Extend.dat Error - Need help??

[xjben]

I just got a new computer, installed Outlook 2003 on it, but when I run
Outlook, I get a message saying "An extension failed to initilize. Can't open
file: extend.dat. (etc.)". I located the folder where the file should be
stored (C:\Users\<username>\Local Settings\Application
Data\Microsoft\Outlook), but the file isn't there (I have an archive and
outlook file, but that's it). I tried restarting Outlook several times and
also rebooting, but in all cases Outlook never creates the file.

I also tried moving over the extend.dat file from my old computer, but that
didn't help either...it just doesn't seem to be looking for or trying to save
that file. Actually, Outlook seems to work fine...except that it won't save
the passwords for my email addresses once I close the app (will hold them
until I close it down).

I was also going to try to Repair or Reinstall Office 2003/Outlook...but
Vista is telling me "The system administrator has set policies to prevent
this installation. You do not have sufficient access to uninstall Microsoft
Office XP Professional. Please contact your system administrator."

Help. What should I do?

 

[BillR [MVP]]

Are you in a corporate environment? Outlook should recreate extend.dat when
opened. I'm thinking your permissions error might also effect Outlook's
ability to recreate the file. Definitely delete the copy of extend.dat you
have - that would contain the wrong information.

 

[xjben]

Not in a corporate environment, it's a home computer, not networked, only
connected to a DSL connection through the DSL cable (coming out a router,
just like the old computer was hooked up). There is no extend.dat file
anywhere on the computer now (searched and ensured none existed), but the
problem still persists - Outlook is not creating the file. Is there a way I
can reinstall Outlook? Maybe that would resolve it? Or other options /
recommendations?

- Ben

 

[xjben]

Okay, spoke too soon... this time my search found a file... C:\Users\The
Conlans\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook. In that location, there's an
extend.dat file, and also an extend.old, as well as a mailbox, outlook,
outlook (1), and archive. Too many files? Should something go away maybe?
the plain Outlook, Archive, and Extend.dat files both show last updated times
current with when I just used Outlook....although my passwords still are not
saved by Outlook, even when I go into Email Accounts, enter it, ensure the
save check is entered, and save it (it'll save until I leave the app, then it
goes away again).

- Ben

 

[BillR [MVP]]

rename the extend.dat file found there to, say, extend.bak then restart
Outlook. See if it creates a new extend.dat file.

 

[xjben]

Good news...the extend.dat file was created once I renamed the other...but
bad news, it still doesn't save my passwords? Seems to be a different issue
with how Outlook is talking to Vista maybe.

- Ben

 

[xjben]

Okay - you can end this thread, I'm going to get Outlook 2007. Thanks for
the input...I found what I needed to know based on your info and another
thread I just read. Thanks!!

- Ben