Close Outlook. Locate the outcmd.dat, frmcache.dat, SRS, and extend.dat
files. They are likely hidden so include hidden files and folders in your
search or better yet unhide them along with known file extensions. Rename
them, for example outcmd.dat becomes outcmd.dat_old. Then open Outlook again.
Let me know if this works, if not there are other troubleshooting steps that
can be taken.
It would be very helpful to know what version of Outlook you use and what
type of mail account you have at the very least.

Signature
Kathleen Orland - MVP Outlook
Outlook Tips: http://www.outlook-tips.net/
http://www.howto-outlook.com/
> I would like to add...the most frustrating part that I have issue with is
> that ever since the reading pane problem began, I can view new email only by
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> files. I hate to think that faxes will very soon become my backup plan since
> so few people have home access to fax machines these days!