Misrosoft Outlook Won't Stay Open After iTunes Update

A couple of days ago I updated iTunes because the software told me there was an update.   While iTunes updated nicely, as soon as the update was finished, I noticed that Microsoft Outlook had closed.  Each time I tried to reopen it, Outlook immediately closed again. 

In this instance, it was pretty clear the problem was caused by the recent iTunes update.  Uninstalling iTunes and Quicktime from the computer did NOT correct the problem.  And of course, my computer would not let me do a System Restore either.

After much research, I was able to find the simple fix on a forum.  I had to uninstall "Apple Mobile Support" from the Control Panel.  Once that program was history, I was able to open Microsoft Outlook again. 

After fixing the problem, I remembered that this had happened once before.  I don't know what it is about Mobile Support that conflicts with Microsoft Outlook, but there is a connection.

To uninstall Apple Mobile Support, follow the instructions below:

1. Open your CONTROL PANEL 
2. Double-left click the icon that reads "ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS" (WinXP) or "PROGRAM FEATURES" (Vista, Win7)
3. Find Apple Mobile Support in the list, then REMOVE it. 

Once this program has been removed, you should be able to open Microsoft Outlook again. 

How to Backup Microsoft Outlook Email

Microsoft Outlook has a built-in backup feature that lets you back-up your email messages and address book family.  The instructions below were written for Outlook 2000, but they are similar for other versions of Outlook (pre-2007).

To Backup your Outlook Email, follow the steps below:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook
2. On the menu, select FILE and then IMPORT AND EXPORT (a window will pop up).

3. Click on EXPORT TO A FILE to highlight it in blue then click the NEXT button.
4. Click on PERSONAL FOLDER FILE (.pst) to highlight it in blue and then click NEXT
5. Scroll all the way to the top of the next window and click on PERSONAL FOLDERS and then click in the box reads "include subfolders" is to place a checkmark in it (this steps make sure all of your email messages are backed up).

Note:  If you only want to backup your address book (and not the messages), then highlight CONTACTS (instead of "Personal Folders"). and you don't put a checkmark in the "include subfolders" box.

6. By default, Outlook is backed up in the following folder (where "user" is replaced by your personal user folder):

C:\Documents and Settings\Userl\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\backup.pst

However you can change this folder if you want by clicking the BROWSE button on the next window and then selecting the location where you'd like to store the backup file.  I personally prefer to store my backups in the DOCUMENTS folder.

7. Click the FINISH button when done and then wait while the backup completes.