In some cases, while launching the Outlook application or opening an email you may encounter a Kernelbase.dll error message. In this article, we will attempt to understand the error and offer seven different ways to resolve it.
With an illustrious history running into decades, the MS Outlook email client hardly requires an introduction to professional and corporate users. This preeminent mailing solution has over time metamorphosed into a wholesome collaboration tool used today from setting meetings to expanding it to function as a CRM tool. Its overall ease has made it the go-to email solution for small businesses and even for many home users too. While the MS Outlook application is exceptional in its feature set, it has a somewhat quirky side which is often showcased through inane error messages that it can throw up. One such error message that you might encounter is the one that mentions a Kernelbase.dll error.
Understanding the Genesis Behind the Kernelbase.dll crash error
The Kernelbase.dll error can either be attributed to a faulty module that can trip up the application or an error in the PST data file. If the issue is related to the Kernelbase.dll module you are most likely looking at a conflicting add-in or a fault with your existing Outlook profile. Let’s attempt to isolate the issue and resolve the error using the steps listed below.
#1. Isolate and Disable any Faulty Add-ins
A conflicting third-party add-in can easily cause this issue to crop up. To identify and disable the plug-in try out the steps listed below.
- Go to the Windows Search Bar or Run Box
- Key in cmd and then just press Enter that will bring up the command prompt
- Now in the Command Prompt screen just type in outlook.exe/safe and then again press Enter to launch Outlook in safe mode.
- Disable or remove the Add-in you suspect might be malfunctioning and restart Outlook in normal mode. Repeat the process till you can identify the faulty add-in.
#2. Build a New Outlook Profile
In case you are laden with a messed up Outlook profile, it can lead to the Outlook application throwing up this error. Here is how you can go about creating a new Outlook profile.
- From your desktop, head to the Windows Search Box or Run Box, key in Control Panel
- Further, launch the Control Panel App
- You need to then find out the Search Box shown in the top right corner of the Control Panel window, and just key in Mail
- When the Mail option is showcased, simply click on it
- In the subsequent Mail Setup – Outlook window, you just need to hit on Show Profiles
- Further, click on Add and go through the onscreen instructions to build a New Profile and place your current Mail account below it.
#3. Run a Powerful PST Recovery Tool
One of the key causes which can precipitate this crash error is the corrupted PST data file you are working on. Now if you want to extract yourself from this perilous position where you may also be looking at a possible data loss scenario, your best bet involves relying on a state-of-the-art PST recovery tool like the remarkable DataNumen Outlook Repair application. This fabulous piece of software is designed to handle a variety of PST corruption issues and can handle intricate incidents of data corruption with ease. It offers the best possible recovery rate amongst its peers and is capable of dealing with humungous data files with aplomb.
#4. Consider Using the Inbox Repair Tool
Given the frequency of incidents of PST corruption noticed in its Outlook email client, Microsoft has bundled a failsafe tool called Inbox Repair Tool, with MS Office, do deal with such issues. Also known as ScanPST, the tool can be found in your Windows machine at a specific location which you can find out by referring to the Microsoft support site. After locating the tool you can try out the steps listed below to repair your Outlook data file.
- Close all open Outlook windows and then launch the ScanPST application
- Next, load the corrupt PST file on it by using the Browse option
- Once loaded, just click on the Start button to begin the repair process.
#5. Consider the Possibility of Recovering Outlook Data Directly From the Storage Drive
In some cases, you may not be able to extract the contents from a PST file. Herein you may try recovering the data directly from the storage drive or device where Outlook was saving the data by using the powerful DataNumen Outlook Drive Recovery application. Here’s what you need to do to perform a recovery.
- Launch the DataNumen Outlook Drive Recovery tool
- Now head to the Recovery screen tab and then just select the device of disk drive where Outlook was storing the data.
- Either go with the default Output filename or provide a custom one to suit your liking
- Once set, hit the Start Recovery option to initiate the scan and the tool will dig through the drive to recover any Outlook contents it can.
#6. Run System Restore in Windows to Move Back to a Previous State
In case, you have tried out a bunch of steps listed above and are still stuck with the error, an easy way out may involve resetting the Windows System to previous data. Choose a restore point date when Outlook was working in the normal manner and just use the System Restore application to roll back the system to that date. However before you run System Restore, you need to be aware that any software that you might have installed after the restore point date will be erased.
#7. Grab Hold of Backup Copy of the Outlook PST File to get Outlook Working Again
It is quite possible that you have a backed-up copy of the Outlook PST file somewhere on the system or safely backed up in another device. With a backup copy of the PST data file, it hardly takes a minute to get Outlook up and running again. Try out the steps listed below to achieve the same.
- Open the Outlook application and click on the File tab
- Now from the Info tab move to Account Settings and then again click on Account Settings from the mentioned drop-down choices
- Next, you need to go to the Data Files screen tab and then dig out the existing location of the existing PST data file in use
- All you now need to do is replace the existing PST file with the backed-up copy and start Outlook in a normal manner.
You can also find more detailed information on how to find the Outlook data file path at the Microsoft site.
A Few Last Words
Outlook errors are part and parcel of using the fabulous email client you have grown used to. When you encounter a strange Outlook error you need to logically approach it, figure out the issue, and try out different steps to resolve the issue as shown in this case.
Leave a Reply