Tip 703: Safe mode shortcut

When Outlook isn’t working correctly we often tell users to use Safe mode. Safe mode loads Outlook without any add-ins or extensions, the reading pane, or customization (like toolbars). If Outlook works ok in safe mode, then the problem is with an add-in or one of the configuration files Outlook uses.

After closing Outlook there are two ways to reopen Outlook in Safe mode:
1. Hold Ctrl as you click the Outlook shortcut
2. Type outlook.exe /safe in Start menu, Run or the Start Search field.

How to start Outlook in safe mode

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This article is filed under Tips Archive.
Last reviewed on Aug 8, 2011