Outlook 2003 will no longer start. Error in the syntax or format .

[sp1chael]

Text of error message: The extension configuration file "C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\ADDINS\msspc.ecf" could not be installed.
There is an error in the syntax or format of the file. I have unistalled and
reinstalled Office 2003, and updated the 9 suggested update from Microsoft
for Office 2003. Has anybody had and fixed this problem? This is my wifes
computer and she knows even less than I do, so that makes me the household IT
expert... please help!

 

[neo [mvp outlook]]

If you start outlook and select tools > options > other tab > advanced
options button > add in manager, is there an option listed of schedule+ and
the box is checked next to it? If yes, uncheck the box and try restarting
outlook to see if the error stops.

 

[sp1chael]

Neo,
I appreciate that you took the time to try and provide me with a solution
to my problem. However, I think you must have misunderstood the nature of my
issue, OUTLOOK WILL NO LONGER START!!!! As I said, I am grateful for your
intent, but your suggestion has no chance of correcting my problem because
Outlook won't start.
Thanks anyway,
Sp1chael

 

[Brian Tillman]

Text of error message: The extension configuration file "C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\ADDINS\msspc.ecf" could not be
installed. There is an error in the syntax or format of the file. I
have unistalled and reinstalled Office 2003, and updated the 9
suggested update from Microsoft for Office 2003. Has anybody had and
fixed this problem? This is my wifes computer and she knows even less
than I do, so that makes me the household IT expert... please help!

Try deleting the file %AppData%\Microsoft\Outlook\extend.dat

 

[neo [mvp outlook]]

Start Outlook in safe mode.

start > run > outlook.exe /safe > ok button

Brian T's suggestion is also very good.