If your Outlook Crashes or freezes when selecting a Specific Folder, do not panic, you are not the only one who is facing this issue. Many users have asked multiple queries on this issue. And that’s why, as an IT specialist, I’m here to guide you with proper solutions to fix this issue.
The most common solution to fix this issue is restarting your system. However, even after a successful restart, if you still face this issue, then you must follow expert solutions. I will provide you with a few tested methods that I personally recommend to fix Microsoft Outlook crashes when selecting a folder. But, before that, let’s understand why users are facing this issue.
Why does outlook keep crashing when selecting folder? Reasons
There are multiple reasons behind why does outlook keep crashing when selecting folder issue. Here we are mentioning some of them:
- Damaged PST or OST file
- Broken folder view settings
- Faulty Outlook add-ins
- Corrupt email item inside folder
- Old Outlook version
- Antivirus conflict
- Large mailbox size
- Damaged Outlook profile
How to fix Microsoft Outlook crashes when selecting a folder?
You can find numerous solutions on the internet, but they are useless. Go through these professionals' recommended solutions to solve why does outlook keep crashing when selecting folder issue.
Method 1: Open Outlook in Safe Mode
Safe Mode offers better security and extra add-ins to your Outlook so that it allows you to send or receive emails flawlessly. Here are the steps to open Outlook in safe mode:
Step 1: Press Windows + R together.
Step 2: Type `outlook.exe /safe` and press Enter.
Now, check if Outlook works fine, then an add-in may cause the issue.
Method 2: Disable Faulty Add-ins
Unnecessary or multiple add-ins often cause random freeze or crash issues in Outlook. Try to remove unwanted add-ins one by one and fix this issue. Steps to do so are:
Step 1: Open Outlook, click File > Options > Add-ins.
Step 2: Select COM Add-ins and click Go.
Step 3: Check unwanted add-ins and remove them.
Step 4: Now Restart your Outlook.
Method 3: Reset Folder View
If your Outlook crashes while clicking on a specific folder, the folder view may be damaged. Reset folder view in your Outlook and fix Outlook freezes when moving email to folder.
- Outlook XP, Outlook 2002 and older versions: View > Current View > Customize Current View > Reset Current View
- Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007: View > Arrange By > Custom > Reset Current View
- Outlook 2010 to Outlook 2013: View > Reset View
- Outlook 2016 onwards: View > Current View > Reset View
This method works well to fix Outlook Crashes or freezing when selecting a specific folder. If you still face this issue, then move towards the next method.
Method 4: Repair Outlook Data File
A damaged PST file can also crash Outlook while opening folders, sending mail, or moving emails. Locate SCANPST and run it in your system to fix minor corruptions in your PST file.
Step 1: Close Outlook on your system.
Step 2: Download and run the `SCANPST.EXE`.
Step 3: Browse and select your PST file.
Step 4: Start repairing your PST file.
Now import your repaired PST file into your Outlook.
Method 5: Create New Outlook Profile
If you are still facing this issue, then there might be a problem with your Outlook profile. A broken, damaged, or corrupted Outlook profile shows multiple errors or issues. Try to create a new Outlook profile to resolve this issue.
Method 6: Update Microsoft Outlook
Maybe your old Outlook application contains some bugs and that’s why it doesn’t allow you to select your folder. For this, Microsoft regularly releases new updates to fix issues. Follow these steps to update your Outlook profile:
Step 1: Start Outlook.
Step 2: Click on File > Office Account.
Step 3: Update Options > Update Now.
What to do if manual methods fail?
If there are minor damages, corruption, and other issues with your PST file, then the above-mentioned methods are good for you. But if your PST file is severely corrupted, then use an advanced Outlook PST file repair tool to fix all the issues from your PST file. It will also help you resolve Outlook crashes or freezing when selecting a specific folder error occurs due to corrupt files. With its enterprise-grade features, you can easily repair and save all your PST data in a new, healthy PST file.
Why choose professional tool over manual methods?
Here are the reasons why professional tools are preferred over manual methods for fixing Outlook issues:
- Repair severely damaged PST files with ease.
- Recover deleted mailbox data and highlight them in red color.
- Keep email formatting safe and intact with metadata.
- Preview email with its attachments before saving them.
- Split large-sized PSTs into multiple smaller files.
- Offers a free trial version to save 25 items per folder for free.
Final Words
I hope you find this blog helpful in understanding how to fix Microsoft Outlook keeps crashing when selecting folder error. Follow the methods step-by-step to get satisfactory results. However, if the issue is because of corruption, make sure to use ScanPST (for minor corruption) or the recommended Kernel for Outlook PST repair tool (for severe corruption).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does Outlook crashing when selecting a folder?
A: Outlook may crash due to PST corruption, broken folder view, faulty add-ins, or a damaged Outlook profile.
Q: How do I fix Outlook freezes when opening a folder?
A: Start Outlook in Safe Mode, disable add-ins, reset folder view, and update Outlook to the latest version.
Q: Can a corrupt PST file cause Outlook crashes?
A: Yes, a damaged PST file can cause crashes, freeze issues, and trouble while opening folders or sending emails.
Q: What if manual methods do not fix Outlook crash issues?
A: If manual fixes fail, use a trusted PST repair tool to repair mailbox data and restore Outlook stability.
