[Solved] How to Fix Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML Error?
[Solved] How to Fix Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML Error?
Blog Article
Outlook Invalid XML Error: The Invalid XML Error in Microsoft Outlook occurs when the XML file associated with your Outlook account becomes corrupted. This can result in the error message “Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Invalid XML,” preventing you from accessing your Outlook account.
Understanding Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML Error
The Invalid XML Error can appear when a user is unable to access Microsoft Outlook due to a corrupted XML file. This often indicates that the settings of the navigation pane in Outlook are damaged, or the XML file has been corrupted or has a zero file size.
About Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML Error:

- This error typically arises due to corruption in the XML files that hold the navigation pane settings.
- Sometimes, the XML file with a size of zero or incomplete data triggers the “Invalid XML” message.
Reasons for Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML Error
The Invalid XML Error may be triggered by several factors, mostly relating to corrupted navigation pane settings or the XML file becoming invalid.
Potential Causes:
- Corrupted Navigation Pane Settings: The XML file responsible for storing navigation settings can become corrupted.
- Zero-Size XML Files: If the XML file size is zero, it will cause the Invalid XML error.
- Slow Outlook Start: An unusually slow startup of Outlook followed by the error message typically points to XML corruption.
Troubleshooting to Fix Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML Error
Follow these steps to resolve the Invalid XML Error in Microsoft Outlook:
Steps to Reset Navigation Pane Settings:
- Go to Windows Start Menu: Click on the Start menu at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Open the Run Window: Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run window.
- Enter the Reset Command: Type in “Outlook.exe /resetnavpane” (without quotes) and click OK.
- For Microsoft Office 2010: Use the command “C:Program FilesOffice 14Outlook.exe” /resetnavpane” (ensure there’s a space after Outlook.exe).
- Restart Outlook: After running the command, open Outlook to check if the issue has been resolved.