Outlook Calendar/Navigation Pane messed-up periodically

mspublikforum · External Since: Jun 16, 2009 Posts: 3

We run an exchange 2003 server with Outlook as client.

Generally, it works fine except for one user.
The calendar (if not the whole mailbox) looks to be corrupt.
The contacts and the Follow-ups appear inside the calendar.
Periodically all the shortcuts are lost.
This can be temporarily resolved by the recreation of outlook.xml file. But
it would not last long – it gets overwritten periodically.
Also, from time to time the message colouring is lost (all the messages turn
into red).

We have replaced the PC of the user. So the installation of the Outlook is
completely new. We do not use roaming profile for this user. Also, all the
plugins were disabled (they were used in the past)

The similar problems reappeared on the new workstation.
How to know if the problem comes from Exchange? Where are the views of the
Inbox stored on the Exchange server?
In Domino server it was possible to “reset” a single mailbox by applying
the template. Is there a similar option in Exchange.

Any suggestion is appreciated.

Roady [MVP] · External Since: May 17, 2004 Posts: 10239

Which version of Outlook are you using?

You can reset the view by starting Outlook with the cleanviews switch;
Start-> Run; outlook.exe /cleanviews

You can reset the default folders by starting Outlook with the resetfolders
switch;
Start-> Run; outlook.exe /resetfolders

Usually corruption of the xml-file occurs when Outlook isn't properly shut
down before shutting down the PC. Then the xml-file hasn't been (fully)
written yet and Outlook will load a clean one when error are detected in it.

--
Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
http://www.howto-outlook.com/
Outlook FAQ, HowTo, Downloads, Add-Ins and more

http://www.msoutlook.info/
Real World Questions, Real World Answers

-----

"mspublikforum" <mspublikforum.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B1CA66B0-C9A9-418B-B1F7-CB3EF179AC77@microsoft.com...
> We run an exchange 2003 server with Outlook as client.
>
> Generally, it works fine except for one user.
> The calendar (if not the whole mailbox) looks to be corrupt.
> The contacts and the Follow-ups appear inside the calendar.
> Periodically all the shortcuts are lost.
> This can be temporarily resolved by the recreation of outlook.xml file.
> But
> it would not last long – it gets overwritten periodically.
> Also, from time to time the message colouring is lost (all the messages
> turn
> into red).
>
> We have replaced the PC of the user. So the installation of the Outlook is
> completely new. We do not use roaming profile for this user. Also, all
> the
> plugins were disabled (they were used in the past)
>
> The similar problems reappeared on the new workstation.
> How to know if the problem comes from Exchange? Where are the views of
> the
> Inbox stored on the Exchange server?
> In Domino server it was possible to “reset” a single mailbox by applying
> the template. Is there a similar option in Exchange.
>
> Any suggestion is appreciated.
>

mspublikforum · External Since: Jun 16, 2009 Posts: 3

HI Roady,

Thanks a lot for the quick reply and for for the suggestions.

We are using the Outlook client 2003 (I am not sure if the Office SP3 is
already applied on the user's new PC)

We keep a "good" backup of Outlook.xml file and replace the corrupt one
every time the problem reoccurs Unfortunately, it is quite often. I suppose
the this will have the same effect as using the /cleanviews and /resetfolders
switches.

When the corruption occurs, it is clear that the xml file is damaged – some
Xml tags are missing or are incomplete. It becomes overwritten even if forced
to be a "read only" file.
The question is why it hapens. I am affraid this could come from the
Exchange server, but no other user experience similar issue.

Best regards

"Roady [MVP]" wrote:

> Which version of Outlook are you using?
>
> You can reset the view by starting Outlook with the cleanviews switch;
> Start-> Run; outlook.exe /cleanviews
>
> You can reset the default folders by starting Outlook with the resetfolders
> switch;
> Start-> Run; outlook.exe /resetfolders
>
> Usually corruption of the xml-file occurs when Outlook isn't properly shut
> down before shutting down the PC. Then the xml-file hasn't been (fully)
> written yet and Outlook will load a clean one when error are detected in it.
>
> --
> Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
> Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
> http://www.howto-outlook.com/
> Outlook FAQ, HowTo, Downloads, Add-Ins and more
>
> http://www.msoutlook.info/
> Real World Questions, Real World Answers
>
> -----
>
> "mspublikforum" <mspublikforum.RemoveThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:B1CA66B0-C9A9-418B-B1F7-CB3EF179AC77@microsoft.com...
> > We run an exchange 2003 server with Outlook as client.
> >
> > Generally, it works fine except for one user.
> > The calendar (if not the whole mailbox) looks to be corrupt.
> > The contacts and the Follow-ups appear inside the calendar.
> > Periodically all the shortcuts are lost.
> > This can be temporarily resolved by the recreation of outlook.xml file.
> > But
> > it would not last long – it gets overwritten periodically.
> > Also, from time to time the message colouring is lost (all the messages
> > turn
> > into red).
> >
> > We have replaced the PC of the user. So the installation of the Outlook is
> > completely new. We do not use roaming profile for this user. Also, all
> > the
> > plugins were disabled (they were used in the past)
> >
> > The similar problems reappeared on the new workstation.
> > How to know if the problem comes from Exchange? Where are the views of
> > the
> > Inbox stored on the Exchange server?
> > In Domino server it was possible to “reset” a single mailbox by applying
> > the template. Is there a similar option in Exchange.
> >
> > Any suggestion is appreciated.
> >
>

Diane Poremsky [MVP] · External Since: Jul 28, 2005 Posts: 6715

It happens because the profile is corrupt - you should make a new profile
and a new xml - do not copy the profile or reuse the old xml file.

Before making a new profile, try starting outlook with the resetnavpane
switch - this may be enough. The user will need to add folders to the nav
pane to recreate it. Do not reuse the old XML.

--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]
Outlook Tips: http://www.outlook-tips.net/
Outlook & Exchange Solutions Center: http://www.slipstick.com

Outlook Tips by email:
mailto:dailytips-subscribe-request@lists.outlooktips.net

EMO - a weekly newsletter about Outlook and Exchange:
mailto:EMO-NEWSLETTER-SUBSCRIBE-REQUEST@PEACH.EASE.LSOFT.COM

You can access this newsgroup by visiting
http://www.microsoft.com/office/community/en-us/default.mspx or point your
newsreader to msnews.microsoft.com.

"mspublikforum" <mspublikforum DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B0B3275F-802A-4746-9152-87C620C7521B@microsoft.com...
> HI Roady,
>
> Thanks a lot for the quick reply and for for the suggestions.
>
> We are using the Outlook client 2003 (I am not sure if the Office SP3 is
> already applied on the user's new PC)
>
> We keep a "good" backup of Outlook.xml file and replace the corrupt one
> every time the problem reoccurs Unfortunately, it is quite often. I
> suppose
> the this will have the same effect as using the /cleanviews and
> /resetfolders
> switches.
>
> When the corruption occurs, it is clear that the xml file is damaged –
> some
> Xml tags are missing or are incomplete. It becomes overwritten even if
> forced
> to be a "read only" file.
> The question is why it hapens. I am affraid this could come from the
> Exchange server, but no other user experience similar issue.
>
> Best regards
>
>
> "Roady [MVP]" wrote:
>
>> Which version of Outlook are you using?
>>
>> You can reset the view by starting Outlook with the cleanviews switch;
>> Start-> Run; outlook.exe /cleanviews
>>
>> You can reset the default folders by starting Outlook with the
>> resetfolders
>> switch;
>> Start-> Run; outlook.exe /resetfolders
>>
>> Usually corruption of the xml-file occurs when Outlook isn't properly
>> shut
>> down before shutting down the PC. Then the xml-file hasn't been (fully)
>> written yet and Outlook will load a clean one when error are detected in
>> it.
>>
>> --
>> Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
>> Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
>> http://www.howto-outlook.com/
>> Outlook FAQ, HowTo, Downloads, Add-Ins and more
>>
>> http://www.msoutlook.info/
>> Real World Questions, Real World Answers
>>
>> -----
>>
>> "mspublikforum" <mspublikforum DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message
>> news:B1CA66B0-C9A9-418B-B1F7-CB3EF179AC77@microsoft.com...
>> > We run an exchange 2003 server with Outlook as client.
>> >
>> > Generally, it works fine except for one user.
>> > The calendar (if not the whole mailbox) looks to be corrupt.
>> > The contacts and the Follow-ups appear inside the calendar.
>> > Periodically all the shortcuts are lost.
>> > This can be temporarily resolved by the recreation of outlook.xml file.
>> > But
>> > it would not last long – it gets overwritten periodically.
>> > Also, from time to time the message colouring is lost (all the messages
>> > turn
>> > into red).
>> >
>> > We have replaced the PC of the user. So the installation of the Outlook
>> > is
>> > completely new. We do not use roaming profile for this user. Also, all
>> > the
>> > plugins were disabled (they were used in the past)
>> >
>> > The similar problems reappeared on the new workstation.
>> > How to know if the problem comes from Exchange? Where are the views of
>> > the
>> > Inbox stored on the Exchange server?
>> > In Domino server it was possible to “reset” a single mailbox by
>> > applying
>> > the template. Is there a similar option in Exchange.
>> >
>> > Any suggestion is appreciated.
>> >
>>

mspublikforum · External Since: Jun 16, 2009 Posts: 3

Hi Diane,
Thanks for the suggestions. I will try it and follow it up.
The issue appears only periodically.
Could this also be related to the lost message-colouring and the lost "From
fieled".
Are these settings also kept in the Outlook.xml file?

Regards,

"Diane Poremsky [MVP]" wrote:

> It happens because the profile is corrupt - you should make a new profile
> and a new xml - do not copy the profile or reuse the old xml file.
>
> Before making a new profile, try starting outlook with the resetnavpane
> switch - this may be enough. The user will need to add folders to the nav
> pane to recreate it. Do not reuse the old XML.
>
> --
> Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]
> Outlook Tips: http://www.outlook-tips.net/
> Outlook & Exchange Solutions Center: http://www.slipstick.com
>
> Outlook Tips by email:
> mailto:dailytips-subscribe-request@lists.outlooktips.net
>
> EMO - a weekly newsletter about Outlook and Exchange:
> mailto:EMO-NEWSLETTER-SUBSCRIBE-REQUEST@PEACH.EASE.LSOFT.COM
>
> You can access this newsgroup by visiting
> http://www.microsoft.com/office/community/en-us/default.mspx or point your
> newsreader to msnews.microsoft.com.
>
>
> "mspublikforum" <mspublikforum.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:B0B3275F-802A-4746-9152-87C620C7521B@microsoft.com...
> > HI Roady,
> >
> > Thanks a lot for the quick reply and for for the suggestions.
> >
> > We are using the Outlook client 2003 (I am not sure if the Office SP3 is
> > already applied on the user's new PC)
> >
> > We keep a "good" backup of Outlook.xml file and replace the corrupt one
> > every time the problem reoccurs Unfortunately, it is quite often. I
> > suppose
> > the this will have the same effect as using the /cleanviews and
> > /resetfolders
> > switches.
> >
> > When the corruption occurs, it is clear that the xml file is damaged –
> > some
> > Xml tags are missing or are incomplete. It becomes overwritten even if
> > forced
> > to be a "read only" file.
> > The question is why it hapens. I am affraid this could come from the
> > Exchange server, but no other user experience similar issue.
> >
> > Best regards
> >
> >
> > "Roady [MVP]" wrote:
> >
> >> Which version of Outlook are you using?
> >>
> >> You can reset the view by starting Outlook with the cleanviews switch;
> >> Start-> Run; outlook.exe /cleanviews
> >>
> >> You can reset the default folders by starting Outlook with the
> >> resetfolders
> >> switch;
> >> Start-> Run; outlook.exe /resetfolders
> >>
> >> Usually corruption of the xml-file occurs when Outlook isn't properly
> >> shut
> >> down before shutting down the PC. Then the xml-file hasn't been (fully)
> >> written yet and Outlook will load a clean one when error are detected in
> >> it.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
> >> Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
> >> http://www.howto-outlook.com/
> >> Outlook FAQ, HowTo, Downloads, Add-Ins and more
> >>
> >> http://www.msoutlook.info/
> >> Real World Questions, Real World Answers
> >>
> >> -----
> >>
> >> "mspublikforum" <mspublikforum.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> message
> >> news:B1CA66B0-C9A9-418B-B1F7-CB3EF179AC77@microsoft.com...
> >> > We run an exchange 2003 server with Outlook as client.
> >> >
> >> > Generally, it works fine except for one user.
> >> > The calendar (if not the whole mailbox) looks to be corrupt.
> >> > The contacts and the Follow-ups appear inside the calendar.
> >> > Periodically all the shortcuts are lost.
> >> > This can be temporarily resolved by the recreation of outlook.xml file.
> >> > But
> >> > it would not last long – it gets overwritten periodically.
> >> > Also, from time to time the message colouring is lost (all the messages
> >> > turn
> >> > into red).
> >> >
> >> > We have replaced the PC of the user. So the installation of the Outlook
> >> > is
> >> > completely new. We do not use roaming profile for this user. Also, all
> >> > the
> >> > plugins were disabled (they were used in the past)
> >> >
> >> > The similar problems reappeared on the new workstation.
> >> > How to know if the problem comes from Exchange? Where are the views of
> >> > the
> >> > Inbox stored on the Exchange server?
> >> > In Domino server it was possible to “reset” a single mailbox by
> >> > applying
> >> > the template. Is there a similar option in Exchange.
> >> >
> >> > Any suggestion is appreciated.
> >> >
> >>