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An Unknown Error Occurred, Error Code 0x80070002” [Fixed]

A guide on how to resolve the error 0x80070002 that appears after Outlook crashes.

Has Microsoft Outlook suddenly crashed with the frustrating message: “An unknown error occurred, error code 0x80070002”?

This cryptic error usually means Outlook can’t find a critical file, whether it’s a corrupted profile, missing system components, or damaged data files. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk you through 8 proven fixes to get Outlook running smoothly again.

What Causes Error Code 0x80070002 in Outlook?

The 0x80070002 error (which translates to “The system cannot find the file specified”) typically appears when:

Outlook’s data files (PST/OST) are corrupted

A critical system file is missing or damaged

The Outlook profile is broken

Windows or Office updates failed

Antivirus or add-ins are interfering

Since this error prevents Outlook from launching or functioning properly, let’s dive into the best troubleshooting methods.

Fix 1: Start Outlook in Safe Mode (Disable Add-ins)

Sometimes, third-party add-ins conflict with Outlook, triggering the 0x80070002 error. To check:

Close Outlook completely (check Task Manager to ensure it’s not running in the background).

Press Win + R, type:

outlook.exe /safe

and hit Enter. 3. If Outlook opens without crashing, an add-in is likely the culprit. 4. Go to File > Options > Add-ins. 5. Under Manage COM Add-ins, click Go… 6. Uncheck all add-ins, then restart Outlook normally. 7. Re-enable add-ins one by one to identify the problematic one.

Why this works: Safe mode loads Outlook without add-ins, helping isolate software conflicts.

Fix 2: Run Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)

Microsoft’s SaRA tool automates Outlook troubleshooting, fixing common issues like 0x80070002.

Download SaRA from

Microsoft’s official site⁠

Run the tool and select Outlook when prompted.

Follow the on-screen instructions—it will scan for errors and suggest fixes.

Restart Outlook after the process completes.

Why this works: SaRA detects and repairs broken Outlook installations, missing files, and configuration errors.

Fix 3: Repair Corrupted PST/OST/BAK Files

If Outlook’s data files are damaged, you’ll keep seeing error 0x80070002. Here’s how to fix them:

Method A: Use Microsoft’s Built-In ScanPST Tool

Locate ScanPST.exe (path varies by Outlook version):

Outlook 2019/365: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\

Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\

Run ScanPST.exe, click Browse, and select your PST/OST file.

Click Start to scan, then Repair if errors are found.

Restart Outlook and check if the error is resolved.

Method B: Use SysTools Outlook PST Repair (For Severe Corruption)

If ScanPST fails, a professional tool like SysTools Outlook PST Repair can recover severely damaged files:

1. Download & install SysTools

Outlook PST Repair⁠

⁠

2. Open the tool, select your corrupt PST file, and start scanning.

⁠

3. Preview recoverable emails before saving.

⁠

4. Export the repaired PST and re-import it into Outlook.

⁠

Why this works: While ScanPST handles minor corruption, SysTools can recover deeply damaged files that Microsoft’s tool can’t fix.

Fix 4: Recreate the Outlook Profile

A corrupted Outlook profile often causes error 0x80070002. Here’s how to reset it:

Close Outlook and open Control Panel > Mail (32-bit).

Click Show Profiles, then Add.

Enter a new profile name (e.g., “Outlook_New”) and click OK.

Re-add your email account (IMAP, Exchange, or POP3).

Set the new profile as default, then restart Outlook.

Why this works: A fresh profile eliminates corruption issues linked to the old one.

Fix 5: Repair Microsoft Office Installation

If Office files are missing or damaged, Outlook won’t launch properly.

Quick Repair (Faster, Fixes Minor Issues)

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.

Select Microsoft Office > Change > Quick Repair > Repair.

Restart your PC and check Outlook.

Online Repair (More Thorough, Fixes Major Corruption)

Follow the same steps but choose Online Repair instead.

This reinstalls Office components from Microsoft’s servers.

Restart your PC and test Outlook again.

Why this works: Quick Repair fixes small issues, while Online Repair replaces all Office files.

Fix 6: Update Windows & Microsoft Office

Outdated Windows or Office versions can trigger 0x80070002.

Update Windows

Press Win + I > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Click Check for updates and install all pending updates.

Update Office

Open Outlook > File > Office Account.

Click Update Options > Update Now.

Why this works: Updates patch bugs and replace missing system files.

Fix 7: Run SFC & DISM Scans (Fix System File Corruption)

Windows system file corruption can cause Outlook error 0x80070002.

Step 1: Run SFC Scan

Open Command Prompt as Admin.

Type:

sfc /scannow

and press Enter. 3. Wait for completion—it will repair corrupted system files.

Step 2: Run DISM Scan

In the same Command Prompt, type:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Let it complete (may take 20-30 minutes).

Restart your PC.

Why this works: SFC fixes system files, while DISM repairs the Windows image.

Fix 8: Reinstall Microsoft Office (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, a clean reinstall may be necessary.

Uninstall Office:

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall Office.

Download & Reinstall Office:

Visit

office.com⁠

, sign in, and reinstall.

Set up Outlook again and check if the error is gone.

Why this works: A fresh install removes deep-seated corruption.

Final Thoughts

The “Unknown error 0x80070002” in Outlook is usually fixable by:

Repairing PST files (ScanPST or SysTools)

Recreating the Outlook profile

Running Office Repair

Updating Windows & Office

If the issue persists, Microsoft Support may be needed.

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