Outlook and Outlook Express question

[scriverb]

What problems will I encounter by installing Outlook when I am currently using as my mail program, Outlook Express. You see my system is setup for my business use but my wife is taking a class that uses Office XP programs. I have Ofice 97 loaded to the standard Programs/microsoft office/office directory. I have Office 2000 programs loaded to programs/microsoft office2K/office. And, I have also loaded the Office XP programs to the Programs/microsoft officeXP/office directory. I need this as I write software in all three versions. Like I said I use Outlook Express 6 as my mail program but I need to load Outlook and make it function for her to complete a portion of her class.

What problems and I going to have in doing this?

Bob Scriver
[blue]Want the best answers? See FAQ181-2886[/blue]

 

[TonyJollans]

Hi Bob,

I have both installed and normally use OE, but Outlook (2000) works just fine and I don't have any technical problems. There are some minor irritants like having your address book (and your old e-mail) in two completely separate places. Also (because it's not been important to me) I've never managed to fully control which gets used by other applications (e.g. sending an email from Word) but I understand it's relatively easy.

If you're going to use the same e-mail address in both you might not want to have them automatically checking for mail. Other than that, for the scenario you describe I would think you could just go right ahead and install it.

Enjoy,
Tony

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We want to help you; help us to do it by reading this: Before you ask a question.

 

[scriverb]

Thanks Tony. I appreciate the information and vote of confidence. This is just a temporary situation until she finishes the class and then I will remove it.

I was just a little cautious here before I installed it because as you know sometimes strange things happen.

As an example, I have two hard-drives on my business PC and the C drive needed to be replaced. So i moved my OE folders over to my secondary harddrive for safe keeping. Installed the new harddrive and all the software. I opened up OE and directed it to the location of the folders on the F drive where my previous inbox, sent, etc. were all stored safely. Right? WRONG OE instead of just connecting to those folders and using the files that were there completely overwrote every one of them with empty files, including special personal folders that were just wiped out.

No warnings, no prompts, no nothing except pooof and they were gone. I was furious and $#%&$#@ at MS for not providing a warnings message.

You can see why I am a little cautious. I will backup everything before I do the install or uninstall.

See you around the forums.

Bob Scriver
[blue]Want the best answers? See FAQ181-2886[/blue]

 

[TonyJollans]

Hi Bob,

Yes, I know the frustration of dealing with OE Folders. You are told how to back them up (just copy the files) but not how to safely restore them. Because I don't use it much I'm not sure how Outlook handles mail behind the scenes but I'm pretty certain it doesn't interfere with OE stuff.

One minor point that's just occurred to me. I had Outlook come up unexpectedly as my default mail client on (Windows) XP the other day - it might have something the children did that caused it - but it's trivial to switch back.

Backing up is always a good idea before making changes. These days I always make sure I have two copies on CD.

Enjoy,
Tony

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We want to help you; help us to do it by reading this: Before you ask a question.

 

[scriverb]

Just as an update, I loaded MS Outlook the other day and maintained my OE as my mail default Mail Client. Everything seems to be working fine. I was very careful to have all of my OE stuff backed up in another location. Can't afford to lose all that old stuff. You know business emails and correspondence. It was a disaster. I am kind of like a "hoarder" when it comes to that stuff.

Thanks for the assistance here and I do appreciate it. See you in the ACCESS forums.

Bob Scriver
[blue]Want the best answers? See FAQ181-2886[/blue]