Outlook 2003 instability?

[piccolo]

I have been using Outlook 2003 for a number of years on the current (and
earlier) machine(s) and it has suddenly developed a "mind" of its own. First
some quick background on my set-up: I am running Office 2003 on a Windows XP
64-bit machine with at least SP2 and probably SP3 installed. My Outlook inbox
is structured as a general inbox and then probably 20 folders; I use Rules
fairly extensively to move messages directly into folders.

The two unwanted changes are:
1. Outlook seems to have redesignated the primary Inbox (i.e., the ones
which come in where there is no Rule in place) away from the folder callled
"Inbox" to a folder called "House".
2. The program will no longer automatically delete deleted messages on exit
(and I have tried re-checking the box under Options).

Are these changes indications of insipient instability, much like partial
crashes are an indication that Windows is about to die?

How do I reset the default folder for incoming mail?

How do I get the program to automatically delete deleted messages on Exit?

Is it time for a re-install?

 

[Roady [MVP]]

Both issues are most likely caused by misconfigurations and not certain
instabilities.

1) As you use rules fairly extensively, could it be that you have a
conflicting rule? For instance, what happens when you disable all the rules
that move certain messages to the "House" folder?

2) Are you sure that Outlook actually quits and that the outlook.exe process
isn't hijacked by another application preventing Outlook to close
completely?
See http://www.howto-outlook.com/faq/outlookdoesntclose.htm

 

[piccolo]

Robert,

You were spot-on in identifying the causes of both problems and suggesting
appropriate fixes.

What I have trouble understanding is why my anti-virus program was
prohibiting a clean close. I have had the same program for over a year with
no problems.

Anyway, problem solved.
--
Regards,

Piccolo

Both issues are most likely caused by misconfigurations and not certain
instabilities.

1) As you use rules fairly extensively, could it be that you have a
conflicting rule? For instance, what happens when you disable all the rules
that move certain messages to the "House" folder?

2) Are you sure that Outlook actually quits and that the outlook.exe process
isn't hijacked by another application preventing Outlook to close
completely?
See http://www.howto-outlook.com/faq/outlookdoesntclose.htm

 

[Roady [MVP]]

You're welcome!

A virus scanner updates itself regularly (probably daily) and also has
application updates just as Outlook. Due to the level of integration, one
update can affect the other application's behavior as well. Virus scanners
which integrate with Outlook are often a cause of many headaches and that
while they do not offer an extra layer of security anyway. Running an
up-to-date on-access virus scanner service is sufficient.

Robert,

You were spot-on in identifying the causes of both problems and suggesting
appropriate fixes.

What I have trouble understanding is why my anti-virus program was
prohibiting a clean close. I have had the same program for over a year
with
no problems.

Anyway, problem solved.
--
Regards,

Piccolo

 

[barbpassman]

You're welcome!

A virus scanner updates itself regularly (probably daily) and also has
application updates just as Outlook. Due to the level of integration, one
update can affect the other application's behavior as well. Virus scanners
which integrate with Outlook are often a cause of many headaches and that
while they do not offer an extra layer of security anyway. Running an
up-to-date on-access virus scanner service is sufficient.

 

[Brian Tillman [MVP - Outlook]]

<nothing>

Is there a point to your post?