How to Open and Run Microsoft Outlook in Safe Mode?

Have you ever thought "Why Outlook experts (MVP, MCP etc.) always suggest to run or open Microsoft Outlook in safe mode?"

Errors in Microsoft Outlook are common because it's a technology and every technology has their drawbacks. Similarly, MS-Outlook deals with number of numeric and non numeric errors. Some of them can be fixed manually, but to resolve the highly annoying error, users have to take the help of third party utility.

Errors in Microsoft Outlook are common because it's a technology and every technology has their drawbacks. Similarly, MS-Outlook deals with number of numeric and non numeric errors. Some of them can be fixed manually, but to resolve the highly annoying error, users have to take the help of third party utility.

  • Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook
  • Cannot Open the Outlook Windows Error
  • Outlook failed to start correctly last line
  • Outlook Not Responding

It's not compulsory that each time Outlook creates disturbance or pop-up any kind of trouble while executing. But, I have come across some threads or discussions where people typically encountered sudden freezing and hanging issues with well working Microsoft Outlook.

Now, How Outlook provides users an error free interface and solves these glitches? Or is there any solution to fix every error solely in Microsoft Outlook?

Safe mode is not more than a mode or medium to open any application in a more secure manner by executing necessary files of an application. This mode is used to open any application when it becomes inaccessible and causes issues. Likewise in Microsoft Outlook, a user can open his/her Microsoft Outlook by deploying its basic files rather than entire files.

What is Safe Mode in MS-Outlook?

Running Outlook safe mode does the same thing as mentioned above. It starts the MS-Outlook program without extensions, add-ins, registry and all customizable files. Third party plug-ins or add-ins are one of the noted causes of disturbance in Outlook and via opening Outlook in safe mode, we can remove these plug-ins and keep Outlook save from further issues.

In short, this methodology works as first aid otherwise a user should always switch to repair (Scanpst.exe or Inbox Repair Utility).

How to Open Outlook in Safe Mode?

To run Outlook in safe mode, there is need to have a bit awareness about command prompt (Run command) through so a user can open Microsoft Outlook.

The command to open outlook in safe mode is: "outlook.exe /safe"

Steps to open Outlook safe mode are different for various versions of the operating system:

  • For Windows XP: Press "CTLR+R" and in the "Run" box, type "outlook.exe /safe" command.
  • For Windows 7 or Vista: Type the "outlook.exe /safe" in the search box and click on"Ok".
  • For Windows 8: Type "outlook.exe /safe" in the start screen and press enter.

As I said, that Outlook safe mode works as first aid, but it can not tidy up the bugs and errors which seems sustainable in Microsoft Outlook. You can only fix some issues like freezing, hanging, etc. by disabling third party plugins.

But, what if when even safe mode will not help to resolve errors (like numeric ones and corruption issues of PST Files)?

Don't worry Microsoft Outlook offers some manual techniques and inbuilt utility like scanpst.exe (Inbox Repair Tool) to diagnose and rectify such errors in Outlook.

Alternative Solutions to Outlook Safe Mode

  • Disabling Antivirus/Firewall
  • Assigning Correct Outlook Settings (profile and serve information)
  • Using Scanpst.exe or Inbox Repair Utility
  • Outlook Recovery Solution