Applying .prf file to new users

[walter.wade.jr]

I have a configured .prf file that I'd like to have on a client
image. Objective is to have any user who opens Outlook 2003 for the
first time to have that locally stored .prf file automatically
imported one time only.

Issues:
1) Can't use login scripts
2) Can't uninstall and reinstall Office or Outlook

I've read where you can edit the registry value at HKEY_CURRENT_USER
\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook\Setup\ImportPRF, but this only
affects the user who is currently logged in.

I've tried looking at HKEY_USERS and the ntuser.dat file for "Docs &
Settings\Default Users," to see if the value could be added so that it
would be added to HK_CURRENT_USER once the user logged in for the
first time, but there are keys missing to even try.

What is done when an .MST file is created and used to install Office/
Outlook, so that anytime a user opens Outlook for the first time, it
automatically creates the Outlook profile? Is there a configuration
file that is read? Or is it all stored in the registry??

Anyone know of a solution for the objective while taking the known
issues into consideration?

TIA,
wwj

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

The .mst file works its magic by copying the .prf file and making registry changes. My recollection from testing with this a few years ago is that there are changes for the default user but that manipulating them in any way other than with an .mst or .cmw file is something that Microsoft doesn't support, so I didn't document the details. A registry change tool no doubt would show you what happens.

Also you might find useful the excellent white paper "Configuring Outlook Profiles by Using a PRF File" at http://office.microsoft.com/search/redir.aspx?assetid=HA011403051033&QueryID=pHm7c_60I&respos=3

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003

and Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers