How to resolve Outlook Express File size issues?

DBX Repair

Outlook Express is a most famous email client introduced by Microsoft. Outlook Express is bundled with windows operating system and available to user at no cost. Most of email applications store their mailbox data in file format but Outlook Express uses different procedure to save user mailbox information. Outlook Express uses separate folders to store emails. For every folder of mailbox there is a corresponding DBX file saved on user hard drive or user system. Extensions used for every mail folder is:

  

For Inbox: inbox.dbx
For Outbox: outbox.dbx
For Sent items:  sentitems.dbx
 

All about Outlook for Mac Issue and Error

OLM Repair

Outlook for windows is user most favorite application. With the fast growing era of technology Microsoft introduced outlook for mac and fulfill all demands of Outlook users. The main difference between Outlook for mac and outlook for windows is the file format supported by both is different. As MS Outlook uses PST file format to save user mailbox data in the same way Mac outlook uses OLM file format to save user mailbox data. In this post I will discuss all about OLM file structure and complications with OLM file. I will also share remedies to deal with OLM file complications.

How to Migrate from MS-Outlook to Apple Mail using Thunderbird?

Outlook to Apple Mail

We all are aware about emails. We all use it daily specially the working professional. Every working professional is using email for communication. On daily basis, thousands of emails are exchanged between professionals. To manage these emails, we need a personal information manager commonly called email client. Though, many email clients are available which provide their services, but two most famous email clients are:  Microsoft Outlook and Apple mail. Microsoft Outlook is famous for Windows OS users while Apple mail is famous for Mac users. Let’s know about both these email clients

How to Repair and Import OLM File into MS Outlook for Mac?

Outlook Mac Repair

MS Outlook for Mac 2011 is specifically designed to work with Mac system and uses .olm files to store its data, including email messages, contacts, attachments, notes, journals, etc. The .olm format is an archive or backup file that is especially useful in case of problems with the application. If you face any issues, such as corruption in Outlook database, and fail to access the Outlook data, you can easily recover all the information from this Outlook for Mac 2011 Database file.

Why we perform migration from mac outlook to windows Outlook?

OLM to PST

Emails are most promising application to keep user data secure and safe. Microsoft introduces various email applications (Outlook Express, Outlook and many more) to their users. Moreover considering mac user Microsoft also introduces Outlook for Mac to run outlook application on mac.  Let me tell user difference between these applications.                                                                                                                      

Most Common Outlook Express Problems and Solution

Outlook Express Error

Microsoft introduced Outlook Express with Windows system. Overall working of Outlook Express is good but as we know nothing is perfect in this moving world. In the same manner Outlook Express users also faced some errors. In my post I will share few most common errors faced by Outlook Express users.

Most Common Outlook Express Errors: 

Here are few most common problems with Outlook Express that users face while using Outlook Express:

How to convert Outlook Express Address Book to Outlook (WAB to PST)?

WAB to PST

We all are familiar with Outlook. In my previous post I already explained in brief about MS-Outlook application. User can easily import and export other Outlook Express data items but not be able to import and export Contacts file. Outlook Express stores all contact information in form of WAB file. These WAB files are not accessed directly in Outlook. To access contact information in MS-Outlook user need to convert WAB file in to Outlook contacts file known as PAB file. In this post I will explain steps how user will access their Outlook Express contact file in MS-outlook.

Manual way to perform Outlook Express to MS-Outlook file conversion

Recent update of Microsoft put outlook Express users in big trouble.  Microsoft is going to stop support for Windows Xp.  This update affects Outlook Express user directly as Outlook Express is bundled with Windows XP as default email application. After getting this update most of users switch their email application from Outlook Express to MS-Outlook. However there are other reasons also that let user to migrate from DBX to PST file platform. After having a look on Info graph shown below user will clearly distinguish Why to Choose MS-Outlook? Info-graph: 

Hassle free migration from Outlook data (PST) to Thunderbird (MBOX)

Thunderbird application has a lot of features that I have already explained in my previous post. After knowing such excellent features I am sure many of us have a mind make up to switch email application client. From array of all email applications, mostly user are using Windows platform. Email application associated with Windows platform is MS-Outlook. It’s not a big deal to change email application platform. I am sharing easy and convenient method to switch from MS-Outlook (PST) to Thunderbird (MBOX) application.Following are methods to switch from Outlook to Thunderbird application?

What makes Thunderbird user’s first choice over MS-Outlook?

Email applications are a common way to transfer information from one end to another end. How good it is if these email application are available free of cost? Yes, you are right. Here I am talking about open source technology.
 

Here I am discussing about Thunderbird application a recognized name in world of open source technology after that I will tell users about key benefits of using Thunderbird application.

Thunderbird Mail Client: Thunderbird is basically a well behaved cross email application platform designed as a newsgroup

How to upgrade from MAC Outlook to MS- Outlook?

Emails are considered as a legal document whether user is a corporate client or home user. With the growing era of technology nothing can replace Emails still emails are safest and secure way to transfer information. I already explained in my previous post why we choose desktop email over webmail. Now I am going to explain why we choose Windows Outlook over mac outlook?

Mac systems are also well recognized category in operating systems. Still users first choice is windows operating system. May be users is thinking why?

How to Import and Export Gmail Contacts in Outlook 2013?

We all are aware of MS-Outlook new features. One of them is connectivity with Gmail account. I already discussed how to synchronize MS-Outlook account with Gmail account.  It’s easy to synchronize MS-outlook account with Gmail account main problem exist when user tries to access their Gmail contact in Outlook. According to user, after account synchronization contacts will synchronize automatically but this is not true. To make Gmail contacts

How to move from Windows Live Mail to Outlook?

Microsoft application is more in demand as compare to other applications (Thunderbird, Eudora) available to user. Reason behind this is Microsoft applications user friendly interface or their healthy and progressive features. As technology gets advance on the other side user demands get advance. Every user demands to enhance functionality of existing email application. In previous application

Choose wisely between OLM and PST

Emails become a part of our daily life. In our daily routine we usually receive or send thousands of emails. Technology is getting advance like a sped of rocket. This rocket speed put us in dilemma which application we choose as our email client? In previous post I already discussed about all email applications provided with operating systems.

Let’s have a discussion on most famous email application provides us:

•   Outlook Mac 
•   Outlook Windows

These applications are not unknown to us but still we are puzzled which application

we should choose? I am here to clear out this dilemma. Let’s proceed

MS-Outlook: Most of us use this application as a personal information manager. May be user is wondering why I am using this word ‘most of us’? Essentially there is a reason behind that i.e

Why to choose desktop email application as your email client?

Emails are considered as most important part of communication. For every communication user needs a secure and trustworthy application. As I say secure and trustworthy application first word come in my mind is Microsoft. User may be thinking why I choose Microsoft i e is explained below?

Emails are categorized as desktop email application and web based email application. There is no doubt on ongoing popularity of email services provided by Microsoft. There are many applications invented by Microsoft and most of user love to use MS-Outlook. Let’s have a look on MS-Outlook. 

Web based email application: Gmail, Yahoo and Bing
 
Desktop email application: Outlook Express, Outlook and Windows live Mail

MS-Outlook: MS-Outlook described as a personal information manager. Latest version supported by
MS-Outlook is Outlook2013 and it is bundled with Windows8 operating system. File structure is PST which I had already explained in my previous post. Most of us are puzzled why to choose desktop email application as our email client? Your query ends here!

Why desktop over web mail application?

Internet Availability: Web name clearly indicates the need of Internet to run web-based applications. Every time user is not assuring about

How to switch from Outlook Express to MS-Outlook?

We know very well about the importance of email in our daily routine. But what if your email account stops working and you have no support from Microsoft? Recent announcement of Microsoft put users in trouble as Microsoft is going to end support for Windows XP. It is obvious if support for Windows XP is stop then same happens with Outlook Express too. Now it’s time to think what step user should take to get rid of this trouble.

I know very well Outlook Express users are doing brain storming to find out the solution. The only solution to this problem is change of email application client. As I already introduced users with the Microsoft email client so here, I am directly taking Outlook in to consideration as new email client. Also In my previous post, 

I already discussed about why we choose Outlook as new email client? Although there are other reasons also that let user change their email application platform. Here I am sharing few of them.
Reasons for Email Application Switch

What to choose Entourage or Outlook?

In the world of email technology, there is variety of email applications. Sometime it’s tough for user to decide whether which type of email application suits best. In my post, I tried to cover all about most famous email applications used worldwide.

We all are aware of working structure of mail application. I think there is no need to explain email structure. Array of email applications are so large and vast.  Let’s proceed to email application category. These email application are categorized as:

Webmail Application:  Email application like Gmail, Outlook, AOL, Yahoo are best example of web based mail application. These email application available to user at no cost. To run web based application availability of internet is must.

Desktop Application: These type of email application bundled with operation systems. If user is using MAC operating system then email application client is Apple Mail, Entourage, and Mac Outlook. In case of Windows operating system mail clients are Outlook, Windows Live Mail, and Outlook Express. These applications are also available for users at no cost.

Both email application have own importance. Most of us get confuse while choosing email application. Need not to confuse it’s a very simple task. Let me share some points that help user in choosing email application for their use. Both email applications are quite famous and have their own pros and cons. Let’s have a discussion on both Windows and MAC email application.

Entourage File Structure:  Entourage is bundled with MAC operating system. Store house of Entourage email application is MBOX file. MBOX file stores all data in a plain text format. One additional benefit of using MBOX file is user can easily drag and drop their mailbox folder to any desired location.

Troubleshoot most common errors with MS Outlook

MS-Outlook is most trusted email- application chosen by users. Microsoft does a great evolution in recent years with introducing Outlook 2013. Outlook 2013 is blessed with more robust and advanced features that are simply WOW. Every technology has both aspects i.e. good or bad. It is not mandatory every application works like a rocket and run without error. Same prospective is applied to Outlook application. While working with Outlook in our daily routine, we usually face few common issues that are:

How to handle annoyed MAC Outlook?

Email applications are most finest way for passing information. Along with advantages email applications also have twists. These twists make Outlook working very annoyed and disappointing. No doubt MS-Outlook working is good but on the other front Outlook also creates other annoyance. Annoyance like:

• A selected item in Outlook fails to open
• Unexpected closing of Outlook
• Appearances of blank lines in Outlook messages
• Outlook denies opening
• Contact entries fail to open
• Scrapbook clipping got disappear
• Missing of information from event, calendars and contact
• Search option did not working properly
• Blank appearance of Office reminder windows

How to resolve MAC error while doing synchronization?

Mails are the most stunning application for conveying information. Here, I am talking about most famous email client i.e. Apple Mail. Mac provides various services to their users in which Synch Services is also one. Let’s have a look on Sync Services 

Introduction to Synchronization Services

First name of services indicate itself what does it mean for! Synchronization services are used to synchronize data between user system and devices. I know user is thinking why there is need of these services although there are many other options present in market. But this service is free of cost and most used by APPLE. By using this service user can easily synchronize their data like calendars, contacts, Notes and Mail account on Mac systems and windows system. Apple provides this service for windows as well as OSx Mountain Lion.

For Windows User:

Let user synchronize their Bookmarks for windows with ios device on windows 8 and all versions of windows. 

For MAC user:  

In Mac systems these services are included as frame work and Let user synchronize data like calendars, contacts, Notes, Mail Settings and other third party applications.

This is little Introduction about synchronization services provided by Apple.

Although services provided to MAC users are fabulous and have no comparison with any other services. But still there exists some issues with synchronization services provided by MAC.  Here, I am discussing a most common error usually faced by user i.e.

                                “Synchronization Services encounter a problem and needs to close”

Reason behind that error is:

Reasons for Synchronization Errors

• Synchronization services got corrupt

• Another possible reason:  May be user has not cleared the cache

Best Possible Solution:

Step 1: Stop Synchronization Services

 Go to your Synchronization Service Panel and Turn Off

• Now Open Outlook 2011 application
• If Outlook 2011 fails to start then proceed for Step2 (Mentioned Below)
• Move your cursor to Outlook Menu
• Choose option Preferences
• Click Sync Services categorized under options other
• Here close the window but make sure user has enabled all Check boxes

Now, Restart Outlook Mac2011 application and check whether problem is resolved or not. If still problem exist then visit Next Step mentioned below

Step2 Say Bye to Outlook and other application running on Mac for some time

 For Active Applications on MAC follow these few simple steps

• Switch to Apple Menu and select option Force Quit
• Now select the window labeled as: "Force Quit Applications"

Imp Info: Don’t try to quit Finder

• Click Force Quit.

NOTE: Make sure you saved changes to all applications running on MAC systems as quitting all applications make your changes unsaved. So, save your changes first

Step3: Save your MAC Outlook Data for future use

Backup of Outlook Data is necessary as if there is any miss happening occur during error removal then user is on safe side as if data get loss then there is no worry . Let me aware user MAC –Outlook data is store in form of Identities. So, user should take backup of their Identities first 

Take Backup of all Your MAC-Outlook Data

• First quit all running application and move cursor to menu 
• Then Open Documents and use Microsoft User Data option
• Now, hold the Control keys and select folder “Office 2011 Identities”
• Using Copy commands copy folder “Office 2011 Identities."
• Now, close windows
• Close all windows.
• Switch to desktop and search for empty space.
• User may be thinking why there e is need of this Step. Follow this
• Using Paste command paste the folder you copied in previous step

Have a sigh of relief! Now, Outlook Identities are backed up. After taking backup of complete Outlook   Identities come to point and do reset your Synchronize Services

How to Reset your Synchronization Services?

Resetting of synchronizing services is also a effective steps to resolve the error. It also proves beneficial for user. To reset synchronizing services is not tough task. Almost all users think to reset synchronizing services is a very tired some and heavy job. Just follow these simple steps to reset your Synchronizing service. Following are steps

Following are steps:

Open Section Library categorized under Menu

 INFO: Location of Library folder depends upon version of MAC user is using. IF Library folder is hidden then user must apply commands to make Library folder visible

      Now, Open Preferences section and drag underwritten files to Trash

File Address    

        com.microsoft.Outlook.SyncServicesPreferences.plist

        com.microsoft.Outlook.SyncServices.plist (if it exists)

        OfficeSync Prefs (if it exists)

•       Stay in Preferences and Open Microsoft & Office 2011.

Note: If you have Service Pack 2 installed, open Application Support > Microsoft > Office 2011 instead of Preferences > Microsoft > Office 2011.

• Open Trash folder and drag all Office Sync Prefs there and close that Window
• Restart your system and open Outlook2011
• Move cursor to Preferences and click on Sync Services
• Now enable all checkboxes for all item that user want to synchronize an close the window    

Note: ical are associated with events. May be user is not aware of fact that events are not synchronized with Outlook. To synchronize that user must move one of Outlook Calendars 

After performing such steps if still problem occur then try another option mentioned below i.e. clear Synchronizing Services Cache

How to clear out Synchronizing Services cache?

Following are steps:

• Firstly Turnoff all your Synchronizing Services
• Open utilities section categorized under Menu 
• Open Activity Monitor
• Move cursor to filter box and enter text sync and locate all sync services
• Now click on Quit process 
• Apply this process to all synch services that user want to synchronize 
• Now quit Activity Monitor 
• Select Home section and follow the following location

Click /Library/Application Support/, and then open Sync Services. Drag all files in that folder to the Trash.

Now synchronize all application. To synchronize all application user needs to Restart all applications including Outlook too

Now it’s time to turn on all Sync Services in Outlook.

• Select Sync Services.
• Enable all Check boxes and item user wants to sync
• Now close the window that is prompted and click OK.

By using above steps user can easily resolve their problem. If still problem occurs then user must contact Microsoft Support Center for complete solution of problem.

Planning to buy MAC-Outlook? Have a look at flaws of MAC-Outlook

Microsoft releases MAC outlook as a replacement of Entourage application. MAC outlook email application proves as a boon for all MAC users. Every application has both perspectives i.e. good and bad. Same is applicable to MAC Outlook. While dealing with user faces few common issues explained below:
 

Errors with Identity:

Identities are the store house of email messages, contacts and calendars.  I can say Identities’ are just a database of our email account. Management of Identities’ are must because once they got corrupt then user must lost their important data i.e. so horrible. While using MAC-Outlook user usually receives error "Identity could not be open with this version of Outlook for Mac.

Emails get stuck: When user tries to send message got stuck in Outbox. According to user mail has been sent. Mainly this problem occurs because of communication issue between mail server and mail client. This type of issue usually common with all users of Outlook for Mac
 

Synchronization Availability:
 Smart phones are considered best for their synchronization features. But what if smart phone fails to performs synchronization operation. This issue noticed with OS X Mountain Lion. While synchronizing Apple Mail with server it was observed that Apple did not support for Sync Services. While using features of Sync Services user usually face this problem.
 

Emails Duplicity with Gmail accounts
Outlook and Gmail both are different email clients and have their own rule book. User must attentive while running Gmail rule book on their system as this s book creates problem with Outlook account. To apply rules user must create a new rule book created with the help of Gmail’s web interface

Issues with Product Key:  We all are aware of fact that MAC-Outlook is bundled with MS-Office. It is very obvious if user buy product key for MS-office then inevitably key must work for Outlook. But realism is different as user has to buy different product key for MAC-Outlook. This problem mainly works with users of Student and Home edition Mac.
 

Synchronization issue with MAC
Outlook for MAC is a good application for all MAC users but have drawbacks also. While using MAC user is facing issues with synchronization of calendars and contacts. It is very obvious issue as Outlook for MAC does not support CalDAV or CardDAV. Even icloud Mail is also not supported by MAC Outlook. This issue must be resolve very soon as calendars and contacts are very important of every conversation. Moreover if user also it is not possible to synchronize Gmail calendar with MAC Outlook

Resize Problem
While sending message to user tries to send images as attachments. It is not necessary image received by user is compatible with version of MS-Outlook. This generates need for resizing of picture. Unfortunately to send picture user is in need to resize them before attaching them to Outlook.
 

Email Duplicity
User is aware of fact that there is a communication between both email server and mail client. Because of this communication user is able to send and receive messages. But some time there persists a problem when there is presence of duplicate emails in Sent items folders. This duplicity occurs because both mail server and Outlook add copies of same messages to Sent items folder. User can resolve this issue by following few steps:
•    Point to Outlook  switch on Preferences
•    Choose Accounts  and  select the IMAP account
•    Switch to  Advanced Tab  and select  Folders
•    Now select option entitles as’ Don't store a copy of sent messages’.
 

Signature Replacement
Outlook for Mac does not automatically support a way to replace a signature with another signature in the e-mail message. When you add a new signature in an attempt to replace an old one, Outlook for Mac appends the new signature instead of replacing it. To replace the signature, you must manually delete the original signature from the e-mail message.
Steps to unsubscribe from Mail folders
•    Switch to Tools Menu
•    Select IMAP Folders (Gmail)
•    Now click on All Mail
•    Click Unsubscribe.
Show Mobile Me email account does not automatically configure in Outlook for Mac 2011 after the Office for Mac 2011 SP2 update

Synchronization issue of Hot mail Folders with MAC
For POP account user (Hot Mail) it is really tough to synchronize their contacts and calendars. As these type of account does not support for contacts and calendars.
 

Absence of Import FeaturesUsers of Mountain Lion are unable to import their Apple Mail data in to MAC Outlook2011. There is absence of Import feature in Mac mail system. To import MAC Mail data user need to use third party tool.
 

Color Coding Issue
Notifications play a very important role in every mail box. It seems good if user get notification for every activity happening in their account. Mac mail is bundled with feature of calendar sharing. But it has a disadvantage also. It does not give any intimation if users share their calendar with anyone. Also it is not possible for user to change color of shared calendars.
 

Editing in Hyperlink
While working with email it is very obvious we received emails with attachments. Not only attachments also text associated with hyperlinks. Last time I tried to insert hyperlink in text but fails to do so. After brain storming of few hours I came to know that there is need to insert full URL address that includes http:// also.
 

Issues with Email Messages:-
Emails are considered as safest mode of communication. MAC Outlook uses ‘User Data Folder’ and stores all information in form of Identity. Identity works as database to keep back up of mail account. But what if these Identities come in invisible mode, then this will be a big loss for users. This is also considering as a big flaws for User of MAC-Outlook.

After reading above issues user must think before installing MAC Outlook2011 as email application.

How to deal with sluggish behavior of Mac Outlook 2011?

Outlook for Mac is a great and improved application for all Outlook lovers using MAC operating system. Previously Mac users are using Entourage application before release of Mac-Outlook. Mac Outlook 2011 has variety of advance features like:
•    New HTML editor
•    Sharing of Resources become easy
•    Outlook 2011 support Time Machine
•    Outlook 2011 provides preview of mailboxes

Best advantage of using MAC-Outlook is its import feature. User can easily use their MS-Outlook PST files in their MAC-Outlook application. Everything has both aspects i.e. good or bad. Same is true for Mac-Outlook2011 sometimes its performance gets sluggish and shows unexpected errors. In my post, I will describe most common errors face by Mac Outlook users.

While working with MAC Outlook user usually sees Outlook become unresponsive and starts showing error “Outlook has encounter a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for inconvenience”. Once you restart Outlook application and start working on it continuously for 10-15 min, Outlook gets crash repetitively. This is really very frustrating.To resolve this error follow below mentioned steps:
 

Resolve MS-Outlook Error

Step 1: To resolve this error firstly Close All Application running on Mac system. May be user will face problem while closing all application like MS-World for MAC, MS-Excel for MAC. In this case user needs to close application forcefully.
•    Go to application toolbar and select option ’Force Quit’
                                                           
                                                                

NOTE: If still user is unable to so do then follow these steps
•    Go to command and Option Keys
•    Select Esc key from keyboard
                                                                      
                                                     

•    A pop up will appear entitle as "Force Quit Application"
•    Select application user wish to close
   

                                                                  

•    After completion of process move to upper –left corner and click on red button
•    Move to desktop and select Outlook Preferences

Step 2: How to move Outlook Preferences to desktop?
To move the Outlook Preferences to the desktop, follow these steps:
•    Close all running application and point cursor to Go menu
•    Select option Home and open Library
Additional Info:Mac OS x Lion user unhide the Library folder. TO unhide the folder, hold option key from keyboard and click on Go menu
 Drag the underwritten files to desktop categorized under open preferences
com.microsoft.Outlook.plist
com.microsoft.outlook.database_daemon.plist
com.microsoft.outlook.database_utility.plist
com.microsoft.outlook.office_reminders.plist
com.microsoft.Outlook.SyncServicesPreferences.plist
NOTE: It may be possible user is unable to find any above mentioned file. Need not to worryall these files depend on Outlook.
•    Now again start Outlook application and check whether this error occurs or not
Proceed if error is not occurring. Error is persisting because of files user is moving. Perform following activities to separate file
a)    Close outlook application and reset file to original location
b)    Start Outlook application
If still error reoccurs because of file moved by user then transfer file to Trash.
Now check again whether error occurs or not. If yes then continue repeating the step ‘a’ & ’b’ to separate the file.
User found still error is present then repeat step ‘a’ and ‘b’ and proceed for next step.
•    Close all running application and point cursor to Go menu
•    Select option Home and open Library
Additional Info:  Mac OS x Lion user unhide the Library folder. To unhide the folder hold option key from keyboard and click on Go menu
•    Open Preferences
 NOTE:  For user of service pack 2 installed go for Application instead of Preferences
Start Microsoft and then Open Office2011 and drag following to desktop
        Outlook Preferences and Office SyncPrefs
Repeat the process mentioned above till user find file (Preference file)

Step 3: Move the Microsoft User data folder to desktop folder
Microsoft user data folder holds all user information as well as database of Outlook of MS-Office. Following are steps to find move Microsoft user data
•    Close all running application and point cursor to Go menu
•    Choose option Documents and drag all Microsoft user Data folder to desktop
•    Start Outlook application
•    If user found still problem persist then choose a different account to test Outlook application
 

Step 4: Create a different user account to test Outlook application.
NOTE: May be user is thinking why there is need to create a different account to test application. It may be possible, account user is using to test application is corrupt. That’s why it is advised to test changes from different application

Step 5: If still error occurs then user must install and download latest updates of Mac Outlook application
Microsoft update will fix the various errors automatically even when user is busy in performing Outlook activities.
•    Start MAC office application
•    Move cursor to Help menu
•    Select option Check for Updates
•    Open window entitle as check for Updates in ‘Microsoft Auto Update’ dialog box
Now, restore all data from the OLM files i.e. backup of Outlook database
I hope above mentioned steps will resolve user problem easily. In case, still problem persist then user must go for technical expert or Microsoft help section.

Handy way to move Windows Live mail data to MS-Outlook

Emails are the most common and dependable way for transmission of information. In market,there is various email application services provider present but most favorable among users is Microsoft. We can’t deny the fact that Microsoft email applications are easy to use and handle.  Moreover user needs not to pay any extra amount to use email application as these are categorized under MS-Office package of windows.

 Technology is getting advance with the increasing demands of user. Every user demands for application which is multitasking. How good it is if user is able to keep an eye on their social media accounts using their desktop email application. Microsoft meets the user demands by launching new updated version of Outlook considered as Outlook 2013. MS-Outlook 2013 is bundled with variety of new features that simply forces a user to say WOW! After having a look on new and vast features of MS-Outlook every user will decide to change their email application platform. I know user must search for a solution to change their email application. Ahh! No need to go anywhere. In my post I will share all necessary steps that user must take to migrate their data from WLM to Outlook. Here. I am taking windows live mail in to consideration Following are steps to switch from Windows Live Mail to MS-Outlook application
Step to move Stuff from Windows Live Mail to MS-Outlook
•    Start on both applications Windows Live Mail and MS- Outlook.
•    Move cursor to Windows Live Application and target File Menu
•    Point to ‘File’ Menu pick option ‘Export’ and click on ‘Email messages’.
•    Firstly select the format labeled as ‘Microsoft Exchange’ and proceed.
•    Wait till all email messages exported to MS-Outlook or Exchange
•    Continue the process
•    MS-outlook provides options to export all mail folders or few selected folders. Choice is users. User can enable the button according to their convenience
•    After selection of button wait till process completed
•    After completion of process a dialogue box will appear holding message for Export completion process
NOTE: Outlook 2013 must be of 32 bit to complete export process from Windows Live Mail or Outlook Express.
Steps to Export contact from WLM to Outlook2003 using Outlook2010:
To perform this function user has to follow both process i.e. Import and Export. Firstly there is need to export contacts in a .csv file and to use contacts in MS-Outlook user need to use Import option.
1.    Start Windows Live Mail application
2.    Open up Contacts folder and Choose.CSV file from Export option
3.    ‘CSV Export Window’ holds a Browse button. choose’ Browse’ button to select Desktop folder
4.    Save the file by entering the file name i.e. ‘WLM Contacts’.
5.    Export the fields that user select
6.    Wait for Export process to be completed
7.    Close Windows Live Mail application
8.    Start Microsoft Outlook application
9.    To import the contact folder that user select go to File Menu and Choose Import button
10.  Click on ‘Import from another program or file’ and do click on ‘NEXT’ button
11.  After selection of .csv files browse for WLM contact file created in above steps.
12.  Open the WLM Contacts files
NOTE: There are additional options to replace, duplicate, or do not import duplicated contacts.
13 User will see highlighted Contacts folder and in case if user is unable to see highlighted contacts folder then go and select the Contacts folder
14 Now, wait till Import process completed

Steps to Export contacts from WLM to Outlook2013
•    Repeat First 7 steps mentioned in above paragraph
•    Now, select the file and Open in Excel sheet
•    Move to Desktop folder and do right click to Show All Files
•    Open the WLMContacts.csv file created in earlier step and do click on Save As
•    Change the file type from to CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv)
•   A dialogue box will appear ask for replace or overwrite the existing file or to keep the CSV format. Enable option YES
•    Close the Excel sheet
•    Now open your Outlook account
•    Open File option and do select Import/Export option
•    Click on ‘Import from another program or file’ and do click on ‘NEXT’ button
•    Highlight CSV file and browse for WLM contact.csv file
NOTE: There are additional options to replace, duplicate, or do not import duplicated contacts.
•    Go for your highlighted Contacts folder and proceed
•    Click on ‘Finish’ button to complete the process

Steps to Export calendar from WLM to Outlook2003 using Outlook2010
1.    Start Windows Live Mail and login to your Windows Live ID
2.    NOW, Select the calendar folder and double click on Send/ Receive button to synchronize calendar
3.    Close Windows Live Mail application
4.    Now visit the link given below http://calendar.live.com
5.    Go for share button and choose calendar user want to Export
6.    Now, choose the calendar item and create a one way link for items
7.    Send the created link to people with whom you share your calendar.
8.   Share your calendar link in case if user found calendar links are not available there then go for option”Get your calendar links”.
9.    Now choose option ICS: Import into another calendar application.
10.   Enter the URL in the URL bar: webcal:// prefix.
11.   Now, open the Internet Explorer window and by using copy command paste the URL without webcal:// prefix
12.    After that save the file calendar.ICS file
13.    Repeat the steps from 4 to 12 to export the calendar
NOTE: User also has option to make their calendar private again. For this they just need to change the following settings: ‘don’t share this calendar (keep it private)’

14.    After saving.ICS file close all Internet Explorer Tab.
15.    Now, Open MS-Outlook  application
16.    Point to File menu select the option Import an iCalendar (.ics) or vCalendar file (.vcs)
17.    Now, open your Desktop folder and choose file .ICS
18.    A dialogue box will appear containing Import option
19.    Select the Import button and wait till process completed

Steps to Export calendars from WLM to Outlook2013
1.    Start Windows Live Mail and login to your Windows Live ID
2.    This will also display your MS-Outlook account
3.    Select option share calendar and save the settings
4.    Select option ‘Send people a view-only link to your calendar’
5.    Go for ‘Get your calendar links’
6.    Now go with link who get grayed and select the part of calendar you want to display or share
7.    Now share the created link with the help of email. By doing so user will able to view calendar
8.    Import calendar data.
After execution of all above steps now user will easily change their email application platform. There is one more option to convert all EML files in to PST file format without any chance of data loss i.e. Third party tools. User can use third party tools to convert all precious data. One tool I suggest user to use Stellar Windows Live Mail to PST converter tool. To check efficiency of tool user must try its demo version available at website. 

Don’t Let Virus Hack Outlook Express

Desktop email clients are the most common vehicle to carry information from source to destination. Outlook Express is user friendly and have easy to use email application bundled with the windows operating system. Sometime Outlook Express put user is in horrible situation like

•    Outlook Express denied opening,
•    User received same mail twice,
•    Received email is blank & other lot of errors.

 All this misbehavior of outlook Express is because of virus attack.
Viruses are considered as most irritating programs for every application. Once they enter in application they have complete power to corrupt user system as well as application. The doorway for viruses is Internet. I know user is thinking Internet is backbone of technology it is not possible to work without internet.  Not to worry as Microsoft provided bundle of options for protecting Outlook Express account from virus attack. Have a look and choose best method according to user convenience.

Following are remedies

Disable HTML in Outlook Express 

Outlook Express 5 or 5.5 uses Internet Zone to enable active content. But Outlook Express6 uses Restricted Zone or Security Zone to enable active content. User can free their Outlook Express6 account from viruses by turn off the active zone settings. These settings are categorized under Security Zone Option. User can disable active content, Active X controls or scripts used by email messages to read out HTML messages. Use following steps to change Internet Settings 

Steps to change settings of Internet Explorer
1.    Open Up Outlook Express Application
2.    Head towards Tools menu and choose Options
3.    Enter into Security Tab
4.    Select one option wisely from Restricted Sites Zone or Internet Zone categorized under section Virus Protection
5.    Choose Internet Explorer security zone option
6.    Close the dialogue box
7.    Quit application Outlook Express
8.    Now head towards Internet Explorer

 
                                         
                 
9    Point to Tools menu choose  Option Internet Settings
                                          
            

10 Now select option security from the tool bar
                                                                                                                                                                        
                                       

11    Click on Custom Level categorized Under Security Zone     

        
                                                
12    Apply these settings to Outlook Express

NOTE: Apply these changes carefully as a small mistake leads to huge damage

May be user is thinking after disabling of HTML message how user will read out emails in plain Text. Don’t worry at all Microsoft provides option for that. User just needs to configure their Outlook Express with Service Pack1. This will resolve your problem

A question may be arising in user mind why there is need of using Service Pack1? Let me aware user that it is not possible always Outlook Express will read all emails in plain text format. There may be issues with plain text format after enabling settings of active content. Follow these steps to read out messages in Plain text without any hindrance
How to read Plain Text messages in Outlook Express
•    From the sub menu of Tools choose ‘options’
•    Select Read tab
•    Enable the checkbox entitle as rad all messages in plain text
•    Click OK

Filter All Email Attachments
Attachments are also considered as a source of viruses. Keep your mailbox safe by applying filters to your email received with attachments. Go for option ‘Unsafe File list’ categorized in Internet Explorer
1.    Open Up Outlook Express Application
2.    Head towards Tools menu and choose Options
3.    Enable check box ‘Virus Protection’ categorized under ‘Security Tab’
4.    Choose option “Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus”

NOTE: Outlook Express Service Pack 1 (SP1) user ignore this step as by default this option is already enabled. By applying above settings in Outlook Express6 account user mailbox will become safe as Internet Explorer will report for unsafe email attachment. User will not allow downloading email.

Additional Info: User needs to choose which type of file types should be blocked or removed from ‘Unsafe File List’
Follow these steps to Add or remove file types from Unsafe File List

1.    Open Control Panel
2.    Switch to Classic View
3.    Do double click on Folder Options
4.    Now Open File Types Tab and select the type of file
5.    Now select the type of file from the list that user want to block or allow
NOTE: If user found desired file extension is not available then user can add them by applying following steps

Steps to Add desired File Extension

1.    Under the File Type Tab click on Advance Settings
2.    Click on ‘NEW’ option
3.    In the Edit File Type dialog box add the name of file that user want to Add to ‘Unsafe file list’
4.    Now Click OK and then Click on Advanced Tab
5.    Adjust the settings of Check Mark to block or allow the changes
6.    Also enable the checkbox named as ‘Confirm open after download check box.

NOTE: By default Internet Explorer already listed .exe files in the unsafe list 
 

Amendments in Java Script:
How to disable java script for Internet Explorer?
1.    Open Outlook Express Application
2.    Point to Tools menu selects Security Tab
3.    Now enable the button Restricted Site option
4.    Again go to start button and open Control Panel
5.    Double Click on Internet Options applet
6.    Now click on button labeled as ‘Custom Level button’
7.    Disable the check box entitle as ‘Disable under the Active Scripting heading’

Prevent Application from sending email
Sometime Outlook Express uses IMAP client and due to this few virus come in to existence. These viruses start sending copy of mail containing viruses. But user can save their precious mailboxes from virus attack by applying following steps:
1.    Under the security Tab Enable the option ‘Warn Me’
2.    By using this option user get alert if any unwanted email message is sent from their email account

After implementing above mentioned steps user can run their Outlook Express safely and enjoy their work without any virus interruption

Choose wisely how to Convert OLM file to PST file format

Mac uses OLM files for two purposes i.e. as backup file and another as a data file.  I am a MAC-Outlook user and using .OLM data files.  As an IT professional I use MS-Outlook account at my work place but at home I have Mac system. Sometimes I need to share my network with Clients who are running windows system. This situation put me in trouble as both email applications use different file format to store information. Mac Outlook uses ‘.OLM’ data files and MS-Outlook uses .pst files. To access .olm files in windows system I need to convert them into .pst file format. Here is the solution of above problem:

Solution: There are three methods to do manual migration of files. 

Manual Migration

• Open your IMAP mail account and Mac Outlook
• Configure Mac-Outlook account with your IMAP account
• Now apply synchronization of IMAP(Gmail) with MS-Outlook
• Move inbox of Mac Outlook to mailbox of IMAP
• Now, move all emails 

NOTE: Wait till process complete successfully as synchronization process takes time.

Second Method: Good for those who have Exchange Server account 

MS-Outlook user can connect their Exchange Server account and access data from anywhere. To perform this connectivity, user needs to switch to online mode or I can say Cache Exchange Mode.

Third Method: Microsoft Power Shell option

Microsoft Exchange power shell has option named as ‘Export-Mailbox shell cmdlet’. By using this method user can export mailbox data in to .pst file format.

User can also export data manually by following Underwritten steps:

Export data to an Outlook for OLM file

MS-Outlook provides various options to export data from Mac data file i.e. OLM.  To proceed for export information firstly decide whether user want to filter option by Category or by Item.  Information like 

Network Info, Contact Info and many more. Steps to Export information:

• Point to File Menu choose Export
• Go for option ‘Outlook for Mac Data File’
• Apply Filter to select information
• Wisely select one option from’ to filter by category or item type’
• Now, select option ‘Items of the following types’
• After selection enable all check boxes
• Select right arrow key from keyboard and follow all instructions

INFO:  MS-Outlook will not export contact information from following

• Directory Services Account
• Microsoft Exchange Account
• Public Folders

Export Contacts in CSV file Format: By using this option user can easily transfer contacts from one system to another system. CSV files can easily be attached with emails and transfer easily.

Steps to Export Contacts

• Point to File Menu choose Export
• From Export Assistant window choose option ’Contacts from a list’
• Save the CSV file with .txt extension.

.INFO: While Exporting Contacts let me aware user Outlook will also export information like mailing address, Notes information

Information which is not Exported: Encryption certificates

Individual Items Export: Outlook provides option to Export Items individually that is really beneficial for user. 

• Move Cursor to Item List 
• Go for Item user want to Export
• In case user need to select multiple item then long press windows button and click on Items
• Now, drag the selected Items to a folder on your desktop

INFO: MS-Outlook already described file format to save exported file

File Name           File Format

 Email                     .eml

Calendars                     .ics

Contacts                     .vcf

Notes                     .html

All the above methods clearly explain that there is no direct option to convert files. Above explained steps are too much time consuming and provides no assurance of data safety also. I suggested using third party tool to perform OLM to PST file conversion. 

Few Additional Benefits of Using Third Party Software:

Safe and Risk Free Conversion: User deletes all data from their icloud when they finish their export process. During this export process of OLM file it is not mandatory their data will remain unchanged. To avoid data loss it is advised to use third party tools.

Time Management: Configuring IMAP account with Ms-Outlook is too much time consuming and hectic process. By using converter tools user can save their time as OLM to PST converter performs operation in few clicks only.

File Format: By doing manual conversion user can save converted data in to .pst file only. If user use third party software then user will get option to save converted data to different file formats like(.eml, msg format etc). 

I hope above mentioned procedure are quite helpful for you to convert OLM file to PST file format.

Smart way to synchronize IPhone with MS-Outlook

Smart phones have become the newest trend in mobile technology. If I say people use smart phones only for calling and messaging purpose then it would be wrong. Now- a- days smart phone has become a source of emailing also. As emailing is consider as safe and sound approach for communication. We all are aware of value of our priceless information because we know maximum business deals as well as client conversation are finalized via mails.
                  MS- Outlook is treated as a personal information manager. To manage all contacts, calendars, events, MS-Outlook is a perfect application. For a user, it is not possible to turn on their desktop pc, laptops for every reply.  In many cases, user has to reply for emails on urgent basis but what if user is not carrying any such systems like Laptop or Computer? Or there in no web access?

Don’t worry at all in this situation your smart phone will work like your pc. Every Smart phone is integrated with feature of email synchronization. If user synchronizes their smart phone with their desktop application then they can easily deal with the above mentioned situations. Let’s have a look on synchronization process of Smart phones and desktop email application. In my post, I am taking IPhone and MS-Outlook in to consideration.

iPhone provides various options to synchronize user Outlook account. There are two methods to synchronize Outlook account with iPhone  i.e.

• Manual Method
• By using icloud App

MANUAL METHOD    

To synchronize Personal Information Manager with iPhone download the latest version of Apple iTunes from Apple store and install it.   

•  Launch iTunes application by connecting iPhone5 to user PC. 

NOTE: User needs data cable to establish a connection between iPhone5 and system.  Under ITunes section move to Devices.

• User will see a list of devices on left panel of iTunes.    
• Select your device and proceed for Info Tab    
• After clicking on Info Tab move to ‘Contacts’ section and choose ‘Sync Contacts with’.  
• After performing such activities user will again see list of all sources available to sync contacts.  
• Select Outlook application from dropdown menu.

                                                        

        INFO: iPhone provides user option to synchronize all contacts and contacts from a particular group created in their Outlook account. 

• Select according to your convenience and after selection click on Apply button.  
• Outlook will display message regarding contact synchronization and ask for to allow or not   
• Tap on “Allow access for ” 
• This will display message as shown in fig:

                                                 

Above mention method is the procedure to synchronize MS-Outlook with iPhone5 using data cable. If user wants to synchronize their MS-Outlook without any cable connection then they can follow this procedure.

Requirements:

• Good Internet Connection                
• Login credentials of their Outlook Account
• Unlock your IPhone5 screen 
• Move your finger to Menu Button and choose Settings
• Tap on Settings and select option Mail, Contacts and Calendars. Now Choose Add Account
• This activity will display a list of accounts. Choose Microsoft Exchange
•  Do fulfill all login credentials and proceed for Next.

After login, a connection is establish between Server and user account. User will ask to enter the server address to complete the activity.

• Enter ‘m.outlook.com’ in the server field successful connection has been created,
• Turn on each slider to ‘On’ to synchronizing emails, contacts and calendars.By using icloud: 

NOTE: It is suggested to user to take backup of.pst file.

• Install icloud Control Panel for windows
• Now, after installation open icloud control panel for windows
• Now, Copy default.pst file to icloud.

                                  
May be user is thinking why there is need to perform this step? This will make default .pst file to iCloud.pst file.

• Again adjust slider to iCloud control panel and select "Contacts with Outlook"

NOTE: If user don’t have cloud control panel then they can download it from ITunes store.

• Adjust screen slider to icloud settings turn ‘On’ contact settings
• This will synchronize all Outlook contacts to iPhone.

There is one more way to synchronize Contacts with iPhone i.e. by using Email.  Email method is considered as one way import method. Steps to perform this method

•  Prepare a "master" .vcf, or "business card"
• To prepare a business card open your Outlook and do right click to select all contacts
• By doing so user will create .vcf card for very contact present in their Outlook account
• Select all created business card and choose option "Send as Business Card "
• Email created business card to you.
• Now, open the email and secure the business card by saving them in .vcf files to a temporary folder of windows
• Open the “Command Prompt”
• Do enter the following code: "cd c:\temp"
• Here, I am assuming temp as a temporary folder where user can save their business card.
• Run c:\temp directory.
• Now press key labeled as "Return" and enter text written as : "copy /a *.vcf c:\temp\allcards.vcf"
• Again press “Return” to copy a .vcf cards into a single file
• Again attached these .vcf card file with your mail and mail to yourself
• Open these email on your smart phone (iPhone).
• Open the file and select “Add All Contacts” 

If you are confused which method is best for you then I will suggest you to continue with icloud method as this method have various benefits. Have a look!

Benefits of using icloud: 

• User will able to see all iPhone contacts in their Outlook account after synchronization.
• User will able to synchronize their bookmarks and photo gallery.
• User can perform sending and receiving mail activity from anywhere

   Now, synchronization becomes quite easy with iPhone user.