Outlook has been a great email management system for a long time. It has been known as a dependable and secure email management tool.
Interestingly, the best part is both personal, and businesses have used Outlook as a common emailing platform. Outlook offers some great features and functions that make it remarkable from other email management systems.
Like other applications, Microsoft Outlook sometimes creates some errors. While users try to open the Microsoft Outlook application, the system throws an error: Invalid XML, the view cannot be loaded, preventing users from successfully opening the application.
If you encounter the same error, don’t be upset. Here, I will walk you through some proven and tested approaches to resolving the Outlook error within a minute. Sounds great, right?
Okay, let’s get started without further ado.
Why Does Invalid XML Error Occur in Outlook?
The Invalid XML the view cannot be loaded error occurs due to a miss configuration issue on the Outlook application navigation pane or a corrupted/damaged Outlook XML file. Also, running Outlook in compatibility mode and an outdated version of Outlook is another reason for the error.
Outlook Invalid XML error is pretty familiar for Outlook users. Almost every version of Outlook throws this particular error. Approximately all Outlook users encounter this error at least once.
Due to some technical reasons, the error occurred that I mentioned earlier. If you are bothered by this error, you can resolve it within a few minutes. Let me discuss the reason for the error.
Here are the possible main reasons for Outlook Invalid XML error issue in Outlook:
The most common reason for the Outlook Invalid XML error is the miss configuration issue on the Outlook application navigation pane. While the Outlook navigation pane is misconfigured, the application does not work perfectly and throws the error.
Check out our separate post on how to view message headers in Outlook.
Corrupted or Damaged XML File
The corrupted or damaged Outlook file is another possible reason for the Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML error.
It can be possible that your Outlook XML file is corrupted or damaged by viruses/malware. Also, the Outlook XML file is corrupted or damaged due to system bugs/glitches.
Running Outlook in Compatibility Mode
If you run your Outlook application in compatibility mode, you may encounter an Invalid XML error from Outlook while you try to run the application.
Outdated Outlook Application
Outdated or obsolete Outlook application is another reason for encountering the error issue on Outlook. When the application is outdated, it creates various errors, such as an Invalid XML error.
Also, check out our separate post on disable Outlook deleting confirmation message.
How to Fix Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML Error
Outlook is one of the most popular email management systems from Microsoft. It sets it apart from other managing abilities to manage calendars, save contacts, arrange meetings, share files, organize projects, and more.
However, some Outlook users reported that sometimes they encounter an Invalid XML error while trying to open the application. It seems annoying and frustrating as well.
But, the great news is that you can resolve the error issue effortlessly by following two proven methods. So, follow the steps below to fix your problem without any uncertainty.
Okay, let’s see.
Here are the steps to fix cannot start Microsoft Outlook Invalid XML Error:
The first and the most effective method to solve the Outlook Invalid XML error is resetting the Outlook navigation panel.
While your Outlook navigation panel is misconfigured, the error occurs. So, reset your Outlook navigation panel to resolve the error.
Here are the steps to reset the Outlook navigation panel:
- Open the Windows Run program by pressing the Windows+R keys.
- Type exe /resetnavpane and hit the Enter key or click on the OK. Note: There is space between outlook.exe and ‘/.’
- The command clears and regenerates the Navigation Pane for the current profile.
Follow our guide to fix Outlook can’t create file error when opening attachment.
2. Delete Corrupted XML File
Another proven and tested method to resolve the Outlook Invalid XML error is deleting the corrupted or damaged XML file.
Here are the steps to delete corrupted XML file:
- Open the Windows Run program by pressing the Windows+R keys.
- Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Outlook and hit the Enter key or click on the Ok.
- This command will open the Microsoft Outlook configuration window. Here you find the Outlook configuration file name as xml.
- Delete the xml file.
- Restart your Outlook application, and the application will automatically create the new configuration file.
- Check to see whether your problem is solved.
3. Use Inbox Repair Tool
Using the Inbox Repair tool is another most effective and tested way to resolve the Outlook error issues. Microsoft developed the Inbox Repair tool to fix the Outlook errors. This tool helps you to diagnose and repair errors in your Outlook data file.
Here are the steps to use the Inbox Repair tool to fix the Invalid XML error in Outlook:
- Close the Outlook apps completely.
- Navigate to the following path if you have 64-bit Windows and installed a 64-bit Office program :
- Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15
- Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14
- Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12
- Navigate to the following path if you have 64-bit Windows and installed a 32-bit Office program :
- Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
- Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
- Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
- Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12
- Scroll down and find the EXE file. Also, you can find the SCANPST.EXE file shortcut using the File Explorer search bar.
- Double-click on the EXE file to run the Inbox Repair tool.
- Click on the Browse and select the Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Click on the Start button to start the scanning process. Wait some time to finish the scanning process.
- Select Repair to fix the Outlook Data File if errors are found.
- Open the Outlook application and check to see whether the problem is solved after completing the repairing process.
4. Disable Compatibility Mode in Outlook
You can disable the Compatibility mode in Outlook to solve your Outlook Invalid XML error. If none of the methods are not working, this method helps you to fix the error.
Here are the steps to disable the Compatibility mode to solve the Outlook Invalid XML error:
- Navigate to the folder where the Office program is installed. Follow steps number 2 and 3 of the method “Use Inbox Repair Tool” (Method no:3).
- Right-click on EXE and choose Properties.
- Select the Compatibility In this tab, you will see the Compatibility mode section.
- Uncheck the Run this program in compatibility mode for: option under the Compatibility mode section.
- Click on Apply to save the changes and click OK.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Outlook is a great email management system that helps manage emails, schedule meetings, manage calendars, save contacts, and more. But, sometimes Outlook shows an Invalid XML error due to a misconfigured Outlook navigation pane or a corrupted Outlook XML file.
If there is a problem, there will be a solution. If you face the Outlook Invalid XML error, reconfigure the Outlook navigation pane or delete and recreate the XML file.
That’s all for today. Thank you for sticking with me to the very end. I hope you found this article to be informative and useful. Share this article with your friends if you enjoyed it.
Have a good day. Peace!
