Outlook 2003 startup delay

[Cambio Del Arte]

<Keywords> Outlook, startup, slow, hang, delay

<Problem>
When launching Outlook (or as soon as a profile is selected), the app
"hangs" and the splash screen is shown for exactly 3 minutes 30 seconds
(every time). Once up and running, the app behaves normally. I only
connect to a single POP3 mailbox.


If Outlook is closed within the 3:30 timeframe, a "Not Responding"
window is displayed.


CPU is within normal limits during this time


Additionally, creating a new .pst file (as part of profile creation)
takes 7 minutes.


<System Info>
- Windows XP Home SP2, fully patched
- Outlook 2003 (11.8010.6568) Sp2


<Troubleshooting>


Unfortunately I cannot remember installing any software or patches
around the time when this starting happening and I have no system
restore points to go back to.


I have attempted all of the following troubleshooting steps, none of
which solved the problem:


- created a new profile with no email accounts (confirming it is
neither a profile nor network issue)
- ran outlook on same PC with different user account
- ran scanpst.exe on all .pst files, no errors detected
- ran in Outlook /safe mode
- ran in Outlook /cleanviews mode (switch was not recognized)
- deleted "C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application
Data\Microsoft\Outlook" folder
- Uninstalled and Reinstalled entire office suite, tested before
applying office updates
- Ensured that "MSN Messenger" integration is disabled feature does not
seem to exist in this version)
- Ensured all add-ins are disabled


<Diagnosis>


The problem seems to be related to the initial accessing/creating of
Outlook data (.pst) files.


Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as my only options at this
point seem to be to "live with it" or reinstall Windows.


- Cambio

 

[William Lefkovics [MVP]]

First, I want to say what a great presentation of your question including
your versions, configuration, and what you have already tried. Such
exemplary format should be standard issue for asking questions.

Now, I wish I had an answer of greater substance.

Are you accessing a .pst file that has not been updated to the Outlook 2003
unicode format? And are you experiencing any hard drive issues at all?
have you considered running chkdsk?

Do you have integrated antivirus software that you can disable for testing?
Any other Outlook addins that might interfere with troubleshooting?

 

[Cambio Del Arte]

Hi Will,

Thanks for the suggestions, here are the results:

- no hard drive problems, ran checkdisk
- pst was not unicode 2003, so I create a new one and moved my mail over,
but it made no difference
- there are no outlook add-ins installed
- I have disabled and uninstalled all AV services and the problem persists

whats left?