Outlook wont start after XP repair

[Nick]

I had some problems with Windows XP. I was advised to carry out a
'Repair' from a XP CD which I did.

Although this cured the origial problem, Outlook no longer works.
Everytime I try to start it, it comes with initialisation error and
will not go any further. Other major apps have the same problem.

 

[Roady [MVP]]

Other major apps have the same problem.
What do you consider "other major apps"?

Depending on which type of repair you did on XP, you'll also have to
reinstall the applications that now no longer function. Your repair has
probably wiped out some of their required installation files and registry
items.

 

[Nick]

In that case I should backup the data files (emails, contacts etc)
before re-installing outlook. Where can find the data files?

 

[Roady [MVP]]

Reinstalling Outlook doesn't delete any mail data just like reinstalling
Word won't delete all your Word files.
But making a backup every now and then is always good of course.
For details see http://www.howto-outlook.com/howto/backupandrestore.htm