AAARRRRGGGHHH

OE = Outlook Express; O=Outlook

I think I've sha99ed my laptop.

Using my work PC, which is set up in O for corporate email through a MS Exchange server.

I wanted to have some OE mails from another PC imported into O. That was a little challenge in itself 'cos MS tries to be clever and only allow you to export OE mail from your currently set up OE profile. So I renamed my Store folder and copied the OE mail from the other PC into the currently set OE store folder, fooling OE so that the mail from the other PC is now "my email". Having done that, I can export the mails to O. So I do that, and create a new PST file with the OE mail - which is what I want

Next step, load up O, and add a new internet mail service configured for Yahoo (which is what the OE on the other PC was configured and what I need). That's a fairly easy step and figured that one out.

Now, what I didn't know was how to define which outgoing mail profile O uses. What I wanted to do was set it up so that it uses the Yahoo's email identity and not my exchange identity. So I go to this setup menu in the services and do something (I can't quite remember) to the tune of setting up the Internet mail service to be the default one. O pops up this dialogue box warning that once I move over, the Exchange settings will go (which is OK) and I'll only be using the internet mail service.

I click OK.

BAD CLICK

Now, I gather that our super efficient IT chums at work haven't installed the components for O when set up in Internet Mail service! Each time I try and load O, I get the ever-helpful Windows 2000 installer service window prompting me for the Office 2000 set up files which I don't have!

If MS had done things properly, it would check that a new setting has all the required files available before switching to it.

O has now switched to this other setting which prompts the frikkin installer to pop up every time.

If I go the the Mail settings in Control Panel, I no longer have an Exchange service available, so I can't switch back.

So, summing things up, I no longer have any email capabilities, whether exchange (for offline use) or Internet mail (cos the components aren't fully installed).

A BIG to MS for such a sh1tey system.

And being on site in Beirut, I of course don't have access to a Office 2k CD.

I'll have to wait till tomorrow and plead for a loan from the IT chaps in the building I'm working.

Rant over

might have been easier to use 2 different Profiles, one as your Exchange client, one as your Internet Mail client, but sharing the same .pst file.

You might be able to create a new Profile, and add an Exchange Transport to it.

And be warned, Outlook might squeal when you insert the "borrowed" copy of Office/Outlook, that it's not the original disk. I've seen this happen a few times.

Good luck

You can use a borrowed copy of ms office / outlook. BUT it must be for the same version that was used for the original install (standard, pro or premium). it says which one you need on the CD prompt. Its strange you had the exchange / internet problem though. They can both co-exist in the same profile, did it at work for quiet sometime. O can download from the exchange server and store everything in a pst file if you asked it to. Just dont expect your calendar info to be available to others.

I thought the same as Mannyo. To use Exchange, you need to install in "Corporate or Workgroup" mode, which includes the Internet Email facility.

I'd go for trying to create a new profile. What flavour of Outlook is it?

Hmm, unfortunately, I don't think it's as simple as that.

I'm using Windows 2000 Pro

Office 2000 SR-1 Pro

But now, even if I do start menu -> search -> files and folders, it pops up the Windows Installer asking for the CD or location of install files (see attached) :(

If I go to Control panel -> Mail, I now only have "Internet Accounts". There is no longer any reference to an exchange server. If I click on Add, it just asks for name, email address, mail server, etc for an internet account. There's no "What type of account do you want to add?" kind of option / dialogue box.

Assuming I can sort this out and get the Exchange server settings reinstalled, how do I select which email address I use on an outgoing email, i.e. how can I chose whether it's the exchange settings (with my corporate email address) or the internet mail account (with my temp yahoo email address)?

AFAIK, there's no drop down menu in the "From" field like in OE where you select which "account" the mail is being sent from.

The main reason why I wanted to use O was so that all my contacts, and corporate emails are accessible. The yahoo account is for professional use - I just don't have access to a "corporate dialup" number thanks to our marvellous IT dept (if you do a search for a ranting post from me re IT, you'll find it ).

I think I'll have to wait for the customer where I'm working to turn up and pray he has a copy of "Microsoft Office 2000 SR-1 Professional"

Somehow you have managed to switch from a "Corporate or Workgroup" install to internet only.

There is an option in tools > options that should allow you to switch back again, you will need an install CD though.

Somehow you have managed to switch from a "Corporate or Workgroup" install to internet only.

There is an option in tools > options that should allow you to switch back again' date=' you will need an install CD though.[/quote']

Yep, that's it.

Located a CD this morning but won't work 'cos it's the Premium and not the Pro version.

And I can't get Outlook to open at all atm let alone get to the options menu :(

Chaps here however are .net/technet subscribers so they will bring in their entire cd collection after lunch. I wonder why they keep the stuff at home and not at work