OL2000: Error Message: "The recurrence pattern is not valid" (223971)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook 2000
This article was previously published under Q223971

SYMPTOMS

You may receive the following error message when attempting to set up a recurring appointment in Outlook:
The recurrence pattern is not valid.

CAUSE

This problem can occur when the sequence of the day, month, and year elements found in the system's Short date style and Long date style do not match. For example, one of the styles may place the year first in the sequence, and the other may place the year last.

RESOLUTION

Set the the short and long date styles so that their day, month, and year elements are in the same sequence.

To Set the Date Styles

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
  2. In Control Panel, click Regional Settings.
  3. On the Date tab, set the Short date style and the Long date style so that their day, month, and year elements are in the same sequence.

    Correct year in same position in both: 

        Short - MM/dd/yyy               05/26/1999
    Long  - dddd, MMMM dd, yyyy     Wednesday, May 26, 1999
    Incorrect year first in one and last in the other: 
        Short - yyyy/MM/dd              1999/05/26
    Long  - dddd, MMMM dd, yyyy     Wednesday, May 26, 1999

  4. Click Apply and OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/29/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbpending KB223971
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