Problems with Outlook 2016

Specification & Product Discussions Computers, the Internet and Networking
1

I recently upgraded Microsoft Office 2013 products to the 2016 version. Everything went smoothly, or so I thought. Word 2016 and Excel 2016 worked fine but Outlook 2016 kept crashing on startup and there was no way I could retrieve my emails.

I downloaded Office 365 which is their subscription based product. Do not use their cloud based product if you have MasterSpec because Word must reside on your computer in order for MasterSpec’s MasterWork to operate.

Here is what I have learned after messing around for a whole day and hiring a computer tech to help me resolve issues:

  1. Make sure you have updated your Windows operating system to the latest version of Windows 10.

  2. Be sure to backup your files and PST file which is where Windows stores all your information (calendars, contacts, emails) in Outlook.

  3. VERY IMPORTANT! Disable all your add-ins. MasterSpec has several add-ins for Word (MasterWorks, SpecAgent, etc.) Especially be sure to disable add-ins in Outlook (typically Adobe).

  4. Office defaults to downloading the 32 bit version. If you have a 64 bit computer be sure to download the 64 bit version of Office. You have to click through a few options to get there.

  5. Plan on things not going smoothly and plan on it taking sometime. I had to totally remove Office products then reinstall them. So far so good.

  6. After installation reinstall MasterSpec MasterWork only since your MasterSpec files are already on the computer.

Good luck!

2

Wow what a hassle. Upgading seems to be such a nightmare anymore. I put it off for as long as possible.

3

Why upgrade when your current software is working fine?

My 2004 word processing software does everything required for preparing specifications.

4

I agree with user…and I don’t ever attempt to upgrade an OS. I just buy new computer with OS preinstalled; by that time, I usually need new system anyways and I’m better assured that hardware is right for min. OS requirements, as often my older computers are lacking in hardware capabilities. All I need to do is install Masterworks, etc., import Outlook .pst files, and a few other programs (although in some instances, I need to remember to “release” the software license from old computer, before installing program on new computer).