OUTLOOK.EXE keeps running after you exit Outlook

Written by Allen White on October 5, 2010. Posted in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook

IT Problem

After closing Outlook, it continues to run. The problem is that Outlook cannot close correctly if another application is accessing Outlook’s message store.

Symptoms which indicate that Outlook is not closing correctlyinclude receiving an pop showing that Outlook is checking the data file when your run Outlook. Also you use two Outlook profiles on a PC, when you switch profiles you aren’t presented the screen to select the profile and Outlook opens directly to the first profile.

One of the major types of applications that cause this error are anti virus applications, they have features such as email scanning whic can leave files open after scanning them.

Here are other apps that can cause this issue

The following is a short list of add-ins which are reported to keep Outlook running after it’s closed.

Outlook Change Notifier – Apple iTunes addin for syncing with iPhones, iPods etc.
WinFax Pro. Disable WinFax or remove the WinFax Fax log from the profile. Remove them by opening Tools, Options, Mail Setup tab, Data Files and delete if present.
ActiveSync (especially when a PDA is cradled)
Blackberry software
Stamps.com (when using address from Outlook’s Contacts)
Outlook Express (when sharing Contacts with the Windows Address Book (WAB)
Franklin Covey Plan Plus
Mapilab’s Messenger Journal utility
Earthlink’s Spamblocker (the installation file is ELSBSetup.exe)
Outlook Attachment Sniffer
TechSmith’s SnagIt 7 with Outlook integration enabled.
Cloudmark Spamnet
OneNote 2003 (with Outlook 2000)
Fourelle Venturi Client
iProtectYou
TMAntispam – the antispam part of Trend Micro’s PCCillin Internet Security 2005 suite
Infuzer
FSecure 2005 antispam add-in
Intuit Quickbooks
iTunes calendar sync add-in
iPhone Add-in
ABBYY FineReader 9.0
WMPNETWK or sharing files within MS media player 11

IT Solution

The Office 2007 SP2 fixes the problem and forces Outlook to close. This will resolve most of the problems with Outlook not closing and the need to check the *.pst file on the next start.

The 2007 Microsoft Office Suite Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Tags: Outlook crash

Allen White

Allen is an IT Consultant and holds the following accreditations. MCSA, MCSE, MCTS, MCITP, CCA, CCSP, VCP 4,5, 6 and HP ASE, AIS - Network Infrastructure.