forms-based category list?

[Mike Abrahamson]

I'd like to have a custom form with code that sets the available categories
for that item. I've read all the posts I can find about customizing the
master category list, etc, but I only want the available categories set for
that one custom form within a public folder, not across the entire Outlook
application. Normally I'd just create a custom Keywords field but in this
case I want to have the custom form be as close to the original form design
as possible, with only the single visible "tab". This is necessary because
I can't edit the main Task page on the built-in Task form, but I don't want
to put just one field on a second tab within the customized Task form. If I
can just have the available categories list show only my custom categories
then I won't have to try to recreate all the functionality from the default
Task form on another tab within the form in order to keep the form on one
tab.

Am I making sense?

Mike Abrahamson

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

You're making perfect sense. See http://www.outlookcode.com/d/reqcat.htm for
an example of such a form.

 

[Mike Abrahamson]

Sue,

I have downloaded and played around with that form and like it quite a bit,
but can it be used without forcing the user to choose categories from a
separate page on the form? I'd really like to have them use the built-in
Categories button/field on the Task form to select the category if possible.
All I want is for the categories list on each form to be unique to that form
(without using custom fields to do it). Is this possible?

Mike

 

[Mike Abrahamson]

Forgive me for beating what appears to be a dead horse, but I had a specific
idea that "in theory" sounds like a solution, but in reality may not be
possible.

Would it be possible to include in the Item.Open event of the form a
statement that declared the possible values of the Categories list for that
form?

Mike

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

There is already a statement to set the cateagories included in the form
under the ###USER OPTIONS### section. Or were you thinking of a a MsgBox
statement that pops up for the user with that information?
--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

 

[Mike Abrahamson]

I should have been more specific. Here's what I want:

- Custom form that only shows default tab from built-in form (appears no
different from built-in form... I will likely be customizing Task, Journal
and Appointment forms this way if possible)
- user clicks on "Categories..." button
- user sees ONLY the list of custom categories for that custom form

and of lesser importance...
- user can only choose one category
- selection of a category is required

The only way I can conceive of accomplishing the first 3 items is to write
code in the form that declares the available categories for that form (this
is what I'm not sure can be done). Declaring unique possible values is a
simple matter when it comes to custom fields, but can it be done with the
built-in "Categories..." button/field?

Sue, I really appreciate your time so far. Just want to say thanks.

Mike

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

What you describe is only possible by altering the user's Master Category
List in the registry -- not recommended. That would be the only way to
modify the Categories dialog.

The method on my custom form is probably the best you can do. If the user is
familiar with the required categories for that form, they just have to type
them in on the main page. If they make a mistake, then the form throws them
to the Categories page (it could even be a hidden page until you need it) to
make their selection from the valid categories for that item. You'd have to
add code to check the number of categories and allow the user to save the
item only if they've chosen just one.