When you reset Microsoft Outlook email, it means you are returning it to its original factory settings. This process will erase all account information, including your email accounts, settings, preferences, and any customizations you may have made.
Resetting Outlook can be useful in certain situations, such as when you are troubleshooting issues or starting fresh with a clean slate. However, it is important to note that resetting Outlook will permanently delete all your data, so it is crucial to back up any important information before proceeding.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset Outlook email:
1. Close Outlook: Before you can reset Outlook, make sure to close the application completely. This ensures that all processes are terminated properly.
2. Open Control Panel: Go to the Control Panel on your computer. You can usually find it in the Start menu or by searching for “Control Panel” in the search bar.
3. Find the Mail applet: In the Control Panel, search for the Mail applet. The location of this applet may vary depending on your version of Windows. It is typically found under the “User Accounts” or “Mail” category.
4. Open Mail applet: Once you locate the Mail applet, click on it to open the Mail Setup dialog box.
5. Show Profiles: In the Mail Setup dialog box, click on the “Show Profiles” button. This will display a list of all the Outlook profiles currently set up on your computer.
6. Select Profile: Select the Outlook profile that you want to reset. If you have only one profile, it will be automatically selected.
7. Remove Profile: Click on the “Remove” button to delete the selected profile. A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you want to delete the profile. Confirm the deletion by clicking “Yes.”
8. Create New Profile (optional): If you want to start fresh with a new Outlook profile, you can click on the “Add” button after removing the old profile. This will guide you through the process of creating a new profile, where you can add your email accounts and configure settings from scratch.
9. Open Outlook: After resetting Outlook, you can reopen the application. It will now launch with the default settings and prompt you to set up a new profile if you did not create one in the previous step.
It is important to note that resetting Outlook will not delete any emails or data stored on your mail server. However, any locally stored data, such as emails, contacts, and calendar items, will be permanently removed. Therefore, it is crucial to back up any important data before resetting Outlook.
In addition, resetting Outlook will also remove any customizations you may have made, such as rules, signatures, and views. It is recommended to take note of your customizations or take screenshots before resetting Outlook, so you can recreate them later if needed.
Resetting Outlook email is a drastic step that should be taken with caution. It can be helpful in resolving certain issues or starting fresh, but it is essential to back up your data and consider the consequences before proceeding.