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How to Fix: Outlook “Cannot start Microsoft Outlook” Error

Quick steps to fix the Outlook startup error “Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. The set of folders cannot be opened.”

Updated today

Issue

When launching Outlook, you may see this error message:
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Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook window. The set of folders cannot be opened. The file Outlook.pst is not an Outlook data file (.pst).
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This usually happens due to a corrupted Outlook profile.

Solution

Follow these steps to recreate your Outlook profile:

  1. Go to the Windows search bar and type regedit to open the Registry Editor.

  2. Navigate to the following path (for Outlook 2016, 2019, or 2021):

    Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Profiles

    For Outlook 2013, use:

    Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook\Profiles

  3. Delete all folders listed under Profiles.

  4. Restart your computer.

  5. Open Outlook and recreate your email profile.

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