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General discussion

Problems installing Outlook/Windows XP

Jan 27, 2011 9:06PM PST

I am running Windows XP Pro (SP3) and Microsoft Office Basic Edition 2003 on a Dell laptop.

Up until now I have never installed the Outlook component of Office because I use another email program. However, I was recently given an iPhone and would now like to sync contact information between my computer and phone via Outlook.

I tried installing Outlook via Add/Remove Programs on the Control Panel. The install appeared to be successful but when I ran Outlook I got the message:

Personal Folders: The file C:\Documents and Settings\Trip\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst could not be found

I would appreciate any suggestions you have as how I can get Outlook up and running.

Thanks,

Trip

Discussion is locked

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Re: Outlook
Jan 27, 2011 9:13PM PST

That's the correct message. It's the default database where Outlook stores it's data (like mails). If not present, it should create it, because that isn't done at install time. There can be several users, all with their own .pst file, and new users can be made after the install, so the install can't do it. That's why it's done the first time Outlook runs in an account.

What happens if you run Outlook in a totally new Windows account? If it makes an empty .pst file then, just copy that to the location mentioned in the message.

Kees

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Re: Outlook - New!
Jan 27, 2011 10:53PM PST

Thanks a million, Kees, for your speedy and helpful suggestion. I followed your advice and created a new User Log-in, and then copied the resulting "pst" file. Now I can access Outlook! I may have some more questions in the future but once again, thanks for your help in getting me started.

Trip

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I see Kees helped, but want to add.
Jan 28, 2011 2:25AM PST

There is some patch that Microsoft issued later that really helped my Outlook 2003 issues. I noted it at http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6129_102-380443.html?tag=threadListing;forum-threads BUT don't let yourself get derailed by my Windows 7 comments. It helped on XP too.

And after YEARS of wondering why Outlook 2003 would sometimes not exit, not launch at times only to find it and end task it in Task Manager I can now write that we think we have that issue nailed. So far, without fail, unchecking the option to use Word to compose Outlook emails (in Outlook, natch) seems to have solved that pesky issue.

Hope this helps,
Bob

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I see Kees helped, but want to add. - New!
Jan 28, 2011 10:56PM PST

Thanks for your suggestions, Bob. I've made sure everything is at SP3 and will uncheck the Word/Compose option. Take good care,

Trip