Thanks for the link Brian.

This is what happened when I tried the steps the

1. Scanpst.exe found a problem with one of two .pst file; repaired it and
then reported it as OK. Outlook still fails to start.

2. Renamed outcmd.dat to outcmd.dat.old. Outlook still fails to start.

3. Tried opening Outlook in safe mode. This opens a Windows Installer
dialog, and reconfigures Office 2002 and Publisher 2002, prompting for
original CDs during the process. After the install/configuration, Outlook
tries to start, but fails as I reviously reported. I therefore cannot
access Help - Detect and Repair within Outlook.

4. Can't open Outlook, even in safe mode, so can't attempt this step.

5. New profile created (from scratch, not copying any existing profile).
Outlook still fails to start.

Problem still not solved. Any further suggestions? Also, is it normal that
opening Outlook with the /safe switch will cause the Windows Installer to
run, re-configuring all Office 2002 (including Publisher) - that seems a bit
odd to me?

Rob


"Brian Tillman" wrote in message
...
Rob Parker wrote:

I'm trying to run Outlook, but when I open it (either from a shortcut
on the quickstart toolbar, or from the Start - Programs menu), it
fails to start. It opens with an hourglass cursor, which remains for
about 15 seconds, then closes completely (not present in Task Manager
applications or processes). No error messages, it just closes :-(

See if this helps: http://www.howto-outlook.com/faq/outlookdoesntstart.htm
--
Brian Tillman