Why is Outlook closing when I use the desktop button?

[thketer]

This problem has just started, it was never an issue in the past.

I have an HP Pavilion dv7-4153cl and am using Windows 7.

How can I fix this?

[Danjen]

What desktop button?

[Dragon-Fur]

Are you an AT&T customer?

It MAY be your client email service that has failed.

If you have a direct portal, ie., a login to your email through a browser and that still works, then this is a good test.

Double, triple check your client email setup... that is, your POP email setup.  Google your service provider's setup and make sure it is correct on your side.  I suspect it IS correct.  These things do not fall apart by themselves as a rule.

IMO: 

• Do not bother reinstalling Outlook unless you REALLY think there is something wrong with it.
• If you end up calling your email service provider for support, they may ask you to change the password to the email account - it hardly ever works and it is a favorite first line responder "thing to do".  Go along in the spirit of cooperation.
• If you have another client, try IT.  For example:  can you still access your email using your iPad, or your phone?  If not, then it may be your client email service.  If yes, then REDO your OUTLOOK client setup and try it again.

Good Luck...

[thketer]

on the extreme right at the bottom of the screen the skinny rectangle that allows you to toggle from an open application to the  desktop

[Dragon-Fur]

Completely different from having Outlook close!

That is Areo "Show Desktop"

It is just a method of "clearing" the screen so you can "see" what is on the Desktop.

It shouldn't be actually closing your client / applicaitions.

Now, that is my second guess.  I now withdraw and step aside!  Smiling.

[thketer]

I know what the function is, the reality is that it is closing Outlook everytime I use the function whereas it has never done this since I purchased this laptop almost 2 years ago

[thketer]

Hi
Thanks for the reply. I checked all email addresses are fully functional. I do not have any issues with the iPhone or iPad2.
So I don't think it would be the AT&T service also our other computer is not having this issue.
Thank you for your time.

[Dragon-Fur]

OK... We have AT&T - cllient email failed totally for the first time in ten years for almost a week.  At one point, it worked after they cleared line errors between AT&T and our email provider - then it failed five minutes later. It took several calls to first line support over a period of days for someone to finally tell me that they do Not support client email - not as of June of 2011.  Today, after that amount of time, it is working - was it the endless calls to support, the talk of calling the local news station?  Doubtful.  Nonetheless, the issue made me think of your situation.  My apologies for confusing the two.  Smiling.

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Things to Try / Consider:

First find out whether the Outlook program itself is OK:

Start > search / type "outlook" > Click to Open the program

If that works, then it may just be the link on the Desktop

Replace the Shortcut to the program:

It may just be the Desktop icon (link to the program) has gone "bad".  Unlikely, but this could happen.  You can replace the Desktop shortcut with a new one.

• Move the current Outlook shortcut on the Desktop into the Recycle bin.  This will NOT remove the program.  It just trashes the shortcut on the Desktop.

•  Use the same process, above, except --- after you find Outlook in the Search List
• Right-Click on Outlook and "Send it" to the Desktop (make a new shortcut)

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Go Back in Time

You can try taking the computer "back in time" to where this worked.  This is a Hard Reset.  The Hard Reset won't affect your personal files and data; it will reset any programs and system data that may have been changed since the last Restore Point.  Will it work?  It depends on "why" the issue exists - if the problem is due to an underlying change, perhaps a recent update, a program installation that seems unrelated, or a registry change (something you'd not see nor be aware of), then yes, this might work.

Using System Restore this time does require that you have already turned on the Restore Points for at least the main disk, usually the "C" disk on your computer.  See below on how to use System Restore.

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How to Use:

Restoring Windows to a Previous Point (Windows 7)

Reference -

Setting Up Restore Points and System Restore:

Prior to making any changes to your computer, you can make sure you have a Restore Point.  If things go sideways, you can “go back in time”.  This is called System Restore.  Once you have System Restore enabled, the computer will make Restore Points automatically prior to many program installations.  You can also create a Restore Point manually.

Make sure Restore Protection is turned on for the C:\ drive

AND

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection > Create a Restore Point

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Sometimes System Restore works better if you drop into "Safe Mode"

Entering Safe Mode in Windows 7

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[thketer]

Thank you for the help,

Outlook is working, removing the shortcut did not resolve the issue

I will try the system restore

Again thank you for your time.

HK

[Dragon-Fur]

OK... If that doesn't do it..

Let me paraphrase what you are doing just in case I am still unclear...

• You are using "Aero" Display Desktop to clear the display temporarily and it is Closing your Outlook program instead of just "clearing" it and then restoring the view of that running process.

IF this is what is happening

AND the restore does not set this to rights...

then you could try this:

• You could try running the Windows Troubleshooter

Start > search / type "Troubleshooting" > Click to open

Select "Appearance and Personalization"

and, if you want to double check...

Select "Programs"