Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML – Examining the Issue

  author
Rollins Duke   
Published: January 28th, 2022 • 3 Min Read

 

Technical setbacks know no limits. At some point or another, you may encounter serious issues that can create a hurdle for a good working speed. This article discusses a genuine problem of the Microsoft Outlook blunder that is cannot start Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML”. On the off chance that this specific message spring up is the thing that pestering you, you may know about it. What’s more, you should be aware of how to confront this circumstance. In the following couple of seconds, we will give you some supportive information to fix this issue. So, let’s dive in!

Invalid XML Error

The ‘Invalid XML File’ Error – Causes

Before we proceed onward to the means, we might want you give you a brief insight regarding the issue.

Reasons for Invalid XML Error:

  1. The real cause because of the cannot start Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML” error shows up is the Navigation pane settings. In the settings, once the XML data got harmed or tainted due to any mishap, you may get this issue.
  2. At the point when MS Outlook is fix in compatibility mode, these issue happens frequently.
  3. Utilizing the prior versions of Outlook can (once in a while) likewise be answerable for it.

Once you run the MS Outlook application, find the Navigation Pane on the left side of window. It displays active profile, top folder and a wide range of folders inclusive of items such as contacts, notes, calendars.

All the settings you have applied here must be saved at some location. One can easily find this location at a default path. It totally depends on the Windows Operating System which are you currently running.

Profile

The settings file located here will be named as: profilename.xml, where ‘Profilename’ is used to denote the respective Outlook profile name.

TIP: A good way to make sure that this is the only issue, check whether the XML file size is 0. If it is, the settings file is corrupt and is the sole reason for this malfunction.

Resolving ‘Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML’ Error

In order to resolve the issue, all you need to do is reset the settings for your profile navigation pane. Follow the steps below to do so:

  • Click on the Start menu
  • Open the Run window and enter this command – “C:\Program Files\Office 14\Outlook.exe” /resetnavpane

Run resetnavpane’

OR

  • Type ‘Outlook.exe /resetnavpane in a box named as Search Programs and Files.

NOTE: Enable to put a space in the last command after Outlook.exe.

  • Lastly, hit on the Ok tab and restart Outlook again to check whether this issue has been resolved.

cannot-start-microsoft-outlook-invalid-xml-error

WARNING: Always ensure to create a backup of all XML files before you apply resetting settings in the navigation pane.

Conclusion

Backup is the best thing to depend on, for each situation. Along these lines, ensure that you either have a backup of the profilename.xml file. Else, make a backup before handling it with the previously mentioned steps to abstain from worsen things or experiencing the equivalent ‘can’t start Microsoft Outlook invalid XML error’ once more.