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Article ID: 173299 - Last Review: January 20, 2007 - Revision: 1.1

OL97: Error Msg: "The MAPI Spooler could not be started"

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WARNING: The information in this article has not been confirmed or tested by Microsoft. Some or all of the information in this article has been taken from unconfirmed customer reports. ANY USE BY YOU OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Microsoft provides this information "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose.

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SYMPTOMS

When attempting to start Microsoft Outlook 97, you may get the following error message:
The MAPI Spooler could not be started. Close and then restart all mail-enabled applications MAPI 1.0 (000004c7)
followed by the message:
Unable to open the Outlook window.
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CAUSE

Case 1

A missing Mapisp32.exe file causes this problem. The Mapisp32.exe file may have been removed or renamed by your anti-virus program. This problem has been reported when using ThunderByte Anti-Virus software, manufactured by TCT-ThunderByte Corp, but may also be caused by other anti-virus programs.
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Case 2

You shut down the Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI) Spooler (Mapisp32.exe) by pressing CTRL + ALT + DELETE, and performing an End Task on the file, but have other MAPI enabled applications open when you try to restart Outlook.
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RESOLUTION

Case 1

If you have a file named Mapisp32.vxe in your Windows\System folder, rename it to Mapisp32.exe. If not, copy the Mapisp32.exe file from your setup Compact Disc and set your anti-virus program to ignore the file.

If Mapisp32.exe is present and in the proper location, uninstall Outlook including Windows Messaging and reinstall Outlook.
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Case 2

Exit all MAPI enabled applications before starting Outlook.
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MORE INFORMATION

If you disable your anti-virus software during installation, Outlook may run immediately after installation but fail to run (giving the error messages above) after a restart of the computer. This is because restarting the computer reinitiates the anti-virus software. The ThunderByte anti-virus software defaults to "Rename" for any new program file found on the system. You must instruct it to ignore the Mapisp32.exe program.

ThunderByte Anti-Virus is manufactured by CT-ThunderByte Corp., a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Outlook 97 Standard Edition
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Keywords: 
kbprb KB173299
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Retired KB ArticleRetired KB Content Disclaimer
This article was written about products for which Microsoft no longer offers support. Therefore, this article is offered "as is" and will no longer be updated.
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