Even being one of the primary email service providers, many users still come across different error messages in Outlook. One of them is “Microsoft Outlook has encountered a problem and needs to close”. When someone encounters this error, they cannot open and access their emails, contacts, and other Outlook data until this error is resolved. This makes it hard for user to keep on doing their work.
But what causes this error or why is this an issue that we need to address? There can be many reasons why Outlook crashes frequently. Some of these issues may be directly related to the Outlook application itself, while there may be a few that might be related to system configuration or another application. To delve into the depths of this question, we need to read on.
Causes of Microsoft Outlook has encountered a problem and needs to close error
Few of the most common causes of Microsoft Outlook has encountered a problem and needs to close error are as follows:
- Virus or Malware Attack: Yes, a virus or malware attack can harm not only your operating system but various applications and their functioning as well. Such malware can enter your system through emails. So, if your Outlook is crashing too often, it may be due to a malware or virus attack.
- Corrupted PST File Header: A PST file can get corrupted due to hardware or software related issues. As a result, it can hamper the smooth functioning of Outlook application and even lead to abrupt shut down of the application.
- Third-party Add-ins: Outlook Add-ins can lead to issues if the add-ins are not from trusted vendors or if they are incompatible with the Outlook version installed on your machine. Usually, third-party add-ins are the reason behind Outlook application crash related issues.
- Corrupted Outlook Binaries: Manually editing, renaming, or deleting any application-related dll or binary files can often cause a wide range of issues. Make sure not to modify any such libraries or system files without complete knowledge of the outcome of such actions.
- System Resource Allocation Issues: There may be chances that another application is using your Outlook application, and hence you are not able to access it. Further, the lack of system resources such as CPU, memory, storage, and virtual space can also lead to Outlook crash. Another possibility is that Outlook starts consuming more than the normal number of resources due to any malfunction. And when the system resources run out, it starts crashing.
- Corrupt Email Attachments: If Outlook crashes sometimes occur only when you try to open a particular email attachment, the issue may be due to corrupt file attachment. On the other hand, If the issue occurs with multiple email attachments or a particular file type as an attachment, you may need to troubleshoot it differently as the file may not be corrupt.
- Oversized PST File: Outlook has a default limit of 2GB for PST files (for older versions). Although it is sufficient for level tasks, PST size keeps growing if it is not managed or archived periodically. If the PST file size grows beyond this limit, then it can lead to Outlook crashes.
Apart from these there are many other causes. However, there are also, multiple methods to resolve this issue, using either the manual or the mechanical methods.
How to fix Microsoft Outlook has encountered a problem and needs to close error?
There are multiple methods available to fix this Outlook error. Here’s the step-by-step process for each of them:
Note: First, check if you are using the latest version of Microsoft Outlook.
Method 1: Disable Outlook Compatibility Mode
If your Outlook is configured in Windows Compatibility mode, and the version of your OS is older, then you might face this error. Make sure Outlook is not working in Compatibility mode. Follow the steps to do so:
Step 1: Go to location where your Outlook application is installed.
|
Version |
Location |
|
32-bit Windows or 32-bit Office |
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\ |
|
64-bit Windows & 64-bit Office |
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\ |
Note: Here XX is the version of version e.g., Office16
Step 2: Right-click on the Outlook application and select Properties.
Step 3: Go to Compatibility tab and make sure Run this program in compatibility mode for option is unchecked. If not, then uncheck it.
Method 2: Use Outlook in Safe mode
Using Outlook in Safe mode will help you identify whether add-ins are causing this error or not. Start your Outlook in Safe Mode & then disable responsible add-ins to overcome the issue:
Step 1: Press Windows+R keys, then type Outlook.exe/safe and hit Enter to launch it in safe mode.
Note: This will open Outlook in Safe mode, indicating third-party add-ins were causing the issue. You can now disable the add-ins for smooth workflow.
Step 2: Now, Open Outlook. Go to File > Options > Add-ins > Go.
Step 3: Disable all the add-ins and click Ok.
If this doesn’t work, go forward to the next process.
Method 3: Create a new Outlook Profile
If your Outlook profile is damaged, then it won’t let you access emails and other data. You can try to create a new Outlook profile with the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Go to Start and then to Control Panel >Mail.
Step 2: In the new pop-up window, click show profiles.
Step 3: In the new popup window click Add, create new profile and then click OK.
Step 4: Provide all the necessary details and click Next.
Step 5: Wait till loading gets completed.
Step 6: Select the newly created profile under Always use this profile and click OK.
Step 7: Restart Outlook
Method 4. Use ScanPST.exe
If the issue is not resolved yet, then you can use ScanPST.exe or Inbox Repair Tool to repair your PST file. It is an inbuilt utility offered by Microsoft to repair minor corruption issues. This is a free tool that comes preinstalled with Microsoft Outlook.
However, the ScanPST tool becomes ineffective in case of the large PST files or severe corruption. In such cases, you need to rely on an automated tool to fix Outlook PST corruption.
Best Professional Software to Fix Severely Corrupted PST Files
If the corruption in PST file is severe, the most-recommended professional Outlook PST repair tool is Kernel for Outlook PST Repair. It comes with multiple smart features that make the entire repairing process effortless. Moreover, this is an independent utility that works without needing any additional applications.
Features of Kernel for Outlook PST Repair:
- Smoothly fixes severely corrupted, inaccessible, and orphaned PST file.
- Recovers permanently deleted emails, contacts, calendars, and other items.
- Easily repair bulk PST files without any file size restrictions.
- Provides a detailed preview of PST file along with all metadata and attachments.
- Saves repaired PST file in multiple output formats like PST, EML, MSG, PDF, HTML, etc.
- Directly migrated data to Gmail, Domino, Office 365, Exchange Server, etc.
- Download trial version to evaluate software’s features and save 25 items per folder for free.
Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed the scenarios in which you can face the Outlook error - “Microsoft Outlook has encountered a problem and needs to close.” Then, we guided you through step-by-step process of reliable methods to troubleshoot this issue. However, for severe corruption issues, we also recommended using our professional Kernel for Outlook PST Repair as an advanced solution to fix PST files without any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the error “Microsoft Outlook has encountered a problem and needs to close” mean?
A: This error means Outlook has crashed due to an internal problem. It usually happens because of the corrupt PST files, outdated Outlook updates, faulty add-ins, or more.
Q: Will reinstalling Microsoft Outlook fix this error?
A:Reinstalling Outlook may resolve the issue if the problem is related to damaged program files. However, it may not fix errors caused due to corruption in PST files or Outlook profiles.
Q: How can I prevent Outlook from crashing again?
A:To prevent Outlook crashes, keep Outlook updated, avoid oversized PST files, regularly repair data files, disable unnecessary add-ins, and maintain a healthy Outlook profile.
