CRM Outlook & XP SP 3 Configuration Issue

I recently ran into an issue when attempting to configure the CRM 2011 Outlook client on an XP machine that had SP 3 and was running Outlook 2007.  I was able to install the CRM Outlook Client but would receive an error when I attempted to Configure it.  I previously opened CRM without issue in a Web browser so I was able to rule out connectivity with the CRM server.  I tried many things like a complete uninstall of the CRM Outlook Client and re-install, ensuring the user had sufficient rights on the system and network, etc.  In the end, I contacted Microsoft Support and after trying some additional steps they hit on the fix. 

The issue was related to a mapi.dll and the fix was to rename the mapi32.dll located in the Windows folder to mapi32_old.dll and then run the fixmapi.exe found in the same folder.  Once the above steps were completed, I was able to successfully configure the CRM Outlook Client. 

I did run into one final challenge after Configuring the Client.  Once the CRM Outlook Client successfully completed the Configuration, I was able to see the CRM folders in Outlook but they were not populated with data and the CRM toolbar did not load.  I decided to check the add-ins to see if the CRM Outlook Client add-in loaded as expected.  To check the add-in I went to Tools, Trust Center, Add-ins and selected the Go button at the bottom of the page.  The list of add-ins loaded and I noticed the Microsoft Dynamics CRM add-in was referenced twice and the checkbox for both references was unchecked.  I removed the add-in that did not have the “load on startup” or (something similar to that) referenced and checked the box for the remaining add-in.  Once that was complete and I closed out of the add-in list, the CRM Outlook Client folders populated and the toolbar loaded as expected.

If you run into this issue, I hope  you find this information helpful.

Cheers!