Configure Microsoft Outlook 2002 XP for Online and Offline Modes

If you use Outlook on a non-public computer you can configure it to store a local copy of your mailbox on that computer. This local copy gives you the ability to work with your mailbox when you are not connected to the internet. Outlook keeps the server and local copies of your mailbox synchronized based on the settings you provide.

Please note that if you connect to the internet infrequently, your mailbox will require a longer time to synchronize when you do reconnect. Synchronize daily if possible, especially if you receive a high volume of email. Synchronizing on the network is fast, but doing so over a modem can be quite slow, especially the first time you synchronize.

Make sure that Outlook if configured for your account before you setup offline folders.

NOTE: If you have Windows 2000 or XP we strongly recommend you upgrade to Outlook 2003. As our customer you can download a free copy of the application by logging into the Control Panel and clicking the Help link. Once your upgrade is complete you should run Outlook in cached mode.

Steps to Configure Outlook

1. Click Start in the lower left corner of your screen.
2. Depending on your operating system, select Control Panel or select Settings > Control Panel.
3. Double-click on the Mail icon.
4. Select "View or change existing email accounts"; click Next.
5. Select "Microsoft Exchange Server"; click Change.
6. Click More Settings.
7. If you are prompted to login, enter your username, password and domain.
8. Click the Advanced tab.
9. Click "Offline Folder Settings".
10. The default location for outlook.ost is in your user profile. If you are the only user of the machine we recommend you place your ost file outside of your profile. Use Browse to find a location for your ost file and name the file outlook.ost.
11. Click OK. You will be prompted to create an outlook.ost file if one is not found.
12. Click OK > Next > Finish > Close.
13. Start Outlook.
14. Go to the Tools menu and select "Send/Receive Settings".
15. Select "Define Send/Receive Groups".
16. Click Edit.
17. Place a check mark next to any folder you want to be included when you synchronize your mailbox with your local copy. Selecting a folder does not select any subfolders. You have to select each folder individually. If you add folders at a later date, you will need to modify your "Send/Receive Settings" before it will be synchronized.
18. Click OK; click Close.
19. Click the F9 button whenever you want to synchronize your folders.

Questions? Call us at (800) 967-3924 or send an email to our support team.