This was my question. Google and Google groups did not answer. Here's
the solution:

Open Task Manager
End Outlook.exe process
Restart Outlook
You should be able to create a new appointment or meeting.


1. Yes I know restarting computer works but some of us work for a
living, have many programs open and restarting is a hassle.

2. Something I also tried - might help with other problems.
~ Close Outlook, then Start Run = "C:\Program Files\Microsoft
Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE" /cleanserverrules

3. What flagged it for me was I've got my settings so that Outlooks
asks me how to start up - what sort of connection.
Found via Tools Email Accounts [next] [Change] [More Settings]
General Tab
look for manually control connection type and I've got "Choose when
starting" checked.
I had been closing my Outlook program and restarting it but it never
prompted to Connect or Work Offline.

I would have responded to the threads I found but they were dated Nov
2004 and had no reply with a solution.

Hope this helps someone.