You cannot use the /select switch to start Outlook 2003 (823923)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office 2003, All Editions
  • Microsoft Office Outlook 2003

SYMPTOMS

When you try to use various command-line switches to start Microsoft Office Outlook 2003, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook. The command line argument is not valid. Verify the switch you are using.
For example, you may receive this error if you try to start Outlook 2003 by using the following command-line switch:
Outlook.exe /select outlook:calendar /recycle

CAUSE

This problem occurs because of a security enhancement that helps to prevent potential attackers from passing command-line arguments.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, do not use the /select command-line switch. For example, replace the command-line switch in the "Symptoms" section of this article with the following command-line switch:

Outlook.exe /recycle outlook:calendar

By default, any switches that are on the command line after all recognized parameters have been processed are processed as /select switches.

STATUS

This behavior is expected in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/6/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg kbstartprogram kbsetup kbprb kbnofix KB823923 kbAudITPRO kbAudEndUser
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