email signatures not displaying properly

[Guest]

Our company is trying to standardize email signatures. We do not have an
exchange server. We use Outlook 2003 (some have older versions) I have
reviewed article 195400 (outlook2000) that indicates that signatures convert
to the format of the original message when replying and forwarding, but the
article continues to say that the signature format will not defer to the
fomat of the message if the signature is created using Word as the email
editor. I have done this, but the signature still changes when replying to a
message received in plain text format.

Our signatures were created using html format, so that colors and symbols
could be utilized. When responding to some messages, the symbols and colors
are displayed as crazy characters.

How can we get the signature to maintain its integreity in all formats?

 

[CMM]

I too have this problem at my company where people insist on using RTF (I
don't know why) and don't realize that when they send an e-mail to the
outside world it gets mangled (as its converted to HTML).

Here's the solution: Outlook creates three files for your signature HTML,
RTF, and Plain Text. But, it doesn't do a good job of it. "In C:\Documents
and Settings\<USER>\Application Data\Microsoft\Signatures" you'll find the
files for the signature. Edit EACH one outside of Outlook in their
respective editor (I like to edit the RTF in WordPad because it produces a
clean small file... while Word adds a lot of garbage).

 

[Guest]

I have "edited" the signatures using Word, where it seems the formatting
maintains.

But I still have problems with the signature converting when I receive a
message created in plain text for which I need to reply. At the "reply" the
email signature looses its color and all other formatting. Even using the
tip below editing the plain text file using Wordpad, the signature still
turns all black when replying to a message created in plain text format.

I appreciate any continued assistance.

 

[CMM]

Well, that's by design. Plain Text doesn't support colors-- just "plain
text." When you "Reply" to a message Outlook uses the original message's
format. If you really want to reply to a Plain Text message using HTML
(seems rude to me), then change Format of message and reinsert your
signature. If using Word as your editor you'll find those options on the
toolbar. If using the built-in Outlook editor you'll find them in the menus.

 

[Guest]

Thank you. Now, in my "new" signature I have a disclaimer that was designed
in Times New Roman font. But when a new message is created, the font is
changed to Courier.

I've changed all the font areas I can think of, but it doesn't fix the
problem.

 

[Guest]

Also, help me understand the ettiquette protocol you mention.

"replying to a plan text message using html."

Thanks so much!

 

[CMM]

If your brand new messages are plain text, fix that in: Tools | Options |
Mail Format.