OL98: (CW) ErrMsg: Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook (193681)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook 98
  • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 98
This article was previously published under Q193681
NOTE: These procedures only apply if you have installed Outlook with the Corporate Workgroup/Other option. This option allows you to use Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI) services. To determine your installation type, on the Help Menu click About Microsoft Outlook. In About Microsoft Outlook you should see "Corporate" if you have the Corporate Workgroup installation.

SYMPTOMS

When you start Microsoft Outlook 98 after installing Fax.exe from the Windows 98 compact disc, you will get the following error message:
Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Mapi32.dll is corrupt or the wrong version. This could have been caused by installing other messaging software. Please reinstall Outlook.
Running Outlook Setup to Add New Components does not fix the problem and generates the following error message:
Outlook is not properly installed on this computer. To correct the problem, rerun Outlook 98 setup.
If you attempt to start the Fax program you get the following error message:
An unexpected error has occurred. MAPI was unable to load the information service PSTPRX.DLL. Be sure that the service is correctly installed and configured.

CAUSE

You have installed Awfax.exe from the Windows 98 compact disc, which installed older versions of MAPI and its associated .dll files.

RESOLUTION

Reinstall Outlook 98.

MORE INFORMATION

When you install Awfax.exe from the Windows 98 compact disc, you are not prompted that you are installing older versions of MAPI. Upon starting Outlook the error message appears. To correct the problem you will need to install Outlook again. Running Outlook Setup and clicking Add New Components, will generate the second error after you have clicked Yes to have the system check for installed components. The only solution is to run the setup program and click Rerun Outlook Setup.

Run Outlook Setup

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
  2. Double click Add/Remove programs.
  3. Click to select Microsoft Outlook 98, and then click Add/Remove.
  4. Click Rerun Outlook 98 Setup.
  5. Select the same options you did when you installed Outlook for the first time.
Outlook will now start without the above error message. For information on how to install Fax.exe from the Windows 98 compact disc, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

187979 OL98: (CW) Windows Messaging and Microsoft Fax with Windows 98

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/20/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB193681
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