Reference (currently unsolved):
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_outlook-mso_mac/messages-list-is-blank-when-reading-pane-set-to/8dfe6a3a-de79-476c-95a7-e428e5eb60b9?auth=1
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_outlook-mso_mac/messages-list-is-blank-when-reading-pane-set-to/8dfe6a3a-de79-476c-95a7-e428e5eb60b9?auth=1
Dec 22, 2016 When I perform a function which does some ajax calls on Outlook for Mac desktop version (15.30 - fast insider program), the js code gets executed, but the UI of the side pane freezes, but when I move the appointment window with the mouse, the UI get's refreshed.
The Quick Fix
rename the folder ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.outlook
Background
I decided to try contribute a solution that I could not find anywhere else.
This issue had occurred before on the user's Mac, where previously I had restored his view to defaults which did resolve the issue the first time, unfortunately the second time I was not so lucky.
Symptoms / Description
Outlook 2016 for Mac - when reading pane is set to right, the column to the left that contains a list of messages will appear blank, that is, the headings for groups will be present and the list items are blank that would normally give you the message's subject, sender and message preview.
The problem was not evident in a second account that existed prior to troubleshooting (same Outlook profile).
Only the message list column is blank, the content of the messages is still visible in the reading pane.
![Outlook For Mac Reading Pane Not Refreshing Outlook For Mac Reading Pane Not Refreshing](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125859761/645556214.jpg)
Troubleshooting Attempted and finally the Solution
- Tried resetting view to defaults - Result = Fail, same issue.
- Cleared Cache - Result = Fail, same issue.
- Created a new Outlook profile - Result = Fail, same issue.
- Created a new Outlook profile and set up a different e-mail account - Result = Fail, same issue.
- Logged onto the Mac using a different user, set up a profile in Outlook - Success! No issue present here, which helped me conclude the problematic file must be isolated to the user's profile.
- I hunted down every Outlook related preference file I could find, already knowing the GroupContainers folder contained data pertinent to the databases per Outlook identity, long story short I eventually found the culprit by renaming the folder
~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.outlook
There is most likely a more efficient method, e.g. just renaming a specific .plist file within this folder. However, Outlook promptly recreates this folder after launching.
I was presented with the colorful / classic choice when opening Outlook and the profile and data were still intact after completing this selection. The added bonus is that items in the list were no longer blanked out.