Outlook Doesn’t Close

It isn't very common that Outlook doesn't close on it's own. Practically always this
is caused by an add-in or another
program that integrates with Outlook. Once this add-in is disabled or updated
or the program is closed the problem will be gone and Outlook will close
normally again.

Add-ins

Most add-ins are shown in Tools-> Options-> tab Other-> button
Advanced Options…-> button Add-In Manager or button COM Add-ins. Here you
can disable or uninstall them. It is very likely that the add-in will also show
in Control Panel-> Add/Remove Programs. Check with the supplier if there are
updates for your product.

Programs

Programs that integrate with Outlook are not always shown as an add-in as well.
In this case you'll have to disable the integration in the program itself. See
the documentation of that program on how to disable it. If the integration is
the key of the program (like it is with synchronization software) make sure you
close that program after or before closing Outlook or it will keep Outlook open.

Programs that tend to keep Outlook open are;

• Fax software
• Virus scanners
• Anti-spam filters
• Synchronization software (for e.g. your PDA or cell phone)

Tip 1

Disabling the integration of your virus scanner doesn't
increase (or decrease) the risk of infection by a virus. The on access scanner
of the virus scanner¹⁾ will suffice. Also note that Outlook doesn't allow code
execution²⁾ in the Reading/Preview Pane so you can't get infected by a virus by
using the Reading/Preview Pane to read messages.

Tip 2

If you use synchronization software for your PDA in most
cases removing the PDA from its cradle before you close Outlook will suffice and
let Outlook close successfully.

Outlook 2000 hangs if you try to quit Outlook 2000 after Microsoft Office
Outlook 2003 was used to open your mailbox or if another user viewed your shared
Calendar with Outlook 2003.

See KB 834005 and call
Microsoft support to obtain the fix (free of charge)

¹⁾Depending on your virus scanner the on access scanner is also
known as 'real time scanner', 'auto protect' or 'Virus Shield'

²⁾You must have installed the e-mail security update
for this when using Outlook 2000 or Outlook 98. For Outlook 98 click

here to download. For Outlook 2000 make sure you've installed

Service Pack 3