Microsoft Outlook Help Needed

May 24, 2005 10:26 AM

Can somebody help out with a Microsoft Outlook problem that has me stumped?

As of this morning, I can't run Microsoft Outlook 2000 (on a machine running Windows 98) anymore. As it starts up, it performs an illegal operation and it shuts down. The details tell me that its because "OUTLOOK caused an invalid page fault in module COMCTL32.DLL" which should be enough for me to find help in the Microsoft Knowledge Base but I've spend quite a bit of time searching this, and haven't been able to find the answer. Any help would be greatly appreciated! General tips on how you begin to research and solve confusing or unexpected Microsoft problems would also be welcome. Thanks!

posted by .kobayashi. to computers & internet (4 comments total)

AFAIK, COMCTL32.DLL is just a generic Windows file. What I'd try, since you're on Win98, is the Unofficial Windows 98 Service Pack ("Microsoft has never released a service pack for Windows 98 SE. This contains all updates from Windows Update site and more."). I've not use it myself but I've heard good things about it.
posted by Alex Handcoding at 11:08 AM on May 24, 2005

And the problem is solved. But not through anything I've done. Basically, about 3 hours after the problem began, it stopped, as inexplicable in its parting as it was in its arrival. So for those who have the same problem someday, and are looking for solutions: just go for a walk, watch a ballgame, or something. It may be fine by the time you get back. Just don't ask me why.
posted by .kobayashi. at 12:07 PM on May 24, 2005

You could always try downloading another version of the DLL file and seeing if that fixes things. They used to wig out on my old comp all the time. Hell, I dunno.
posted by sciurus at 12:16 PM on May 24, 2005

On Win98, I used the System File Checker all the time.
posted by blag at 3:28 PM on May 24, 2005