Automating Outlook(2003) Adressbook, visability after install

[jtsm]

Hi there,

After an Outlook 2003 installation, in my situation to a 2000 Exchange box.
The Outlook Address Book needs to be made to appear. Following some simple
steps as below. (Adding as service, and making visable)

As per MSKB article.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;287563&Product=ol2002


Basically I have a rollout, upgrading approx. 600 machines to Outlook 2003.
After some sums, it will add about 2.5 days work on the rollout, doing this
part manually for each user (say 2 minutes for each profile). I was hoping
someone might be able to lead me in the right direction for automating the
process of making the Outlook Address Book visible after a user has logged
in. I've read some posts mentioning scripting that could be done through
outlook, but not sue where to start. And the idea of having the end-user
perform this function sends shivers down my spine.

Thanks in advance,

jtsm

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

See my response to your earlier post on this issue, in the other group.

 

[jtsm]

Thanks,

I am having this testing now. Then will post results in both groups.

 

[NA]

Hi there,

After an Outlook 2003 installation, in my situation to a 2000 Exchange
box.
The Outlook Address Book needs to be made to appear. Following some simple
steps as below. (Adding as service, and making visable)

As per MSKB article.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;287563&Product=ol2002

This surprises me that this not already there. Outlook Profiler adds this by
default.

Use Outlook Profiler..
http://goffconcepts.com/products/windows/profiler/index.html

Helpful Hints by
GOFF Concepts L.L.C.

 

[jtsm]

The below options still did not solve the issue. I've included Sue's original
reply.

After making all these changes, and different combinations. I was still
unable to have this visable by default.

"
Use the CIW tool in the Office Resource Kit to create and deploy a .prf file
that includes the mail profile settings you want, including the Outlook
Address Book.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers
"

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

Show the relevant sections of your .prf file.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

 

[jtsm]

I think, these are the relevant sections...

; Section 1 - Profile Defaults
[General]
Custom=1
ProfileName=OutlookSTD
DefaultProfile=Yes
OverwriteProfile=Yes
ModifyDefaultProfileIfPresent=FALSE <-have tried this as TRUE
; Section 2 - Services in Profile
[Service List]
;ServiceX=Microsoft Outlook Client
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service1=Microsoft Exchange Server
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service2=Outlook Address Book
[Outlook Address Book]
ServiceName=CONTAB


Hope this helps...

 

[jtsm]

More info...

Service 1 has below entries in MST file... but reference to Service 2 is
blank.. but references Outlook Address book in the Service list... could this
be related?

[Service1]
OverwriteExistingService=Yes
UniqueService=Yes
MailboxName=%UserName%
HomeServer=MAILSERVER
AccountName=Microsoft Exchange Server

[Service2]

I think, these are the relevant sections...

; Section 1 - Profile Defaults
[General]
Custom=1
ProfileName=OutlookSTD
DefaultProfile=Yes
OverwriteProfile=Yes
ModifyDefaultProfileIfPresent=FALSE <-have tried this as TRUE
; Section 2 - Services in Profile
[Service List]
;ServiceX=Microsoft Outlook Client
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service1=Microsoft Exchange Server
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service2=Outlook Address Book
[Outlook Address Book]
ServiceName=CONTAB


Hope this helps...

Show the relevant sections of your .prf file.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

No, this is normal. The OAB has no settings, so it will just have a service heading in the .prf file.

Are you deploying the .prf file with the CIW or through some other means? What happens if you just save it and then run it? Does it produce the desired mail profile settings that way?

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

More info...

Service 1 has below entries in MST file... but reference to Service 2 is
blank.. but references Outlook Address book in the Service list... could this
be related?

[Service1]
OverwriteExistingService=Yes
UniqueService=Yes
MailboxName=%UserName%
HomeServer=MAILSERVER
AccountName=Microsoft Exchange Server

[Service2]

I think, these are the relevant sections...

; Section 1 - Profile Defaults
[General]
Custom=1
ProfileName=OutlookSTD
DefaultProfile=Yes
OverwriteProfile=Yes
ModifyDefaultProfileIfPresent=FALSE <-have tried this as TRUE
; Section 2 - Services in Profile
[Service List]
;ServiceX=Microsoft Outlook Client
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service1=Microsoft Exchange Server
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service2=Outlook Address Book
[Outlook Address Book]
ServiceName=CONTAB


Hope this helps...

Show the relevant sections of your .prf file.

The below options still did not solve the issue. I've included Sue's original
reply.

After making all these changes, and different combinations. I was still
unable to have this visable by default.

"
Use the CIW tool in the Office Resource Kit to create and deploy a ..prf file
that includes the mail profile settings you want, including the Outlook
Address Book.


:


Hi there,

After an Outlook 2003 installation, in my situation to a 2000 Exchange
box.
The Outlook Address Book needs to be made to appear. Following some simple
steps as below. (Adding as service, and making visable)

As per MSKB article.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;287563&Product=ol2002

This surprises me that this not already there. Outlook Profiler adds this by
default.

Use Outlook Profiler..
http://goffconcepts.com/products/windows/profiler/index.html

Helpful Hints by
GOFF Concepts L.L.C.

 

[jtsm]

Thats right, works fine if i run the prf file after a new user profile is
created in XP directly. But if I use the CIW to deploy, and specifiy that i
want to use the created .prf file, it doesn't appear to work. It looks like
it is using a default setting and only applying the mail server section. I've
used a fresh MST file or this incase there was an isue with the original one.
One option I am looking at is having the .rpf file referenced for any new
profile creation to runonce, the working outlook profile. but... this is a
little messing.

No, this is normal. The OAB has no settings, so it will just have a service heading in the .prf file.

Are you deploying the .prf file with the CIW or through some other means? What happens if you just save it and then run it? Does it produce the desired mail profile settings that way?

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

More info...

Service 1 has below entries in MST file... but reference to Service 2 is
blank.. but references Outlook Address book in the Service list... could this
be related?

[Service1]
OverwriteExistingService=Yes
UniqueService=Yes
MailboxName=%UserName%
HomeServer=MAILSERVER
AccountName=Microsoft Exchange Server

[Service2]

I think, these are the relevant sections...

; Section 1 - Profile Defaults
[General]
Custom=1
ProfileName=OutlookSTD
DefaultProfile=Yes
OverwriteProfile=Yes
ModifyDefaultProfileIfPresent=FALSE <-have tried this as TRUE
; Section 2 - Services in Profile
[Service List]
;ServiceX=Microsoft Outlook Client
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service1=Microsoft Exchange Server
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service2=Outlook Address Book
[Outlook Address Book]
ServiceName=CONTAB


Hope this helps...

:

Show the relevant sections of your .prf file.

The below options still did not solve the issue. I've included Sue's original
reply.

After making all these changes, and different combinations. I was still
unable to have this visable by default.

"
Use the CIW tool in the Office Resource Kit to create and deploy a ..prf file
that includes the mail profile settings you want, including the Outlook
Address Book.


:


Hi there,

After an Outlook 2003 installation, in my situation to a 2000 Exchange
box.
The Outlook Address Book needs to be made to appear. Following some simple
steps as below. (Adding as service, and making visable)

As per MSKB article.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;287563&Product=ol2002

This surprises me that this not already there. Outlook Profiler adds this by
default.

Use Outlook Profiler..
http://goffconcepts.com/products/windows/profiler/index.html

Helpful Hints by
GOFF Concepts L.L.C.

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

So, that confirms that the .prf file itself apparently is correct. I would conclude that it's not being applied when Outlook starts. Therefore, the next thing I'd do is use the MST Viewer to confirm that the .mst file contains the .prf file to deploy and also sets the ImportPRF registry value.

Also, are you trying to create a completely new profile or modify an existing profile?

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

Thats right, works fine if i run the prf file after a new user profile is
created in XP directly. But if I use the CIW to deploy, and specifiy that i
want to use the created .prf file, it doesn't appear to work. It looks like
it is using a default setting and only applying the mail server section. I've
used a fresh MST file or this incase there was an isue with the original one.
One option I am looking at is having the .rpf file referenced for any new
profile creation to runonce, the working outlook profile. but... this is a
little messing.

No, this is normal. The OAB has no settings, so it will just have a service heading in the .prf file.

Are you deploying the .prf file with the CIW or through some other means? What happens if you just save it and then run it? Does it produce the desired mail profile settings that way?

More info...

Service 1 has below entries in MST file... but reference to Service 2 is
blank.. but references Outlook Address book in the Service list... could this
be related?

[Service1]
OverwriteExistingService=Yes
UniqueService=Yes
MailboxName=%UserName%
HomeServer=MAILSERVER
AccountName=Microsoft Exchange Server

[Service2]

:

I think, these are the relevant sections...

; Section 1 - Profile Defaults
[General]
Custom=1
ProfileName=OutlookSTD
DefaultProfile=Yes
OverwriteProfile=Yes
ModifyDefaultProfileIfPresent=FALSE <-have tried this as TRUE
; Section 2 - Services in Profile
[Service List]
;ServiceX=Microsoft Outlook Client
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service1=Microsoft Exchange Server
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service2=Outlook Address Book
[Outlook Address Book]
ServiceName=CONTAB


Hope this helps...

:

Show the relevant sections of your .prf file.

The below options still did not solve the issue. I've included Sue's original
reply.

After making all these changes, and different combinations. I was still
unable to have this visable by default.

"
Use the CIW tool in the Office Resource Kit to create and deploy a ..prf file
that includes the mail profile settings you want, including the Outlook
Address Book.


:


Hi there,

After an Outlook 2003 installation, in my situation to a 2000 Exchange
box.
The Outlook Address Book needs to be made to appear. Following some simple
steps as below. (Adding as service, and making visable)

As per MSKB article.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;287563&Product=ol2002

This surprises me that this not already there. Outlook Profiler adds this by
default.

Use Outlook Profiler..
http://goffconcepts.com/products/windows/profiler/index.html

Helpful Hints by
GOFF Concepts L.L.C.

 

[jtsm]

I'd like it to create a new profile.

I can see these lines, that apepar to reference
Profile is called OutlookSTD_Profile.prf

CREATED - OCW_Strings Name (s64*) Value (s128)
+ CIW_OutlookProviderName0 5
+ ConfigureLocalCaching 1
+ CustomizeOutlook 1
+ CustPrfName \\RIS_SERVER\Software\Microsoft\Microsoft Office 2003
Professional\OutlookSTD_Profile.prf
+ Msi_ProductVersion 11.0.5614.0
+ Msi_UpgradeCode {00E00000-6000-11D3-8CFE-0050048383C9}
+ NewPrfName OutlookStandard
+ OCW_Added_Outlook_File_1 [INSTALLLOCATION]\OutlookSTD_Profile.prf
+ OutExchangeConfigure 1
+ OutExchangeExchangeAccount Microsoft Exchange Server
+ OutExchangeExchangeServerName MAIL1
+ OutExchangeExchangeUserName %UserName%
+ OutExchangeFullItemsOnly 1
+ OutExchangeHeadersOnlySlow 1
+ OutExchangeOABPath %USERPROFILE%\local settings\application
data\microsoft\outlook\
+ OutExchangeOSTPath %USERPROFILE%\local settings\application
data\microsoft\outlook\outlook.ost
+ OutExchangeOverwrite 1
+ OutExchangeSlowHttpFirst 1
+ ProfileOption 342

And further down the MST file.....

+
OCW_Added_Content_OutImportPrf 1 Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook\Setup ImportPRF [INSTALLLOCATION]OutlookSTD_Profile.prf OCW_Added_Content_UP

Thanks

So, that confirms that the .prf file itself apparently is correct. I would conclude that it's not being applied when Outlook starts. Therefore, the next thing I'd do is use the MST Viewer to confirm that the .mst file contains the .prf file to deploy and also sets the ImportPRF registry value.

Also, are you trying to create a completely new profile or modify an existing profile?

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

Thats right, works fine if i run the prf file after a new user profile is
created in XP directly. But if I use the CIW to deploy, and specifiy that i
want to use the created .prf file, it doesn't appear to work. It looks like
it is using a default setting and only applying the mail server section. I've
used a fresh MST file or this incase there was an isue with the original one.
One option I am looking at is having the .rpf file referenced for any new
profile creation to runonce, the working outlook profile. but... this is a
little messing.

No, this is normal. The OAB has no settings, so it will just have a service heading in the .prf file.

Are you deploying the .prf file with the CIW or through some other means? What happens if you just save it and then run it? Does it produce the desired mail profile settings that way?


More info...

Service 1 has below entries in MST file... but reference to Service 2 is
blank.. but references Outlook Address book in the Service list... could this
be related?

[Service1]
OverwriteExistingService=Yes
UniqueService=Yes
MailboxName=%UserName%
HomeServer=MAILSERVER
AccountName=Microsoft Exchange Server

[Service2]

:

I think, these are the relevant sections...

; Section 1 - Profile Defaults
[General]
Custom=1
ProfileName=OutlookSTD
DefaultProfile=Yes
OverwriteProfile=Yes
ModifyDefaultProfileIfPresent=FALSE <-have tried this as TRUE
; Section 2 - Services in Profile
[Service List]
;ServiceX=Microsoft Outlook Client
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service1=Microsoft Exchange Server
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service2=Outlook Address Book
[Outlook Address Book]
ServiceName=CONTAB


Hope this helps...

:

Show the relevant sections of your .prf file.


The below options still did not solve the issue. I've included Sue's original
reply.

After making all these changes, and different combinations. I was still
unable to have this visable by default.

"
Use the CIW tool in the Office Resource Kit to create and deploy a ..prf file
that includes the mail profile settings you want, including the Outlook
Address Book.


:


Hi there,

After an Outlook 2003 installation, in my situation to a 2000 Exchange
box.
The Outlook Address Book needs to be made to appear. Following some simple
steps as below. (Adding as service, and making visable)

As per MSKB article.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;287563&Product=ol2002

This surprises me that this not already there. Outlook Profiler adds this by
default.

Use Outlook Profiler..
http://goffconcepts.com/products/windows/profiler/index.html

Helpful Hints by
GOFF Concepts L.L.C.

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

I have good news and bad news on this issue. The good news is that this problem is easily reproduced if the user does not have administrator privileges and that Microsoft acknowledges it is a known problem. The bad news is that there is no fix for it yet. Stay tuned.
--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

I'd like it to create a new profile.

I can see these lines, that apepar to reference
Profile is called OutlookSTD_Profile.prf

CREATED - OCW_Strings Name (s64*) Value (s128)
+ CIW_OutlookProviderName0 5
+ ConfigureLocalCaching 1
+ CustomizeOutlook 1
+ CustPrfName \\RIS_SERVER\Software\Microsoft\Microsoft Office 2003
Professional\OutlookSTD_Profile.prf
+ Msi_ProductVersion 11.0.5614.0
+ Msi_UpgradeCode {00E00000-6000-11D3-8CFE-0050048383C9}
+ NewPrfName OutlookStandard
+ OCW_Added_Outlook_File_1 [INSTALLLOCATION]\OutlookSTD_Profile.prf
+ OutExchangeConfigure 1
+ OutExchangeExchangeAccount Microsoft Exchange Server
+ OutExchangeExchangeServerName MAIL1
+ OutExchangeExchangeUserName %UserName%
+ OutExchangeFullItemsOnly 1
+ OutExchangeHeadersOnlySlow 1
+ OutExchangeOABPath %USERPROFILE%\local settings\application
data\microsoft\outlook\
+ OutExchangeOSTPath %USERPROFILE%\local settings\application
data\microsoft\outlook\outlook.ost
+ OutExchangeOverwrite 1
+ OutExchangeSlowHttpFirst 1
+ ProfileOption 342

And further down the MST file.....

+
OCW_Added_Content_OutImportPrf 1 Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook\Setup ImportPRF [INSTALLLOCATION]OutlookSTD_Profile.prf OCW_Added_Content_UP

Thanks

So, that confirms that the .prf file itself apparently is correct. I would conclude that it's not being applied when Outlook starts. Therefore, the next thing I'd do is use the MST Viewer to confirm that the .mst file contains the .prf file to deploy and also sets the ImportPRF registry value.

Also, are you trying to create a completely new profile or modify an existing profile?

Thats right, works fine if i run the prf file after a new user profile is
created in XP directly. But if I use the CIW to deploy, and specifiy that i
want to use the created .prf file, it doesn't appear to work. It looks like
it is using a default setting and only applying the mail server section. I've
used a fresh MST file or this incase there was an isue with the original one.
One option I am looking at is having the .rpf file referenced for any new
profile creation to runonce, the working outlook profile. but... this is a
little messing.

:

No, this is normal. The OAB has no settings, so it will just have a service heading in the .prf file.

Are you deploying the .prf file with the CIW or through some other means? What happens if you just save it and then run it? Does it produce the desired mail profile settings that way?

More info...

Service 1 has below entries in MST file... but reference to Service 2 is
blank.. but references Outlook Address book in the Service list... could this
be related?

[Service1]
OverwriteExistingService=Yes
UniqueService=Yes
MailboxName=%UserName%
HomeServer=MAILSERVER
AccountName=Microsoft Exchange Server

[Service2]

:

I think, these are the relevant sections...

; Section 1 - Profile Defaults
[General]
Custom=1
ProfileName=OutlookSTD
DefaultProfile=Yes
OverwriteProfile=Yes
ModifyDefaultProfileIfPresent=FALSE <-have tried this as TRUE
; Section 2 - Services in Profile
[Service List]
;ServiceX=Microsoft Outlook Client
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service1=Microsoft Exchange Server
ServiceEGS=Exchange Global Section
Service2=Outlook Address Book
[Outlook Address Book]
ServiceName=CONTAB


Hope this helps...

:

Show the relevant sections of your .prf file.


The below options still did not solve the issue. I've included Sue's original
reply.

After making all these changes, and different combinations. I was still
unable to have this visable by default.

"
Use the CIW tool in the Office Resource Kit to create and deploy a ..prf file
that includes the mail profile settings you want, including the Outlook
Address Book.


:


Hi there,

After an Outlook 2003 installation, in my situation to a 2000 Exchange
box.
The Outlook Address Book needs to be made to appear. Following some simple
steps as below. (Adding as service, and making visable)

As per MSKB article.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;287563&Product=ol2002

This surprises me that this not already there. Outlook Profiler adds this by
default.

Use Outlook Profiler..
http://goffconcepts.com/products/windows/profiler/index.html

Helpful Hints by
GOFF Concepts L.L.C.

 

[Snipes]

So are you saying that the lack of rights is absolutely the issue? I
am going to make one of the users an admin on the pc prior to running
outlook for the first time, and i will confirm. If you hear anything
else re: the issue please get back to me...Thanks Sue.

We are migrating our entire environment to Active Directory and want
the users to eventually be able to login and not need any tech support
assistance to be fully-functional at first logon. They have no admin
rights on the pc, which makes your suggestion make sense for us, but i
will test now and get back.

 

[Snipes]

Oh one more thing can you give me the location of the registry that
outlook is trying to write to. We can add write rights to that regkey
for the local users group on our images and it should solve our issue.
Thanks for any assistance Sue!

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

All mail profiles are in the Windows Messaging Subsystem\Profiles key in HKCU. (easier to search for than to type the whole string).

Note, though, that the key will not be present if the user has never had a mail profile.

Let me know how it goes. This sounds like a promising workaround.

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

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

 

[Snipes]

Unfortunately, even making this user an administrator on the pc it
didn't help the issue. I also removed our Group policy that is
enforced at login in our AD environment, thinking that lockdown
could've also been the issue, but still no luck!!

I'm pretty sure our MST file is configured properly, as the profile is
launch and connect ready at first-time logon on the pc. How can i
confirm that? Is there anything i should look for in that MST file or
anything on the pc to check for after it has been RIS'd with our
standardized winxp image?

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

The .mst file installs a .prf file in the Office11 folder on the machine. You could check it to see what settings it contains, but I expect that you'll see that it does contain the section for the Outlook Address Book.

The admin rights setting is the only common factor I've seen so far on this issue, but it sounds like your testing indicates that other -- so far unknown -- factors may also be involved. At this point, you may want to file a support incident with Microsoft. If you do, let me know the incident number, so I can make sure it gets to the Outlook setup folks I know.

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

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

 

[Snipes]

One last question, i compared the settings in my .mst file with the
settings in my .prf file and i seen that they are almost identical with
the exception that in the .prf file under section 2 "service list"
there is no service2 for Outlook address book. Also in section 4 of
this .prf file "default values for each service" didn't have [service
2] listed. Could this be the cause, or is it normal that it doesn't
appear?

If these values should be there, if i just manually add it to the file
and save it what do i need to do next? Just run outlook and see if it
includes the Outlook Address book, or do i have to do anything else?
Let me know. Thank you.

Next question will be how to adjust accordingly on the enterprise
level. Just as a note: i wasn't the tech configuring the custom
install, so i'm not fully aware of the process taken from the start.

 

[Snipes]

I just tried it and it worked!!!! I overwrote the existing .prf file
with the file containing the manual editions and when i ran outlook on
a pc with the user logging into it for the first time, the outlook
address book appeared!!!!! HALLELUJAH!! Thanks Sue for providing the
input.