When the default email address is disabled or inaccessible, for example the email account deactivated, server issues, password change, you may not be able to run Outlook with this error:
“Cannot start Microsoft Outlook”. Here’s a resolution using the Mail (Control Panel) option:
Here’s a clear step-by-step guide for troubleshooting and switching the default email address in Outlook:
How to Resolve Issues When Outlook Won’t Start and Switch to Another Default Email Address
- Possible Reasons Outlook Can’t Start:
- The default email address is disabled or inaccessible (e.g., account deactivated, server issues, password change).
- Corrupted profile or data files (.pst or .ost) linked to the disabled email.
- Add-ins or navigation pane settings causing the startup error.
- Switch to Another Default Email Address Using Control Panel:
- Open Control Panel by searching for it in the Windows Start menu.
- Click on Mail (Microsoft Outlook) or Mail (32-bit).
- Select Show Profiles.
- Create a New Profile:
- Under Show Profiles, click Add to create a new profile.
- Set up a working email account in the new profile using the on-screen prompts.
- Test the new profile to ensure functionality.
- Set the New Profile as Default:
- In the Mail (Control Panel) window, choose the newly created profile.
- Check Always use this profile and click OK.
- Remove the Problematic Account (Optional):
- If the disabled account continues to cause issues, return to Show Profiles, select the old profile, and click Remove.