Safe Mode in this case works because it turns off the various add-ins and customizations enabling you to check if the source of the problem is caused by an add-on or an extension.

To Launch Outlook in Safe Mode:

Hold the Windows key and the R key together to activate the Run window.
Type outlook.exe /safe then press Enter.
In the absence of any errors when Outlook will only turn on in Safe Mode, then it can be deduced that the cause of the problem lies somewhere in the related add-ons and or customizations of the program. To achieve that, go to File > Options > Add-ins and Turn off all the add-ins, one by one, until you find the one causing the problem.

2. Fix Outlook Data Files

Outlook uses .pst or .ost format for all its data in so and over time these data files are bound to face corruption. Repairing these files eliminates various problems.

Hence in order to carry out repairing of your data file please do the following:

• Shut down Outlook.
• Go to the Control
• Panel and then click on Mail.
• Choose Data Files.
• Choose your account and click on Open File Location.
• In that location, search for your .pst file or .ost.
• Then using the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe), repair that file.

3. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

At times due to blockage caused by the antivirus software or firewall, Outlook will not be able to connect to the mail server and therefore errors may be experienced. Attempt to turn off your antivirus and or firewall if you suspect that Outlook may be working correctly. After which if it does you will need to configure your antivirus in such a way that it allows Outlook to connect.

Important Notice: Don’t forget to activate your antivirus and firewall protection again after completing the troubleshooting procedure.

4. Set Up a New Outlook Profile

In the event that your current Outlook profile is corrupt, then creating an entirely new Outlook profile might solve the problem. This will erase all your preferences, however, you can always add your email accounts back and retrieve any saved information.

To create a profile:

Access Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.

Click Add and carry on with the steps to create a new profile.
After the new profile is created, make it the default profile.

5. Updating Outlook and Office

An older version of software may cause conflict. Always ensure you are running up to date versions of both Outlook and the complete Office package.

How to use the update Outlook feature:

Launch any Office application (be it Word, Excel or any other).
Navigate to the File menu then to Account.
Then, under Update Options found below Product Information, click Update Now.

6. Repair Office Installation

If none of the previously mentioned solutions works, the next step would be to try and repair the Office installation. This helps in repairing the corruption or absence of files within the Outlook application itself.

In case you wish to Repair Office:

• Minimize all the opened windows.
• Find and Click on Control Panel window.
• Select Programs > Programs and Features.
• Right-click at Microsoft Office and click on Change option.
• Pick Quick Repair or Online Repair. The later is more effective, but takes more time to repair the office.