Cannot open this item The text formatting command is not available error in Outlook

  • Article
  • Applies to:
    Outlook 2013, Microsoft Outlook 2010, Microsoft Office Outlook 2007

Original KB number:   3062702

Symptoms

When you try to open an email message in Microsoft Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010, or Outlook 2007, you receive the following error message:

Cannot open this item. The text formatting command is not available. It may not be installed correctly. Install Microsoft Outlook again.

Cause

This problem occurs when the following conditions are true:

Resolution

Warning

Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require you to reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Exit Outlook.

  2. Install the Unexpected UAC prompt after you install update 2918614 in Windows update.

    Note

    To install this update in Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2, you must first install Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 update: April 2014. For Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, first install Service Pack 1. For Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, first install Service Pack 2.

  3. Start Registry Editor. To do this, use one of the following methods, as appropriate for your situation:

    • Windows 8: Press Windows Key+R to open a Run dialog box.
    • Windows 7 or Windows Vista: select Start, and then select Run to open a Run dialog box.

  4. Type regedit.exe, and then press Enter.

  5. Locate and select the following registry key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer

  6. On the Edit menu, point to New, then select DWORD Value.

  7. Type NoUACforHashMissing, and then press Enter.

  8. Right-click NoUACforHashMissing, and then select Modify.

  9. In the Value data box, type 1, and then select OK.

  10. Exit Registry Editor.

  11. Start Outlook.