Troubleshoot Outlook from Cache Issues

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In Outlook, problems may arise when there is an issue with forms cache. This issue normally arise when you open a new item or an existing item in a folder. You may receive one of the following error messages:

  • Message 1: The form you selected could not be displayed. Contact your administrator
  • Message 2: The form required to view this message cannot be displayed. Contact your administrator

Sometimes these messages will not popup. Instead, Outlook may open a default form instead of a custom form

Let’s know how to troubleshoot the forms cache

Method 1: Verify that items use a one-off form

A form definition is stored in an item instead of in a published location. If you store a form definition in an item, and then you open the item, the forms that you use is always the form that is stored in the item. In case you change the published version of the form then a one-off item continues to use the older version of the form that you stored in the item. This may appear to be a problem with the forms cache.

A form definition that is stored in an item could cause astonishing activities. Sometimes it may incorrectly assume that your problem is associated to the forms cache

Method 2: Verify that the problem is not memory-related

Outlook could not release a form from memory. This problem could associate to the way that you implement Visual Basic Scripting Edition code in a custom form. In case Outlook does not load the form from memory, you should have to close and then restart Outlook. This deletes the form from memory and forces Outlook to reload the form from the cache, from the forms library, or from a folder.

In case Outlook does not exit then it tends to cause the forms cache problem. If the form contains Visual Basic Scripting Edition code, try to verify whether something in the form prevents Outlook from exiting. Also, disable any COM add-ins or any non-standard Microsoft Exchange extensions. Either of these may contribute to problems.

Use one of the following methods to clear form cache

Method 1:

  • On the Tools menu, click options and then click the Other tab
  • Click on Advanced Options and then click Custom Forms
  • In the Custom Forms box, click Manage Forms
  • In the Forms Manager box, click Clear Cache

Method 2:

Manually rename or manually delete particular components of the cache that could cause issues. For instance, if you have a problem with a particular form, you can initiate by deleting the consequent folder for that cached form. We advised that you only use this method if you are an advanced user.

Method 3:

Investigate the registry keys. The registry keys are at the following location:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID

Usually, the registry keys do not play a task in forms cache issues. However, they do contain data about cached forms. If the efforts to correct a form problem are not successful, you can validate that this section of the registry contains information about the form. You can delete the information about the form, and then restart Outlook.

If above-mentioned methods are not worked and you are unable to open Outlook then you should need third party tool to fix those errors. Remo Repair Outlook PST is one of the ideal utility which is widely used to repair Microsoft Outlook and restores all lost data efficiently.

About the Author: Tony Landry

Tony Landry is a Web Content Editor at Remo Software. He loves to write, edit, and manage content for users trying to troubleshoot and fix problems on Windows, Outlook, storage drives, and Cloud storage networks. With an aptitude that transcends writing, Tony is recognized as a Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint expert. His comprehensive solutions…