How to configure outlook settings on multiple computers using RPC over HTTP
Currently, outlook 2003 clients sitting on XP Pro machines (in windows 2008 domain) are connecting to an externally hosted exchange server via RPC over HTTP for messaging.
I am not certain if the exchange server is 2007 or 2010.
I need to replace several Windows XP workstations with Windows 7 & and Outlook 2010.
Is there a way to speed up the configuration of the new workstations and avoid having to manually modifying every setting?
Do I need to create a common profile of some sort and then modify things like user name/e-mail address?
Is there a way to migrate outlook settings from outlook 2003 to 2010 and if so how is this achieved?
I would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction so I don't have to waste hours on something that can be automated to some extent.
I am not certain if the exchange server is 2007 or 2010.
I need to replace several Windows XP workstations with Windows 7 & and Outlook 2010.
Is there a way to speed up the configuration of the new workstations and avoid having to manually modifying every setting?
Do I need to create a common profile of some sort and then modify things like user name/e-mail address?
Is there a way to migrate outlook settings from outlook 2003 to 2010 and if so how is this achieved?
I would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction so I don't have to waste hours on something that can be automated to some extent.
If you have the domain hosted, the hosting company might be able to let you have a .PRF file for each user, which tells Outlook exactly what settings are required and all you have to do in open the .PRF file and Outlook gets automatically configured.
Some useful reading in case they can't / don't provide the PRF files for you:
http://www.outlook-tips.net/2011/2763/outlook-profile-file-prf/
Some useful reading in case they can't / don't provide the PRF files for you:
http://www.outlook-tips.net/2011/2763/outlook-profile-file-prf/
ASKER
That's great thank you for your comments, just checking docs.
ASKER
Just to clarify,
I am not using open volume licensing so does that count out OCT?
I love the idea of using PRF files, I will look in to this.
I checked the link and the downloads are for outlook 2003
If I can't get PRF files sent to me how do I create them uisng outlook 2010?
Or
If they are created in outlook 2003 can I use them with outlook 2010?
I am not using open volume licensing so does that count out OCT?
I love the idea of using PRF files, I will look in to this.
I checked the link and the downloads are for outlook 2003
If I can't get PRF files sent to me how do I create them uisng outlook 2010?
Or
If they are created in outlook 2003 can I use them with outlook 2010?
More reading for Outlook 2010 PRF files:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc179062.aspx
Don't think you can use an Outlook 2003 .PRF file with Outlook 2010.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc179062.aspx
Don't think you can use an Outlook 2003 .PRF file with Outlook 2010.
ASKER
It appears I can't use OCT to create PRF because I don't have volume licensing.
Microsoft recommends not using eralier versions of PRF.
If I create an outlook 2010 profile by manually entering exchange details (perhaps use a real account from one user to test sync with exchange) can I expect to to find a PRF file when I do a windows search?
Then use this PRF and just modify user name and email address for each computer?
Microsoft recommends not using eralier versions of PRF.
If I create an outlook 2010 profile by manually entering exchange details (perhaps use a real account from one user to test sync with exchange) can I expect to to find a PRF file when I do a windows search?
Then use this PRF and just modify user name and email address for each computer?
even if you don't have volume licensing, you should still be able to push the settings out using group policy. that would be my recommendation.
That's not very helpful of MS :p
If you create an Outlook Profile - you won't find a .PRF file anywhere sadly.
If you have Outlook 2007 / 2010, you can use Autodiscover to configure the accounts automatically with just the email address and password, so your best bet is to ditch Outlook 2003 and then you should have a much easier time, assuming that your hosting company has Autodiscover configured properly for you.
If you create an Outlook Profile - you won't find a .PRF file anywhere sadly.
If you have Outlook 2007 / 2010, you can use Autodiscover to configure the accounts automatically with just the email address and password, so your best bet is to ditch Outlook 2003 and then you should have a much easier time, assuming that your hosting company has Autodiscover configured properly for you.
ASKER
Because I am not up to speed with group policy I will look at getting a copy of PRF's.
If I can't get PRF's I will look at getting some assistance with group policy.
I will provide feedback ASAP.
If I can't get PRF's I will look at getting some assistance with group policy.
I will provide feedback ASAP.
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Here is one you can try - you will need to amend the contents to match your environment (I have put the bits you need to change in UPPER CASE).
Rename the file to whatever.prf and it should be happy (getting around the extension list of allowed files on EE)
Alan
Sample.txt
Rename the file to whatever.prf and it should be happy (getting around the extension list of allowed files on EE)
Alan
Sample.txt
@Max - I was referring to Microsoft not you (in response to "Microsoft recommends not using earlier versions of PRF.") - sorry - you have the same initials!! Blame your parents ;)
@alanhardisty - hahaha. Sorry. :)
No worries :) Sorry if I was a little misleading.
ASKER
Autodiscover, I must admit I completely overlooked this as an option, I hope this has been setup properly, I will check.
Thankyou Alan for the sample PRF.
Thankyou Alan for the sample PRF.
Autodiscover won't work for Outlook 2003 - it wasn't invented when 2003 was created. It will work for Outlook 2007 and 2010 though.
ASKER
Yep, thank you
ASKER
I tested autodiscover with OL 2007 and it looks like this will do the trick - It configured user account automatically. I stopped at the point of logging on and doing a sync with exchange.
I will check with outlook 2010 by synching with exchange and will report.
I will check with outlook 2010 by synching with exchange and will report.
If 2007 works - 2010 should also without any issues, but waiting for your confirmation.
ASKER
Autodiscover did the trick.
Very simple.
Very simple.
ASKER
Thank you
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc179036.aspx