Tips

Tips

Outlook management

• Avoid common pain points when migrating to Exchange Online

  Every Exchange Server configuration is unique, which makes a move to hosted email in Office 365 a complex undertaking, but some stumbling blocks are more frequent than others.  Continue Reading

• Resolve an Outlook outage when using Office 365

  When administrators get reports about an Outlook outage, they must work quickly to identify the affected accounts, research the causes and know where to turn for support.  Continue Reading

• Learn the tricks for using Microsoft Teams with Exchange

  As Microsoft Teams gains prominence for business collaboration, administrators should investigate the integration options with their Exchange Online or on-premises Exchange setup.  Continue Reading

• Thorough Exchange Server testing regimen eliminates doubt

  Don't assume your Exchange 2016 implementation will work because you bought the right gear. Follow these pointers to execute a successful Exchange 2016 migration project.  Continue Reading

• Configuration caveats when enabling Outlook offline

  Exchange data is still available for users working in Outlook offline or Outlook on the web, but administrators may want to lock down certain settings.  Continue Reading

• Exchange mobile device management poses challenges to administrators

  While allowing end users to access Exchange from multiple devices usually won't affect the server, it can quickly drive up licensing costs and help desk calls.  Continue Reading

• Define Outlook Web App mailbox policies in Exchange

  There are three main OWA mailbox policy categories in Exchange 2013: features, files and offline access. Make sure you know how to control them.  Continue Reading

• Outlook Web App vies to become Microsoft Outlook replacement

  Although Outlook is the foremost application for business email, Outlook Web App is becoming a viable replacement. Should you make the switch?  Continue Reading

• Is the Microsoft cloud first policy floating or failing?

  Microsoft intends to implement a cloud first strategy in which new features debut in the cloud yet on-premises deployments remain important. Has it succeeded?  Continue Reading

• Office 2016 features update the mail client for more collaboration

  In addition to design changes, Office 2016 offers new applications such as Clutter and Modern Attachments to make collaborating in the Exchange mail client much easier. Should you upgrade?  Continue Reading

• Better email collaboration with Exchange 2016

  The new versions of Office and Exchange make it easier to collaborate on documents in email. Use new features in Exchange Server 2016 and Outlook 2016 to work quicker and smarter.  Continue Reading

• Outlook on the Web rebranded: new tools organize email

  Additions to the Web version of Outlook make it easier for end users to organize their inboxes. Archive, pin and set reminders to email messages in Outlook.  Continue Reading

• How to fix the five most common Outlook errors

  Do your users sound like broken records when it comes to Outlook error messages? Our expert has compiled his five most often seen error messages and their quick fixes.  Continue Reading

• A first look at Modern Authentication for Outlook

  The Modern Authentication feature improves client security with single sign-on and multifactor authentication options.  Continue Reading

• Is a single Office 365 tenant better than using multiple tenants?

  Companies looking to use more than one Office 365 tenant should be aware of the limitations and technical requirements.  Continue Reading

• Customize Exchange ActiveSync settings for virtual directories

  Knowing the settings for the mailbox server and the Client Access server role is the key to customizing ActiveSync virtual directories.  Continue Reading

• Five ways to troubleshoot Outlook Group Policy setting problems

  When Group Policy configurations aren't working like they should in Outlook, these five steps can help you figure out what's wrong.  Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot Outlook 2013 auto-complete problems

  Microsoft made changes in Outlook 2013 that can be helpful for troubleshooting problems with its auto-complete feature.  Continue Reading

• Using OWA offline mode for expanded Outlook access in Exchange 2013

  Exchange Server 2013 gives OWA users offline access to features and functionality that had previously only been available to Outlook users.  Continue Reading

• How to fix repeated Outlook password prompts and make end users happy

  When Outlook keeps asking for password verification, the problem is almost always a configuration issue. However, there's an easy fix.  Continue Reading

• Simple ways to troubleshoot Exchange Offline Address Book problems

  When the Offline Address Book doesn't download Outlook 2013 clients, Exchange admins have plenty of options for easy fixes.  Continue Reading

• Giving OWA themes a makeover in Exchange 2013

  When senior management asks to have the corporate colors or logo in OWA, there's an easy way to create and configure new OWA themes.  Continue Reading

• ActiveSync mailbox policies vs. Windows Intune: What's better for MDM?

  At one time, ActiveSync and Intune were so similar it didn't matter which one admins chose to managing mobile devices. That's no longer the case.  Continue Reading

• Five ways to fix Outlook connectivity issues

  There's no definitive way to solve Outlook connectivity issues, but these five steps have resolved problems for some Office 365 customers.  Continue Reading

• Does Exchange 2013 work as a mobile device management platform?

  Exchange 2013 may not be exactly what you need as a mobile device management platform, but some of its features can still fit your needs.  Continue Reading

• Why admins should set up Outlook 2013 search folders

  Users who receive lots of email should consider using search folders, but admins need to understand all the pros and cons before building them.  Continue Reading

• Block badly behaving Exchange ActiveSync devices in Exchange 2013

  Misbehaving Exchange ActiveSync devices can put a serious strain on your environment. Take control with new auto-block thresholds in Exchange 2013.  Continue Reading

• Implementing Exchange ActiveSync mailbox policy best practices

  Exchange ActiveSync mailbox policy implementation is different for every organization, but that doesn't mean there are no best practices to follow.  Continue Reading

• A crash course on Exchange ActiveSync policies for iOS devices

  As iOS devices invade organizations, it's crucial to understand Exchange ActiveSync policies. Password options and other restrictions are available.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to tighten OWA 2010 security

  As more users log onto corporate networks with smartphones and tablets, stout OWA 2010 security is vital. Three techniques limit potential risks.  Continue Reading

• An overview of the Exchange 2010 ActiveSync Quarantine feature

  Underused but important, the Exchange 2010 ActiveSync Quarantine feature helps restrict which devices connect to Exchange. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• How to customize Outlook 2010, important settings

  Not all Outlook deployments are created equal. Learn how to customize Outlook 2010 using a free tool, as well as which settings you can tweak.  Continue Reading

• How to repair the Outlook 2010 search index

  Every Outlook 2010 user relies on search to some extent. When search goes down, you need to know how to diagnose the problem and quickly fix it.  Continue Reading

• How to repair a corrupt Outlook 2010 deployment

  When Outlook goes down, don’t automatically download a third-party tool. Instead, try one of these approaches suggested by our expert.  Continue Reading

• How to send Outlook 2010 items via SMS text message

  No smart phone, no problem! You can still configure Outlook 2010 to send mail, calendar items and more to users who have cell phones that aren’t ActiveSync-enabled. Here’s how.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Outlook Anywhere: Where to start

  Several factors can stop Outlook Anywhere from working correctly. Familiarize yourself with the most common pain points and learn their fixes here.  Continue Reading

• All Outlook 2010 Trust Center settings are not created equal

  The Outlook 2010 Trust Center offers plenty of security settings to administrators. That doesn’t mean they’re all important though.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of Exchange vs. MDM for mobile management

  With so many users accessing Exchange mail remotely, IT pros have to make mobile device management a priority. Should you use Exchange Server or Mobile Device Manager?  Continue Reading

• Three methods to repair OWA

  Admins have several options to repair OWA. The trick is choosing the technique that has the least amount of impact on your OWA user base. Consider these three fixes.  Continue Reading

• Fixes for faulty Outlook and hosted Exchange connections

  Some early Office 365 adopters have experienced Outlook connectivity problems. We've identified the culprits as well as the solutions.  Continue Reading

• Protecting Outlook 2010 with group policy security settings

  Your Exchange servers may be secure, but neglecting to protect Outlook 2010 puts your company at risk. Learn some group policy security settings that prevent security disasters.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for securing Exchange ActiveSync

  Sure, ActiveSync is easy to set up and administer, but how comfortable are you with its security? These best practices will go a long way toward protecting your CAS.  Continue Reading

• How to create custom MailTips in Exchange Server 2010

  Built-in MailTips prevent users from making common email gaffes, but you can also create custom MailTips to provide other helpful information. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• Repairing three problems that annoy Outlook 2010 users

  Outlook 2010 isn't perfect. These three common Outlook 2010 pains may be plaguing your users.  Continue Reading

• Identifying Outlook Anywhere connectivity glitches

  Outlook Anywhere's initial configuration can be tricky. If you're having trouble connecting, there are a couple tests you can run.  Continue Reading

• BES 5.0.2 and Exchange 2010 SP1: What you should know

  Can't decide which version of BES 5.0.2 to roll out? Compare features and determine if your setup meets the prerequisites.  Continue Reading

• Configuring Outlook 2010 send/receive groups

  Outlook tasks can overwhelm mailbox servers. Send/receive groups can remove some of that strain if you set them up correctly.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Exchange 2010 ActiveSync throttling

  ActiveSync throttling policies are beneficial to Exchange 2010. They can protect a client access server from overload and can keep mobile device users from meddling with settings.  Continue Reading

• Step up your Outlook Web App setup

  When Outlook Web App’s default settings just won’t do, it’s time to tweak. Certain configuration changes will help OWA run more efficiently and securely.  Continue Reading

• Free Outlook tool fixes AutoComplete list annoyance

  Outlook's AutoComplete function is helpful, but doesn’t allow you to edit existing entries. This free download lets you edit, repair and track .nk2 files.  Continue Reading

• Dissecting ActiveSync logs in Exchange Server 2010

  ActiveSync logging information is valuable to Exchange 2010 admins for several reasons. We explore how to find and decipher the data.  Continue Reading

• Outlook 2010 and Exchange 2007 connection error workaround

  Stumped by a 0x80070057 error when trying to connect Outlook 2010 to Exchange 2007? The cause might surprise you.  Continue Reading

• Registry hack lets OWA users reset their passwords

  All it takes is this simple registry hack to give users with expired passwords access to their OWA accounts.  Continue Reading

• Limiting bandwidth use during Outlook offline address book syncs

  If you're using a newer version of Exchange with a legacy version of Outlook, you'll want to understand your bandwidth consumption and how to control it during OAB synchronization.  Continue Reading

• Repair client access server issues to restore OWA and ActiveSync

  A corrupt client access server can bring ActiveSync and OWA to a halt. Our expert explains how to fix your most stubborn CAS problems.  Continue Reading

• Override default OWA message attachment filters

  Is OWA filtering HTML attachments from your users' email messages? Don’t worry -- there’s an easy workaround to this security annoyance.  Continue Reading

• Uncovering the hidden meeting workspace feature in Outlook 2010

  SharePoint meeting workspaces haven't disappeared from Outlook 2010 -- they're hidden. Our Exchange Server expert tells how to find and install this feature.  Continue Reading

• Exchange ActiveSync explained

  Exchange ActiveSync brings control and security to mobile environments, while providing ease of use to employees. The numerous benefits of EAS are discussed in the first installment of our "Exchange explained" series.  Continue Reading

• Using DavMail to access Exchange’s Outlook Web Access from any POP3/IMAP-compatible mail client

  You can connect mail clients other than Outlook to an Exchange server using DavMail, a free open source application. Learn what settings need to be tweaked to be operational on Exchange in a Thunderbird or other open source mail client environment.  Continue Reading

• A look at Microsoft's Outlook Social Connector

  Outlook Social Connector is a new feature in Outlook 2010 that aggregates information from social networking sites and displays it alongside email messages from Outlook contacts.  Continue Reading

• Crash course on Microsoft Outlook 2007 calendar sharing

  Microsoft Outlook 2007's calendar is a great way to keep tabs on your schedule and let co-workers know when you're free. Learn how to share your calendar and access other user's calendars.  Continue Reading

• Performing a remote wipe on ActiveSync devices in Exchange Server 2007

  Exchange Server 2007 natively supports remotely wiping of ActiveSync mobile devices. This capability required an add-on to Exchange Server 2003 and the final result was not nearly as polished and easy to use as it is in Exchange 2007. Learn ...  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting why some Microsoft Outlook 2007 email disappears

  Exchange Server users have reported that their Microsoft Outlook 2007 email messages mysteriously disappear and then reappear later from their Sent Items or Deleted Items folders. Is this due to a configuration issue? Is it a latency issue? In this ...  Continue Reading

• How to custom-configure a Microsoft Outlook 2007 install using OCT

  Installing and configuring Microsoft Outlook in an identical fashion throughout your organization gives users a uniform experience when accessing a workstation. Unfortunately, Microsoft's installation wizard doesn't provide many customization ...  Continue Reading

• Extracting Exchange ActiveSync data from IIS log files

  Mobile messaging is one of the few Exchange Server features that can have a direct effect on a company's bottom line. Unfortunately, Microsoft Exchange Server lacks native reporting capabilities. Even so, it's possible to extract Exchange ActiveSync...  Continue Reading

• Executing an .MSP customization file in Microsoft Outlook 2007

  The Office Customization Tool (OCT) from Microsoft doesn't save Outlook 2007 configuration changes automatically. You must save these changes as an .MSP file. Learn what to do with the .MSP file once it's created and how to install an .MSP file ...  Continue Reading

• OWA Light vs. Exchange ActiveSync on Windows Mobile devices

  Are you wondering whether to use Outlook Web Access (OWA) Light or Exchange ActiveSync for email messages on your Windows Mobile devices? This tip details how each method affects mobile device battery life, security, ease of use and cost.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting slow Outlook Web Access (OWA) performance

  Do your Exchange mobile users struggle with slow Outlook Web Access (OWA) server performance? The initial cause may not be your OWA server, but instead a firewall or infrastructure issue. To pinpoint the root cause of slow OWA server performance, ...  Continue Reading

• What makes Microsoft Outlook 2007's Search feature special?

  Discover how Microsoft Outlook 2007's Search feature takes advantage of Windows Vista's Desktop Search functionality. Still using Windows XP? Don't despair. You can still benefit from Outlook Search.  Continue Reading

• Minimize remote and mobile Outlook Web Access (OWA) security risks

  Get tips on securing Outlook Web Access (OWA) for mobile users such as setting up a dedicated virtual OS and creating strict group policies to lock down IE.  Continue Reading

• Why Exchange ActiveSync fails with NAT firewalls

  Discover why Exchange ActiveSync fails when Exchange Server 2003 sits behind a network address translation (NAT) firewall.  Continue Reading

• Install the Outlook Connector to use Hotmail in Microsoft Outlook

  Install and configure the Microsoft Outlook Connector to access and send MSN Hotmail email messages through Outlook in an Exchange Server environment.  Continue Reading

• Preview PDF files from Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Windows Vista

  Discover a free PDF preview handler for Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Windows Vista that allows PDF file previews without downloading Adobe Acrobat Reader.  Continue Reading

• How to configure ActiveSync and manage mobile devices in Exchange 2007

  Find out how to configure ActiveSync in Exchange Server 2007, set up mailbox policies and partner with mobile devices to determine their status and health.  Continue Reading

• Be careful when copying Outlook Web Access (OWA) hyperlinks

  Find out why hyperlinks copied from an Outlook Web Access (OWA) message don't work for some email recipients and learn two workarounds for this problem.  Continue Reading

• How to manage and troubleshoot Microsoft Outlook rules

  Find out how to manage multiple Microsoft Outlook rules using the Outlook Rules Wizard to prevent potential email message processing conflicts.  Continue Reading

• Managing Microsoft Outlook search folder functionality

  Discover the pros and cons of using Microsoft Outlook search folders and learn how to configure group policies that control search folder usage.  Continue Reading

• Configure Windows Mobile devices to local wipe after failed logons

  Learn how to configure security policies on a Windows Mobile device to local wipe Exchange Server data after several failed logon attempts have occurred.  Continue Reading

• Accessing a Microsoft Outlook mailbox from multiple machines

  Users can access a Microsoft Outlook mailbox from multiple machines, but problems may arise if they're using different versions of the Outlook email client.  Continue Reading

• Automatically save Microsoft Outlook email attachments to disk

  Learn about a customizable Outlook VBA script that automatically saves email attachments from Microsoft Outlook folders to disk.  Continue Reading

• Access contacts in an LDAP or X.500 directory from OWA

  Access contacts in an LDAP or X.500 directory from Outlook Web Access with a third-party OWA add-in called MasterKey.net.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office's CiceroUIWndFrame component crashes Outlook

  A Microsoft Office component called CiceroUIWndFrame can crash Microsoft Outlook. Find out how to fix the CiceroUIWndFrame issue with these steps.  Continue Reading

• Synchronizing multiple Exchange email accounts on one smartphone

  Is it possible to synchronize one smartphone with two different Exchange Server email accounts? The short answer is no, but there are a few workarounds you can consider.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Microsoft Outlook toolbar problems

  Microsoft Outlook toolbar buttons will stop working correctly if the OUTCMD.DAT file becomes corrupted. Find out why third-party add-ins are often the culprit and learn how to fix the problem.  Continue Reading

• Why are email attachments zero-byte files on OWA and mobile devices?

  Email attachments can sometimes arrive in Outlook Web Access (OWA) or on mobile devices as zero-byte files. Find out why this problem happens and how to fix it.  Continue Reading

• How to use Microsoft Outlook 2007's Quick Parts feature

  Discover how to use Microsoft Outlook 2007's Quick Parts feature (formerly known as AutoText) to save fragments of text in a gallery for repeated use in email.  Continue Reading

• Watch out for a Microsoft Outlook 2007 indexing issue in Windows Vista

  Windows Vista's built-in indexer sometimes freezes when attempting to index Microsoft Outlook 2007 content. Fortunately, there is a workaround that will fix the indexing issue.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a Deleted Items Retention policy for Microsoft Outlook

  Exchange Server supports a Deleted Items Retention policy that lets you recover messages even after they've been emptied or purged from the Deleted Items folder in Microsoft Outlook. In this tip, SearchExchange.com expert Brad Dinerman explains how ...  Continue Reading

• How to configure attachment blocking in Outlook Web Access

  SearchExchange.com contributor Serdar Yegulalp explains how to edit the registry to customize what email attachment file extensions are automatically blocked by Outlook Web Access.  Continue Reading

• Installing additional language support for Outlook Web Access

  Exchange Server only installs support for English and common European languages by default. But it's simple to add support to Exchange Server and Outlook Web Access for foreign dialects, including Arabic, Hebrew and Asian languages. This tip ...  Continue Reading

• Recreating IIS virtual directories for OWA, OMA and Exchange ActiveSync

  Exchange Server 2003 uses virtual directories in Internet Information Services (IIS) for a number of Microsoft Exchange services -- mainly, Outlook Web Access (OWA), Outlook Mobile Access (OMA) and Exchange ActiveSync. Learn three different ways you...  Continue Reading

• OWA 'Loading' problems with Internet Explorer security zones

  Making changes to the definitions of Internet Explorer security zones can cause OWA to malfunction, particularly if it's done by a user who isn't well- versed in OWA's security zone setting requirements.  Continue Reading

• Tweaking Outlook Web Access timeout options

  Outlook Web Access (OWA) maintains two values for timeout options -- one for trusted clients and another for public clients. Learn how to customize OWA timeout options in the registry for optimal security.  Continue Reading

• Test Exchange ActiveSync mobile devices with Microsoft Device Emulator 1.0

  Microsoft Device Emulator 1.0 makes it easier to test the behavior of mobile devices that use Exchange ActiveSync.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Microsoft Outlook third-party add-ins

  Third-party add-ins can enhance Microsoft Outlook's functionality, but sometimes they hurt Microsoft Outlook's behavior and performance. SearchExchange.com contributor Serdar Yegulalp explains three ways to troubleshoot adverse effects of Microsoft ...  Continue Reading

• BCC encrypted email forking in Outlook Web Access

  Enabled by default, OWA's BCC Encrypted Email Forking feature prevents blind carbon copy recipient information from being leaked when users send encrypted emails. Learn more about how this feature works and discover the storage side effects it can ...  Continue Reading

• Eliminate annoying Microsoft Outlook security warnings with ClickYes Pro

  ClickYes Pro is a utility that enables thirty-party specified applications to access Microsoft Outlook without receiving annoying security prompts.  Continue Reading

• OutlookTools: Free tool taps into Microsoft Outlook's advanced settings

  Many Microsoft Outlook options are semi-hidden or only available through command-line switches, so it's not surprising that so few users and administrators make use of them. OutlookTools 2.0 is a free utility that exposes these hidden Microsoft ...  Continue Reading

• Protect Exchange ActiveSync from premature firewall connection timeouts

  To prevent attacks, many administrators close firewall connections after a predetermined period of inactivity. Unfortunately, this form of intrusion defense can cause problems for Exchange Server ActiveSync's direct push technology.  Continue Reading

• Google Maps plug-in for Microsoft Outlook Contacts

  CMC International's free plug-in for Microsoft Outlook lets you look up any contact's address and get a Google Maps view without overriding Microsoft Outlook's existing mapping functions.  Continue Reading