How to Reset Outlook 2007 to Its Default

Computer and software issues are inevitable with any program, including Outlook 2007. If you use Outlook 2007, you may have inadvertently changed the program’s default settings, menus, toolbars or views, especially if you installed third-party add-ins or, if you share your computer others, they have modified the default settings. Fortunately, you can restore Outlook 2007 to its default settings. For one of the easiest ways to do so, use the “OUTCMD.DAT” file, which can help restore views, toolbars, menus or settings to their default setting.

Exit any open Outlook 2007 windows.

Find the “OUTCMD.DAT” file: Open the Windows Start menu, click “Computer,” double-click the C drive, open the “Users” folder, then select your Windows login account folder. Double-click “AppData,” open “Roaming,” select the “Microsoft” folder, then go into the “Outlook” folder. The “OUTCMD.DAT” file is located in the “Outlook” folder.

Give the “OUTCMD.DAT” file a different name, such as “OLD.DAT.”

Restart Outlook 2007. By default, when Outlook 2007 notices the absence of the “OUTCMD.DAT” file, it creates a new one from scratch, restoring the program to its default settings.