Examining ‘Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML’ Problem
Whenever Outlook email client throws the error message i.e., Cannot start Microsoft Outlook invalid XML, it means something has gone wrong with the XML file. However, this file is present in a directory of Microsoft app. The major cause of error in XML is not known exactly. But nothing to worry about this because there exists a solution to the problem.
Details of ‘Invalid XML File’ Error
When Outlook fails at the launching time and indicates that XML file is invalid, it means that .xml file is facing some issue in Navigation Pane Settings. One can have a look upon this pane, which is located at left-hand side of the active profile. The changes or modifications that are done from your end will be saved at the following location :
The file that comprises of Outlook settings details is known is an XML file. It is saved with the name profilename.xml, where profile name denotes the name of Outlook profile.
Minor Causes of the Error
As such, there is no actual reason due to which ‘Cannot start Microsoft Outlook invalid XML’ problem occurs. However, one can think of a minor fact that XML file has been damaged or corrupted. This can be one of the reasons behind the error occurrence.
Useful Tip – A useful way to determine whether the file is corrupted or not, is to have a look at the size of a file. If the file size is 0 then it means that .xml file is corrupted and finally, this is the reason due to which you are unable to launch MS Outlook.
Troubleshooting Outlook Error
It is possible to resolve ‘Microsoft Outlook error message invalid XML’ by resetting the settings of your profile navigation pane. For this, you can consider the following guidelines :
1. Click on the Start menu of your Windows operating system
2. Open Run window on your PC and type ‘C:\Program Files\Office 14\Outlook.exe” /resetnavpane’ command
3. Execute the cmdlet either by clicking on the OK button or pressing the Enter key
It will be useful for Outlook users to take backup of XML file because with help of above-instructions settings will be changed. The illustrated procedure does not create backup of folders but, removes some level of corruption to prevent the situation from its occurrence in the future.
Conclusion
The best way to come out of any problem is to take regular backup of data and work. Being a responsible computer operator, it is your duty to take backup of profilename.xml file. Else, create backup file prior to the implementation of above-illustrated guidelines to fix the problem. Executing the instructions will clear and regenerate Navigation Pane in the recent profile, eliminating all customized settings made in Navigation Pane. You can resolved ‘ error cannot start Microsoft Outlook invalid XML’ without any loss, only if you are having backup.
