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Thread ID: 101042 2009-06-29 20:43:00 Outlook problem johcar (6283) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
787121 2009-06-29 20:43:00 Outlook 2003 SP3 running on XP Media Centre SP3.

I have installed the addin PF Backup (as I have on all my machines), and for some reason it seems to have stopped working on this particular one. Last backup date 6/3/09 (scheduled for every three days). No, I don't know what happened on 6/3/09... :)

When I close Outlook (File>Exit), normally the PF Backup fires up and a backup is carried out. However lately, the Outlook icon sits in the Systray and doesn't do anything.

It will also not open from the Systray when I minimise Outlook (I have it set to Hide when Minimised).

I have tried a Repair on Outlook, and I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling the PF Backup program, to no avail.

I have aslo done a MalwareBytes scan and a HiJackThis scan - all clear.

It's now getting to the point of being a PITA.
johcar (6283)
787122 2009-06-29 21:34:00 What other addins do you have? Blam (54)
787123 2009-06-29 22:03:00 Just Zonealarm's Sonicwall (antivirus) - both have been playing happily with one another for a number of years... johcar (6283)
787124 2009-06-29 23:05:00 Just to rule out a possible software conflict-does it happen in safe mode?

Windows Safe Mode(Tap F8 on boot select Safe Mode with Networking)

Blam
Blam (54)
787125 2009-06-30 01:07:00 In Safe Mode (with Networking) when Hide when Minimised is selected, I CAN reopen Outlook by right-clicking or double-clicking on the Systray icon - which is an improvement. But the Backup still does not execute.

When exiting Outlook (in Safe Mode (with Networking)), the icon sits in the Systray and the process has to be killed via Task Manager to get Outlook to actually close.
johcar (6283)
787126 2009-06-30 01:12:00 A long shot, but check in add/remove for updates installed on that date. Might be incompatible with PF Backup possibly? Blam (54)
787127 2009-06-30 01:14:00 Edit - Blams suggestion about checking for installed updates is a good idea.

Corrupt PST file maybe?

support.microsoft.com

Can't hurt to try ScanPST, there a bunch of stuff in the article relating to it, as well as a couple of things to check.

How big is the PST file you're trying to back up?
wratterus (105)
787128 2009-06-30 01:32:00 Cheers guys .

Interestingly, although I'm not entirely sure how to find when a program was installed on XP using Add/Remove Programs (easy on Vista!), it looks like early March is when the last rebuild for that machine might have occurred - there are no "Last used on" dates earlier than 7/3/09 .

I have run ScanPST on both the Outlook . pst and the Outlook Backup . pst (used by PF Backup) files - errors were found and fixed .

But there has been no change to the issue at hand . :(

The PST file is only 40MB - well short of the 2GB maximum for Outlook 2003 . . . .
johcar (6283)
787129 2009-06-30 01:34:00 If you tick the 'show updates' check box in add or remove programs, does it not show the dates?

If it was me I'd be cleaning out temp files, doing a chkdsk and a hard drive diagnostic next. Kind of running out of ideas! :p

The 2GB PST size limit doesn't apply to Outlook 2003, only 2002 and earlier. However if you copy a PST file from a 2002 or earlier installation into a 2003 or later installation I think the limit remains, you need to copy the contents of the 2002 PST file to the 2003 PST file, then the limit will cease to exist.

But that's not the issue... excuse the rant. ;)
wratterus (105)
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