Unsupported folder class error when Outlook starts

Original KB number:   2668932

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

You install the Apple iCloud Control Panel for Windows Vista or for Windows 7. You configure the Apple iCloud Control Panel to enable one or more iCloud services, and you synchronize them with Microsoft Outlook 2007 or from Outlook 2010. You use either the Outlook client or the Windows Control Panel Mail item to set the iCloud data file as the default.

In this scenario, when you start Outlook, you receive the following error:

Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook window. The set of folders cannot be opened. Unsupported folder class (IPF.Contact)

Cause

The Apple iCloud data file uses a custom data file (.aplzod) structure. Outlook cannot use the data file as the default data file.

Resolution

To set an Outlook Data File (.pst) as the default, follow these steps:

  1. Select Start, and then select Run.

  2. Copy and paste, or type control panel in the Open box, and then press Enter:

    Note

    If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows, double-click View 32-bit Control Panel in Control Panel to display the Mail icon.

  3. Open the Mail Setup dialog box:

    For Windows 7:

    • If Control Panel is in either Large icons or Small icons view, select Mail. The Mail Setup dialog box appears.
    • If Control Panel is in Category view, under View by, select either Large icons or Small icons, and then select Mail. The Mail Setup dialog box appears.

    For Windows Vista or for Windows XP:

    • If Control Panel is in Classic View, double-click Mail. The Mail Setup dialog box appears.
    • If Control Panel is in Category View, under Control Panel, select Switch to Classic View for Windows XP, or select Classic View for Windows Vista, and then double-click Mail. The Mail Setup dialog box appears.
  4. In the Mail Setup dialog box, select Show Profiles.

  5. Select your current Outlook profile, and then select Properties.

  6. In the Mail Setup - profile name dialog box, select Data Files.

  7. In the Account Settings dialog box, select the Data Files tab.

  8. Select an Outlook Data File. Outlook Data Files have .pst extensions.

  9. Select the Set as Default button.

  10. Select Close.

  11. Start Outlook.

More information

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