Outlook 2003 (SP2) crash on startup

Hi war1,

i tried everything you mentioned before... and the problem still persist. I really think the problem come from symantec antivirus addin. Even if i switch the e-mail auto-protect to off, the outlook seems to be corrupted and there is no way to get access to the outlook's options... (i also tried with a complete uninstalled of the av).
So... should i re-create a new windows user profile and hope that it will not crash again!?! hmmm...

any idea?!?! big thks!

I emery800,

yes, outlook works on safe mode. And yes... office update have been done! :/
I would like to tell to users that they could use outlook only in safe mode... but it's not really professional!! :)

If Outlook works in safe mode, then an addin is likely interfering.  In normal mode while Outlook is closed, do a search for and rename extend.dat.  This will disable all the addins.

Extend.dat is located in C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook folder. It is a hidden file, so you have to unhide hidden files. Go to any folder and select Tools > Folders Options > View. Check "Show hidden files and folders". Click OK.

Hi war1...

I tested that too! sorry...

Then you need to disable or uninstall Symantec AV, and test if Outlook will open.

As I advised earlier I think Norton is the root cause and once you proof this you can add an exception for Norton to allow outlook\addins, you just need to determine what exception to allow. Thank you

Hi emery800,

is there a way to desactivate outlook/addins without running outlook.. cause has you know, outlook crashes instantaneously on startup, and of course no addins are checked in safe mode?!?!

thks again

Mart.

If you come up in safemode then disable the addins then restart in regular mode won't that work?

Not sure if you know it is under tools, options, other, advance options, add-in Manager and then disable them. Dave

reboitech,

To disable Outlook Addins, do a search for and rename extend.dat file. Extend.dat is located in C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook folder. It is a hidden file, so you have to unhide hidden files. Go to any folder and select Tools > Folders Options > View. Check "Show hidden files and folders". Click OK.

War1, I just reread the thread and noticed that you also identified a way of disabling the add-ins by renaming  extend.dat and that could be renamed to extend.old orsomething else. I do not want to step on any toes. Thank you, :>) Dave

emery800,

Thanks for reading the thread.  When Outlook is crashing, you cannot get to the Addins Manager to disable addins.  So deleting or renaming extend.dat file is the only way.

look,

i think i'm going to re-create the windows user profile. On the same way, re-create the outlook profile and then disactivate the symantec addin. But i have to speak to my superiors before. I'll give you feedback soon!

thks again!

You will not do any damage by renaming the file, you always can rename it back, however, it is your call. It is faster to just try that IMHO. :>)

i know, but I tried it too... and it not fixed the problem.

If you open outlook in safemode then will it open once in regular mode for you to access the add-ins? If so then you can take the checkmarks out.
I also found this from another thread, I have not tried it:
Close Outlook

Go to Start, Run, and type:    regedit          hit ok.

Then, navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\Outlook\Addins

(MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR OFFICE CD!!!!!!!!!!)

Then rename the "Addins" key to something else, like "OldAddins".

Then, navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Exchange\Client\Extensions

Then rename the "Extensions" key to something else, like "OldExtensions"

Then, search for extend.dat once more and delete it.

Then open Outlook.  It may ask you for the Office cd.  If so, put it in and it should do what it needs to.  Then see if the issue is still present.
It is an interesting problem! I still think it is a problem with Norton (LDVP file?) Dave

If you recreate a new profile then immediately go into ooutlook add-ins and disable the LDVP file and then test this as a beta to see if problem occurs?

This is quite interesting and you should be careful, however, if you look at the various switches then one may allow you to gain access to the add-ins.
http://www.outlook-tips.net/howto/commandlines.htm

Hi there,
I don't forget you. Currently, i have no time to fix that problem. I think i found a solution, but will fix it in a few weeks. I will give you feedback soon!

Mart.

It is only our intent to try and help you, your in the drivers seat! :>) Dave

Hi Experts,

finally, I recreate the windows user profile to fixe the problem. I also desactivate the symantec anti-virus addin too. After a lot of tests, it's the only solution i have found to fix that problem!

Thanks for your help! I will split the points for helping me.

Big thks!