Outlook XP: Folders do not have focus after switching w/ Ctrl+Y

[David Winter]

I just reinstalled my system (XP SP2) and Office XP. Now I have the
following problem:

When changing the folder (mail, contacts) using the keyboard (using
[Ctrl+Y]), I cannot navigate to items in the selected folder using the
keyboard (tab, cursor keys) anymore; I have to click in the window
first to give it focus.

I didn't have this problem before, and as I use the keyboard wherever
possible, this is slowing me down considerably.

I have slavishly copied the settings from another Outlook installation,
but the problem persists.

Any ideas how to fix this?

Thank you!

 

[David Winter]

Update: Problem fixed; sorry.

It just seems to happen when you have "Outlook Today" as your startup
folder. Setting it to something else and restarting Outlook will
restore the proper behavior (focus on folder after switching).

(I hate when I find a solution seconds after whining to the whole
world; but maybe this will help someone else ...)