Resolved Windows Installer 'error 1635' prevents Outlook from launching

Outlook version: '97

When launching Outlook, the Windows Installer window appears with the following error: 'an error occurred and this feature is no longer functioning properly. Would you like to repair this feature now?' Yes or No

When I click 'No' I get this error: 'Outlook has not been installed for the current user. Please run setup to install the application.'

When I click 'yes' I get this error: 'Microsoft Outlook cannot install the necessary files due to Windows Installer error 1635. This patch package could not be opened. Verify that the patch package exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor o verify this is a valid windows installer patch package.'

I then click 'OK' and receive this msg: 'Outlook has not been installed for the current user. Please run setup to install the application.'

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Question: I have Windows Install Cleanup, but am hesitant to run it for fear of causing irreparable damage. I have vital information contained in my Outlook folders - is there any way to restore my Outlook program or retrieve the data? I can actually see my folders behind the error windows, but I can not access them - frustrating

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide

Mark

 

Steve, thanks for responding - 100% agree with you - time for a new version

Tried launching Outlook with Office cd in the drive - chose yes & got the same results & error msg as above. Is there any way to retrieve archives or repair Outlook w/o losing my folders & data?

 

Arie / Steve: thank you. Backed up .PST file, re-installed Office & Outlook is intact Please mark this thread [Resolved]

Mark