Outlook Crashes on Startup Even in Safe Mode – Top 3 Ways to Fix

  Ashwani Tiwari
Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Modified On November 24th, 2025
Reading Time 6 Min Read

What to do when Microsoft Outlook crashes on startup even in safe mode? You may find it odd. It is a very rare case when your Outlook account fails to open even in safe mode due to mspst32.dll crashes at the back end. Go through the blog for more information. See how to fix the issues when Outlook crashes even in safe mode problem without any data loss.

One thing is clear, If your Outlook account crashing or failing to open in safe mode, there must be some serious issues in your PST data file. Along with this, you might be getting error messages like:


“Problem Event Name: APPCRASH”
“Application Name: Outlook.exe”
“Fault Module Name: MSPST32.DLL” This error appears on Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 versions.

Major Causes for Outlook Crashing in Safe Mode

Before going directly for a solution to fix Outlook crashes on startup even in safe mode, let us go through some of the major reason for this issue. You may face this when:

  • MSPST32.dll File is Missing: This is an important part of a PST file. If this file goes missing or gets corrupted due to some reasons may result in crashing Outlook even in safe mode.
  • Corrupted or Damaged PST File: Microsoft Outlook account crashes when PST file is corrupted. If the PST data file is damaged, it will be difficult to open Outlook even in safe mode efficiently.
  • Issues in System Files: There are numbers of registry files and system data files that helps to open and use Microsoft Outlook without any issues. If any of these files are damaged or has some issues, then it may result in crashing of Outlook on send and receive.
  • Sudden Outlook Shut Down: An improper shutdown of Outlook account may result in crashing of your account. AT times, it may also end up in Outlook crashes on startup even in a safe mode.

Reasons Behind MSPST32.dll Corruption

Normally MSPST32.DLL file in Microsoft Outlook back-end does not get affected by its own. Some irregular actions or operations executed in your MS Outlook account reflect on mspst32.dll corruption. It can be anything like missing, deletion, damage or broken MSPST32.DLL file. Explore the causes that are responsible for Outlook crashes on startup even in Safe Mode (due to MSPST32.DLL).

  • Overwriting of MSPST32.DLL
  • Lost/deletion of MSPST32.DLL file
  • The invalid MSPST32.DLL registry entry
  • Oversized Outlook PST file
  • Malware attack on MS Outlook
  • Installation issues in Outlook account
  • Improper Shut down of Outlook
  • Inaccessible / damaged PST file
  • System registry files issues

How to Fix Outlook Crashes on Startup Even in Safe Mode?

  1. Restore System to a Previous Date
  2. Repair or Reinstall the MSPST32.dll File
  3. Use an Expert-Suggested Automated Utility

Now, let us further describe each of these methods in ful detail.

Restore System to a Previous Date

This method allows users to restore their system back to a previous date when your system was working properly. It will discard all the changes that you have done recently that resulted in Outlook crashing issues. At times, this may help users to fix Outlook crashes on startup even in safe mode efficiently.

  1. Log in your System as Admin.
  2. Now go to All programs and accessories >> System Restore >> Restore my computer to an earlier date >> Next
  3. Now you need to select Most recent system restore point >> then click Next.
  4. After this step, your system will automatically go to reboot.
  5. Open your system with restored settings. Now open your MS Outlook account and see whether it is working or not.

Repair or Reinstall the MSPST32.dll File

If you are sure that, your Outlook crashes even on safe mode because mspst32.dll file corrupted, then you can follow the below steps fix it by yourself.

1. Repair MSPST.DLL file

  1. Go to Start >> type command >> press CTRL+Shift >> hit ENTER >> then opt Yes.
  2. Type regedit >> ENTER
  3. In the Registry Editor >> select MSPST32.DLL related key (the one you need to backup).
  4. Go to File >> Export option
  5. Provide destination location >> Save In >> provide File_name
  6. Ensure the Selected branch is enabled >> Save.
  7. Now, you have successfully backed up MSPST32.DLL related registry entry.
  8. Now, you can manually edit or repair MSPST32.DLL file.

2. Reinstall MSPST32.DLL:

It is advisable to visit the official page of Microsoft and get the new copy.

Automated Tool Remove PST File Error

SysTools provides an efficient application to fix and repair corruption problems in a PST file. SysTools PST Repair Tool allows to repair and recover data from a encrypted PST file. It can export recovered data efficiently into a new PST data file without any data loss. Also provides the option to recover permanently deleted Outlook data items from a PST file. Moreover, it is evidently proficient in repairing PST files without ScanPST.exe tool.

To know more about how to fix a corrupted Outlook personal folder file, download the software and run the application by following the steps given below.

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  1. Launch the software and add your damaged PST data file into the software.
  2. You will be provided with the preview of your entire data items in the PST file.
  3. This repaired and recovered data can be exported in 5 different file formats, say PST, EML, MSG, HTML, or in Office 365.
  4. Import the newly created PST data file in your Outlook account

This is a simple and easy procedure to fix Outlook crashes on startup even in safe mode effortlessly. It resolves PST file issues directly and allows you to recover data from inaccessible PST and recreate a new error free PST file. This is the best way to fix this issue in case you find ScanPST tool is not responding.

Conclusion

When Outlook crashes on startup even in safe mode, it indicates a severe issue with the PST file or MSPST32.DLL module. To tackle this, start by restoring Windows, repairing the file using scanpst.exe, and replacing corrupted DLL files. However, if the problem still persists, the safest and most effective fix is using SysTools Software as it ensures proficiently restoring Outlook to normal functioning.