OL2000: Outlook May Not Start If Installed to Lengthy Path (222223)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook 2000
This article was previously published under Q222223

SYMPTOMS

After running the Windows Installer to set up only Outlook, you receive the following error message
Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. 'The file C:\<Path to the Installation>\Forms\1033\Activity.cfg' could not be opened.
where Path to the Installation is the custom path.

NOTE: in the path, you may see a different number than "1033" if your language is other than English(US).

CAUSE

The complete path that was specified when you started the Windows Installer exceeded 128 characters in length.

RESOLUTION

Run the Windows Installer after removing Outlook and specify a shorter path.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

To remove Outlook and simplify the installed path, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs, and on the Install /Uninstall tab, click Microsoft Office product where Microsoft Office product is the name of the specific Office 2000 product being used.
  3. Click Add/Remove.
  4. In Microsoft Office 2000 Maintenance Mode, click Remove Office.
When you run the Windows Installer again, the default path will be:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office

NOTE: This issue doesn't not seem to affect the other programs in Office if the same path is specified during the setup procedure.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/29/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbnofix KB222223
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.