Migrate OL2003 POP3 to MAPI

[Jeff Vandervoort]

We have about 100 remote computers on which Outlook 2003 is set up as a POP3
client to the main office's Exchange 2003 server, with PST message stores.
Now, we're setting up a client VPN and we want to change them to Exchange
clients storing data on the server. All were originally set up using a .PRF
file that was generated by Office 2003 CIW, so except for a few that might
have been edited since installation, they have consistent Outlook profiles.

I'm hopeful it's possible to create a .PRF file that will:

1. delete the POP3 account (CIW PRF does this)
2. set up the MAPI account (CIW PRF does this)
3. import contents of the default PST file to the Exchange server
4. detach the PST
5. delete the PST (don't think that's possible but it doesn't hurt to ask!)

I have downloaded the MS white paper on PRF files and have experimented with
customizing the CIW-generated PRF a bit, but haven't hit on the right
combination. (To be truthful, so far, none of my custom PRF files work at
all!)

Is there a way to make a PRF file do items 3-5 above?

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

The only thing a PRF can do is #2. It cannot make Outlook remove a POP3 account (unless you've found something new and interesting; if so, do tell) or import, close, or delete a PST file.

I'd suggest creating a completely new mail profile with the Exchange account and giving users detailed, tested instructions on how to import their legacy .pst files.

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

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

 

[Jeff Vandervoort]

Thanks, Sue.

By setting the option to overwrite the existing profile, the POP3 account is
(in effect) deleted, in that the profile that replaces it does not install a
POP3 account.

Alas...detailed, tested instructions (with short, numbered, illustrated
steps, no less) are largely lost on these users. I use them only when I have
no alternative.

Speaking of which, am I correct that there is still no updated ExMerge
available that will import Unicode PSTs?

Thanks!

--
Jeff Vandervoort
JRVsystems
The only thing a PRF can do is #2. It cannot make Outlook remove a POP3
account (unless you've found something new and interesting; if so, do tell)
or import, close, or delete a PST file.

I'd suggest creating a completely new mail profile with the Exchange account
and giving users detailed, tested instructions on how to import their legacy
..pst files.

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

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