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Unable to open classic Outlook

John Pearson 0 Reputation points
2026-02-15T16:11:30.73+00:00

I get an error message saying it can't open the folders. I am forced to use new outlook.

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. Gérard Oomens 119.8K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-02-15T17:42:09.96+00:00
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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-02-15T16:11:43.0533333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    If you are unable to open classic Outlook and receive an error message about not being able to open the folders, it may be due to several reasons. Here are some potential solutions:

    1. Check for Compatibility Issues: Ensure that Outlook is not running in compatibility mode for a different operating system, as this can prevent it from opening correctly.
    2. Repair Outlook: You can try repairing your Microsoft 365 programs. This can often resolve issues related to corrupted files or settings.
    3. Delete Temporary Folders: If you have already tried an online repair and a clean install, consider deleting specific folders related to Outlook. Close all Microsoft applications, then navigate to the following paths and delete the folders:
      • C:\Users\(User Name)\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Olk
      • C:\Users\(User Name)\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneAuth After deleting these folders, restart your computer and try opening Outlook again.
    4. Check for Updates: Make sure that you have installed the latest updates for Outlook, as updates can fix bugs and improve performance.
    5. Profile Issues: If no profiles have been created, you may need to create a new Outlook profile. Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > Add.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be beneficial to reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.


    References:

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