Error message that OLMAPI32.dll is missing.

Question

When I try to uninstall either Outlook 2007 or the Beta version of Outlook 2010, and then try to reinstall Outlook 2003, I get an error message saying that OLMAPI.dll is missing from the path.  When I try to download any of the fixes for 2007 I get an error message saying that I do not have the correct version.  When I try to reinstall 2010 I still get the error message that OLMAPI32.dll is missing from the path.  How do I get OLMAPI32.dll and why do I need it for Outlook 2003?

Answer 1

Two versions of Outlook cannot coexist on the same computer.

Try the following steps to resolve the issue:

1.      Open the Run window (press Windows + R) then copy and paste the path given below and press Enter

2.      C:\Program Files

3.      Right click on the folder Microsoft Office and select Rename. Rename it to Microsoft Office.old

4.      Ensure no version of Microsoft Office is installed on the computer

A          If you find any version of Office listed in the Programs and Features list, repair the existing installation using the disc or the downloaded setup file.

B          Once the repair is complete uninstall Microsoft Office.

5.       Try to install Microsoft Office 2003

Answer 2

I am having the problem after simply having reinstalled Office 2010 Professional.  My system was damaged, so I had to replace the hard drive and reinstall all the programs.  I am getting incessant error messages from Outlook about various messages -- designating them by number, when there are no visible numbers assigned anywhere that I'm aware of.  I read somewhere that scanpst.exe might help fix that, but it won;t run because I'm supposedly missing this OLMAPI32.dll file, even though it shows up when I search for it.

Do I understand from the above answer that the entire Office package is to be renamed ".old", (presumably to keep it out of the way while an uninstall/reinstall is attempted) and if so, do I find means in that process of keeping all my settings, personal templates, etc.?