I cannot create a recurring task in MS Outlook 2016

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I can create a task that does not recur, but when I hit the “Recurrence” button in the middle of the Task Ribbon (see”new task screen” attachment), Outlook crashes. Sometimes it restarts, sometimes not. If I have saved the task, the task survives. If not, it disappears.

On the Task form, if I go into File>Properties on a new task, I’m unable to change the security settings (see “New Task Prop-security” attachment). On an already created task, the security options are visible but greyed out (see “Old Task Prop-security” attachment). Don’t know if this is relevant, or why I would want to change the security options, but there it is. I can’t find any documentation on that feature.

Things I have tried: scanpst.exe, Stellar Repair for Outlook, Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (totally useless), created a new profile, tried running Outlook from a newly created Windows user account, tried repair (both the quick and the long/online) from “Add or Remove Programs”, I uninstalled and reinstalled Office 2016 twice (once manually and once using the uninstall tool), removed all plug-ins and add-ons.
The only thing I haven’t done is create a new PST file. There used to be an easy way to do this and then just copy all the items from the old data file to the new, but it seems that MS doesn’t allow the creation of new PSTs this any more.
When I reinstalled Office, it came back with my customizations to the Quick Access Toolbar, so I doubt that I really completely uninstalled it, even though I followed Microsoft’s instructions.
I’ve looked at all my other installed programs, but don’t see any that I think would involve Office. I have installed GogTasks (from gogtasks.com) and Calendar Sync Pro (from pppindia.com), but I haven’t activated or run them since the reinstalls. They don’t
show up in the ribbon any more.

Thanks for any help. I’m even considering reinstalling Windows to try to get rid of this bug.

I’m running Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1909 (OS Build 18363.535), and Microsoft
Office 2016 MSO Click-to-Run (16.0.12325.20280) 64-bit. Also called Outlook Version
1912 (Build 12325.20288 Click-to-Run).

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I’ve tried doing this and it works as expected – so it is probably not a bug. As you’ve tried most other things, it might indicate your pst is the culprit. You say that it’s not possible to create a new pst, but this web page seems to say it is. If this isn’t the answer I hope some else can chime in.

Eliminate spare time: start programming PowerShell

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Thanks, access-mdb. This is a step forward.

Now what? I’m embarrassed to say I’ve forgotten what to do next.But below is what I did. I think it’s right.

I created a new PST the way you suggested. Then I went to File> Account settings> Account settings and made the new PST the default data file.

Then I went into File > Account settings> Manage profiles> Show profiles. Then I selected my current profile and selected Properties> Data files. Then I selected the “old” PST and removed it. Then I restarted Outlook. All the folders are empty.

Then I tried to create a recurring task and Outlook crashed. (Three times, actually. I couldn’t believe that it was still happening and kept hoping against hope that it would work!) 

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Sorry, you’re now above my pay grade. Hope somebody else can help.

Eliminate spare time: start programming PowerShell

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A complete reinstall of Windows using the built-in tool with Windows 10 got this working for me for a day. Now it’s back. Wish Microsoft or someone would address this issue. You’re not alone.

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[Vincenzo]

Have you tried it in Outlook Safe Mode?

 

• This reply was modified 5 years, 3 months ago by Vincenzo.

1 user thanked author for this post.

b

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This issues still occurs for me when outlook is in safe mode as well.

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From original poster: I fixed this with a reinstall of Windows (factory reset PC: non-destructive, leave user files, remove apps and settings). Had to reinstall Office as a result.

Like anonymous on January 23 at 4:13 pm – but I am still only in my second day

I consider this issue resolved.

 

2 users thanked author for this post.

Elly, b

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