What version of Outlook are you using?

Try opening Outlook using the ".../Safe" switch:

Launches Outlook without extensions, preview
pane or toolbar customization.

OL2000: Additional Command-Line Switches
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;197180

Did Outlook open? If so, it could be a corrupt toolbar or
maybe the first message in the inbox. Try deleting the first
message and then close Outlook. Reopen normal. Is it still
hung? If so try the instructions below:

Try renaming outcmd.dat (with Outlook closed). This should
clear the toolbars if they are corrupt.

Close Outlook
Search your hard drive for a file called (be sure to check for
hidden files if that is an option):
   outcmd.dat
Rename it to:
   outcmd.old
Then start Outlook

Outlook will create a new outcmd.dat file (hopefully without
the corruption) when you open it.

If this doesn't fix your problem then you can rename the file
back to outcmd.dat and regain any customization of the
Toolbars.

every time I try to access outlook from XPhome it hangs -
non responsive programme. I have run microsoft diagnostic
and PC doctor - no joy. Any ideas

Thanks  Richard