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How to globally change the default forms in Outlook
It used to be possible to globally change the default forms in Outlook. I can't find any help on it though for Outlook 2007. I want to change my default form for contacts (NOT my View!). I want to do this -> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/241235/en-us?spid=2520&sid=1304 but for Outlook 2007
ASKER
do you think that will work for 2007?
ASKER
do you think I should change to the references from 9.0 to what?
Run the .reg file on each computer where you want to change the default form, so that the keys are added to the Windows registry on that computer.
Run the .reg file on each computer where you want to change the default form, so that the keys are added to the Windows registry on that computer.
ASKER
sorry I meant this one:
The registry key paths reference 9.0, which is the location for Outlook 2000 registry settings. Change all of the references of 9.0 to 11.0 or 12.0, depending on your current version of Outlook.
The registry key paths reference 9.0, which is the location for Outlook 2000 registry settings. Change all of the references of 9.0 to 11.0 or 12.0, depending on your current version of Outlook.
It would appear that 11.0 is 2003 12.0 is 2007
Therefore I would change it to 12.0
Therefore I would change it to 12.0
ASKER
I have a form built but it does not give me a way to select it? Only an edit field "For Composing use "? thoughts as to how to tell this application what form I want to use?
forms.jpg
forms.jpg
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ASKER
those look like good links, haven't had the time (or balls) yet to do it, but will try it soon and get back to you. thanks for the luv
Good luck and let me know how you get on !
ASKER
Ok, this was in some ways more difficult than I expected but in other ways very simple. Lets start with the simple:
Adding a custom form for contacts: This is a very straight forward task using the tools embedded in outlook. If you need help there are many web guides and help articles.
Using this custom form for new contacts: This turned out to be super simple. (see pic)
1. I saved the custom form to the Contacts Folder
2. RIGHT click on the contact folder (this is the folder in the outlook application folder list)
3. Select PROPERTIES on the drop down menu
4. Select the GENERAL tab (default tab)
5. 2/3 the way down on this GENERAL tab you will see a drop down list -
When posting to this folder, use:
6. Select the drop down list and click on the name of your custom form
Now if you create a new contact the custom form is the default form that you will
pop up. HOWEVER this custom form will only work with NEW contacts and all the old
contacts will still open with the old default form.
Contacts-Properties-Dialog.jpg
Adding a custom form for contacts: This is a very straight forward task using the tools embedded in outlook. If you need help there are many web guides and help articles.
Using this custom form for new contacts: This turned out to be super simple. (see pic)
1. I saved the custom form to the Contacts Folder
2. RIGHT click on the contact folder (this is the folder in the outlook application folder list)
3. Select PROPERTIES on the drop down menu
4. Select the GENERAL tab (default tab)
5. 2/3 the way down on this GENERAL tab you will see a drop down list -
When posting to this folder, use:
6. Select the drop down list and click on the name of your custom form
Now if you create a new contact the custom form is the default form that you will
pop up. HOWEVER this custom form will only work with NEW contacts and all the old
contacts will still open with the old default form.
Contacts-Properties-Dialog.jpg
ASKER
See the red highlights
Contacts-Properties-Dialog.jpg
Contacts-Properties-Dialog.jpg
ASKER
Ok here is the hard part: Getting all the existing contacts to open using the custom form.
I followed these instructions and did the registry edits they suggest, but it did not achieve the desired result of opening existing contacts with the new custom form. Here is the link
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb176910.aspx
And here are the instructions from that MSDN link:
You can change the default form in Microsoft Office Outlook by making changes to the Microsoft Windows registry. The registry settings specify which forms are substituted for the default Outlook forms. For example, if you create a custom form called "Default," that custom form has a message class of IPM.Note.Default, instead of the standard Outlook e-mail message class of IPM.Note. You can add certain registry keys to indicate that Outlook should substitute the IPM.Note.Default form for the standard IPM.Note form.
The Forms Administrator utility does not create the registry keys in the correct location for Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 or later. However, you can use the Forms Administrator utility to create a Windows registry file and make the necessary changes. To use a Windows registry file to change the default form in Outlook 2003 or later:
1. Download the Outlook 2000 Forms Administrator utility.
2. Run the Forms Administrator utility, and then change the settings as you would for Outlook 2000 or Outlook 2002.
3. To save the registry settings on your computer, click Save. This also makes the Export Saved Settings button available.
4. Click Export Saved Settings to save a Windows registry (.reg) file.
5. Open the .reg file in a text editor, such as Notepad.
6. The registry key paths reference 9.0, which is the location for Outlook 2000 registry settings. Change all of the references of 9.0 to 11.0 or 12.0, depending on your current version of Outlook.
7. Save the .reg file.
8. Run the .reg file on each computer where you want to change the default form, so that the keys are added to the Windows registry on that computer.
I followed these instructions and did the registry edits they suggest, but it did not achieve the desired result of opening existing contacts with the new custom form. Here is the link
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb176910.aspx
And here are the instructions from that MSDN link:
You can change the default form in Microsoft Office Outlook by making changes to the Microsoft Windows registry. The registry settings specify which forms are substituted for the default Outlook forms. For example, if you create a custom form called "Default," that custom form has a message class of IPM.Note.Default, instead of the standard Outlook e-mail message class of IPM.Note. You can add certain registry keys to indicate that Outlook should substitute the IPM.Note.Default form for the standard IPM.Note form.
The Forms Administrator utility does not create the registry keys in the correct location for Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 or later. However, you can use the Forms Administrator utility to create a Windows registry file and make the necessary changes. To use a Windows registry file to change the default form in Outlook 2003 or later:
1. Download the Outlook 2000 Forms Administrator utility.
2. Run the Forms Administrator utility, and then change the settings as you would for Outlook 2000 or Outlook 2002.
3. To save the registry settings on your computer, click Save. This also makes the Export Saved Settings button available.
4. Click Export Saved Settings to save a Windows registry (.reg) file.
5. Open the .reg file in a text editor, such as Notepad.
6. The registry key paths reference 9.0, which is the location for Outlook 2000 registry settings. Change all of the references of 9.0 to 11.0 or 12.0, depending on your current version of Outlook.
7. Save the .reg file.
8. Run the .reg file on each computer where you want to change the default form, so that the keys are added to the Windows registry on that computer.
ASKER
Ok here is the hard part and what worked: Getting the existing contacts to open with the new custom form.
Download this cool little application and it will allow you to change the 'class' for the default folder. Its a bit complicated because you have to figure out what the current class is of current default folder you are trying to change.
Link to (free) app is here -> http://www.contactgenie.com/cgtmcm.htm
Install the app and then hit the Select Folder button. Navigate to the folder that you have the custom form in and select it. Once you do this you will see two list boxes with forms in them. You have to do a couple of operations and this is where it gets tricky. I dont have the time to explain it all but you will get it if you just try the buttons.
Other links that pointed me in the right direction.
http://www.outlookcode.com/article.aspx?ID=39
Download this cool little application and it will allow you to change the 'class' for the default folder. Its a bit complicated because you have to figure out what the current class is of current default folder you are trying to change.
Link to (free) app is here -> http://www.contactgenie.com/cgtmcm.htm
Install the app and then hit the Select Folder button. Navigate to the folder that you have the custom form in and select it. Once you do this you will see two list boxes with forms in them. You have to do a couple of operations and this is where it gets tricky. I dont have the time to explain it all but you will get it if you just try the buttons.
Other links that pointed me in the right direction.
http://www.outlookcode.com/article.aspx?ID=39
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb176910.aspx
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