OLEXP: Error Message: Preferences File Could Not Be Opened. An Error Has Occurred (299319)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook Express 4.5 for Macintosh
This article was previously published under Q299319
For information about the differences between Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Outlook Express e-mail clients, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

257824 OL2000: Differences Between Outlook and Outlook Express

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to start Outlook Express, you may receive the following error message:
The Preferences file could not be opened. An Error has occurred (-199).
When you click OK, Outlook Express starts.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if a Preferences file that is in the Outlook Express User folder is corrupted.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, recreate the Outlook Express Preferences file:
  1. Open the following folder:

    Macintosh HD:Microsoft Internet Applications Folder:Outlook Express:Outlook Express User:Main User

  2. In the folder, locate the Outlook Express Preferences file, and then drag the file to the desktop.
  3. Press and hold the OPTION+COMMAND keys, and then restart the computer to rebuild the desktop.
  4. Start Outlook Express to recreate the Preferences file, and then delete the Preferences file that is on the desktop.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/2/2002
Keywords:kbinterop kbprb KB299319
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.