Outlook 2016 issue

Good day!

Thanks for reaching out. I understand that Outlook 2016 suddenly shut down, closing all open emails, and you're unable to find the startup option to restore them. You're wondering if this is a version issue.

To better understand the problem, could you please provide a bit more detail:

1. Did Outlook 2016 crash, or did it close normally?
2. Are you seeing any error messages when you try to reopen Outlook?
3. Have you recently made any updates or changes to your system or Outlook settings?

It's possible that the issue is due to:

• A sudden crash or corruption: Outlook might have encountered an unexpected error, causing it to shut down abruptly.
• Conflicting add-ins or plugins: A recently installed add-in or plugin might be interfering with Outlook's functionality.
• Exchange connectivity issues: Problems with your Exchange server connection could cause Outlook to shut down or lose emails.
• Version compatibility problems: If you're using an outdated version of Outlook 2016, it might be causing compatibility issues.Here are some steps you can try to resolve this:

Restart Outlook in Safe Mode

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type outlook.exe /safe and press Enter.
• This will start Outlook without any add-ins, which can help identify if an add-in is causing the issue.

You can also use the /restore Switch

You can configure Outlook to restore previously opened items by using the /restore switch. Here’s how:

Create a Shortcut:

• Right-click on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
• In the location field, enter the path to Outlook followed by /restore. For example:"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE" /restore
• Click Next, name the shortcut, and click Finish.

Use the Shortcut:

• Use this shortcut to open Outlook. It should restore all previously open items.

Repair Outlook Data Files If the issue persists, you might need to repair your Outlook data files using the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe):

Locate the Inbox Repair Tool:

• The tool is usually found in the Outlook installation directory. For example:C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\SCANPST.EXE

Run the Tool:

• Open Scanpst.exe and follow the prompts to repair your Outlook data files.

Regarding the startup option, you can try the following:

Check Outlook Settings

Ensure that Outlook is set to start in the same state it was in when it was last closed:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to File > Options > General
3. Scroll down to the Start up section.
4. Ensure that the option to Always reopen previous items is selected.

For more detailed instructions, you can refer to the following Microsoft support articles:

• Restore Previously-Opened Emails after Shutting Down Outlook
• Fix your Outlook email connection by repairing your profile

Note*: Please understand that our initial reply may not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.*

If the issue persists after following these steps, it might be worth considering reinstalling Outlook or I strongly recommend you open a service request with our Technical Support Team- Get support - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn. Their technical experts have access to advanced tools and resources, enabling them to thoroughly investigate the issue, collect logs, and perform a remote session to configure your setup. This approach will provide the most effective solution. Rest assured, I'll closely monitor the progress and follow up to ensure a permanent resolution once you've opened the service request.

Thank you for understanding. Do enjoy your day.

Sincerely,

Eleni