I keep having the error message: microsoft outlook has encountered a problem and needs to close. we are sorry for the inconvenience

Any suggestions?

You did not mention from how long you are encountering with this problem. Did you accidentally delete any files related to Outlook? Can you see your emails or the application is not opening at all? Improper shut down may also lead to this problem. Did you check your antivirus program; it may delete some important files.
Try to take backup of the dbx or the pst file in which your emails are present and then try reinstalling MS Outlook.