How can I modify an existing custom form in Outlook?

[dmontoya]

I created a custom form in my task folder. I like it! I just want to make a
few small changes but don't want to start over again. How do I modify my
custom form?

 

[Hollis Paul]

I created a custom form in my task folder. I like it! I just want to make a
few small changes but don't want to start over again. How do I modify my
custom form?

All you do bring up a new instance of the form and do the Tools -> Forms bit. I
think it is the next step when you get to choose between "design this form" or
"choose a form to design". Select the first choice. Now, when it comes to
publishing your changes, always use Save As and choose as name such as
MyForm_ver002. Putting the version number in the form name prevents all forms
cache problems, and gives you a good way of saving at least three generations of
the form. Use one of the utilities to change the names of the items in the old
form name to the new form name plus version number.

 

[fflei]

I want to modify an existing form too - just add one field to a Contact
form, but whichever route I choose, whether from an open form choosing
Tools/Forms/Design this Form or via the main Outlook menu Tools/Forms etc,
the form I am offered is quite different from the one which is actually used
and whether I change it or not, if I save it, it completely rearranges the
entire layout.

Any thoughts on how I can actually modify *this* form - the one that already
exists - and not be given a totally different template?

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

THis is normal, expected behavior. The new contact form layout in OL2003 and the included picture control are not available to programmers, who will see the older layout when they put an Outlook 2003 contact form into design mode. If you want to retain that layout, perform your customization on one of the blank customizable pages.

For other contact form idiosyncracies, see http://www.outlookcode.com/d/contactform.htm

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

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

 

[fflei]

Thanks, Sue, for the explanation. I'm glad it's one of Outlook's
idiosyncrasies not, for once, one of mine!

fflei


THis is normal, expected behavior. The new contact form layout in OL2003 and
the included picture control are not available to programmers, who will see
the older layout when they put an Outlook 2003 contact form into design
mode. If you want to retain that layout, perform your customization on one
of the blank customizable pages.

For other contact form idiosyncracies, see
http://www.outlookcode.com/d/contactform.htm

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

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

 

[dmontoya]

Hollis,
Got it, thank you! This is fun!
One more question. How do I make the tab button go in the correct order? I
can right click and select "Tab Order", but the dialog box lists "Label1,
TextBox1, Label2, TextBox2, etc" instead of my user defined fields.
Confusing... Any suggestions?
Dmontoya

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

Fields don't have a tab order. Controls do. Make your job easier by changing the name of each control so that you know what field it's displaying. Do this on each control's Properties dialog.

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

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