Fix Outlook 2007 slow performance issues
Jun 21st, 2007 by MrGroove
When I upgraded to Outlook 2007 I began to use the built in “Instant Search” and I found it wasn’t that INSTANT. Not only that, Outlook 2007 in general was just plain SLUGGISH.
The culprit turned out to be my use of large .OST and .PST files. Lucky for me, I was able to find the fix. Additionally, I also was having “severe” performance issues with the Outlook Auto Complete function. Anytime I typed something into the TO: line or CC: line, my outlook client froze while looking it up in the Auto Complete. Right when was ready to uninstall outlook 2007, I figured out the solution.
Anyway, back to the slow Outlook 2007 performance Fix:
Microsoft posted a fix here: Update for Outlook 2007 (KB933493)
This update fixes a problem in which a calendar item that is marked as private is opened if it is found by using the Search Desktop feature. The update also fixes performance issues that occur when you work with items in a large .pst file or .ost file.
UPDATE:
FYI, on a performance note, Microsoft just released a few Windows Vista updates which could improve performance of Outlook 2007 on Vista. Take a look here.
Tags: download, hotfix, free, howto, microsoft office, ost, outlook 2007, performance, pst
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Did this fix actually work for you? My outlook 2007 is still very slow ever after applying this hotfix. Even worse, I often get warnings that say outlook was not closed properly and a data file check is performed. That slows down the entire computer!
Hi JC,
For me personally, yes. This patched fixed “one” of the problems I was having which was a slow instant search experience which was a direct result from having a really large OST and PST attached to my outlook profile. It’s not however a silver bullet for the slow outlook 2007 performance.
If your still having problems my reccomendation would be to post your questions in our Microsoft Office forum so the entire community here at groovyPost can assist.
http://forum.groovypost.com/viewforum.php?f=54
My issue with Outlook 2003 on vista was it would become unresponsive while navigating the e-mail structure. Task manager showed that Outlook was using very little resources (processing time). After reading other posts on the internet, I decided to disable my Symantec Antivirus Client from scanning e-mail, and Voilla! Outlook functions again. I’m not sure why this works, and I’m not happy that I must disable my e-mail scanning, so I cannot tell everyone to do so. However, I have contacted Symantec about this issue and hope they will work to resolve it.
Cheers. David
Hi David and Welcome to the site!
I had similar issues with McAfee as I stated here: http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/outlook/fix-slow-outlook-email-address-auto-complete/
How that was associated with the “Auto-Complete”. Not suprised that Symantec or even McAfee for that matter is causing Performance issues. I think were going to be seeing a lot of tuning from AV agents as they become familiar with Vista and Outlook / Office 2007.
Thanks for the contribution!
Outlook 2007 was also extremely slow - moreso when opening an email. What worked for me was - Tools|Trust Centre|Attachment Handling - Check the box to “Turn Off Attachment Preview”. This sped up opening of emails.
I am however still having a slow response when opening an Office 2007 attachment. Troubleshooting that right now.
@Rufo
Thanks for the additional Tip RuFo and WELCOME to the site!
rufo, I just applied the hotfix, and opening emails was a bit sluggish.
Checking the box to “Turn Off Attachment Preview” seems to speed things up …. thanks