Outlook-2003 attachments open slow (often a 1 minute delay)
This was an issue that drove me totally nuts. Sometimes attachments open in an instant, in other cases, my Outlook and all Office products would stay locked up (Not responding) for a full minute ore more.
A solution that might help: Clean the C:\Documents and Settings\name\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK1 folder to speed up opening of attachments and avoid problems. It might be at its maximum, or just get slow due to hundreds or even thousands of files sitting there. In my case the folder contained over 1000 files and was > 500 Mb in size... The folder does not get cleaned when you clean temporary internet files.
Another good idea is to sometimes clean the C:\Documents and Settings\name\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.MSO folder, as well as C:\Documents and Settings\name\Local Settings\Temp and C:\Documents and Settings\name\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Word. Other folders that is not cleaned by default, which contains hundreds if not more pictures that you once used in Word documents.
Apparently, these offline content folders do not get cleaned anymore in IE7 by using Start | Settings | Control Panel | Internet Options, and clicking "Delete" and "Delete Files" in the "General" tab.
- Alexander Verbraeck's blog
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Another tip: scan and repair the PST file with SCANPST.EXE
The tool SCANPST.EXE can repair a PST file that might contain internal consistency errors. My PSTs often do... In my case, the program SCANPST.EXE can be found in C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033. Run and test, don't forget to back-up in case SCANPST damages the PST-file. There is also a SCANOST.EXE for the (offline) OST-file in the same folder. The log file is placed in the same folder where you perform the scan and gets the same name as the PST file with .log as its extension.
Another tip: disable anti-virus scanning
Sometimes the problem seems to be caused or worsened by the anti-virus mail scanner that is embedded as an add-in to Outlook. Disable in Tools - Options - Other (rightmost) tab, Advanced, Add-In Manager, (temporary) disable the AV plugin. Sometimes it can be found in Tools - Options - Other (rightmost) tab, Advanced, COM Add-ins Manager. If it makes no difference: turn back on.
Another tip: compact the PST file
What also can help, especially if the PST file is over 2 Gb, is compacting the PST file. Right click on the top-folder in Outlook, select Properties - Advanced, Compact.