Outlook 2003 Add-in

[sstory]

I would like to write an add-in for Outlook 2003 in vb.net 2005.

1.) Is this possible?

2.) Here's what I'd like to do. I'd like to store outlook email messages as
..msg files in a folder in the users profile or mydocs. I'd like for that
folder to appear in the folder list on the right, and be able to create
folders in that, that would make file system folders. I'd like any email
drug into those folders to be moved to the file system as an .msg file. I'd
like those files to display in the outlook pane when clicked on, just like
the MAPI folders do. I'd like to be able to search them.

Is this possible? I have done com add-in's before, in visual basic 6, and
have worked with Word and Excel object models some. Can anyone tell me what
would be involved, and a basic strategy of going about this, if it can be
done?

By all means if there is a cheap or free add in that already does this,
please let me know as well. I'd still like an idea as to how to do it.

Thanks,

Shane

 

[Gordon]

I would like to write an add-in for Outlook 2003 in vb.net 2005.

1.) Is this possible?

2.) Here's what I'd like to do. I'd like to store outlook email messages
as .msg files in a folder in the users profile or mydocs. I'd like for
that folder to appear in the folder list on the right, and be able to
create folders in that, that would make file system folders. I'd like any
email drug into those folders to be moved to the file system as an .msg
file. I'd like those files to display in the outlook pane when clicked
on, just like the MAPI folders do. I'd like to be able to search them.

Is this possible? I have done com add-in's before, in visual basic 6, and
have worked with Word and Excel object models some. Can anyone tell me
what would be involved, and a basic strategy of going about this, if it
can be done?

By all means if there is a cheap or free add in that already does this,
please let me know as well. I'd still like an idea as to how to do it.

Umm. Why are you moving messages OUT of Outlook, to store them on the HDD,
and have them re-appear IN Outlook?
Why not just keep them in the pst file? Seems you are trying to re-invent
the wheel here...

 

[sstory]

I am trying to reinvent the wheel. I'd like them to be simple files and or
folders in the filesystem, but still be viewable in Outlooks U/I. The PST
gets corrupted and has size limitations. The file system doesn't share those
problems (apart from obvious disk failures).

 

[Gordon]

The PST gets corrupted and has size limitations.

I've NEVER, in 10 years, ever had a corrupted pst file. And anyway, you
should be taking regular backups of ALL your data, no matter what it is.
And in Outlook 2003 you can have a pst file up to TWENTY GB! That should be
enough for anyone.
Have a look here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/832925

I still think you are creating a lot of unneccesary work...



The file system doesn't share those

 

[sstory]

Does this mean that you don't know?
So far all you've done is tell me why I shouldn't do it. I just wanted some
advice on how to possibly go about DOING IT.

I am a network admin and have seen plenty of corrupted files. I just had an
Outlook 2003 PST file die beyond hope at less than 2GB of size. The user
was a pack rat and this was perhaps a blessing in disguise but nevertheless
for other users it could have been real bad.

Thanks for your concern and if it turns out to be a ridiculous amount of
work, I will probably never attempt it. Otherwise, I'd like to try. It may
be unusable, or slow, but I'd still like to try it. (I don't use Exchange.)

If you have any thoughts on how to go about it in vb.net, or from without
Outlook 2003, then I would appreciate them.

If anyone else has ideas I would also appreciate them.

 

[Gordon]

Does this mean that you don't know?
So far all you've done is tell me why I shouldn't do it. I just wanted
some advice on how to possibly go about DOING IT.

No I don't know. I just don't see the POINT in doing it......
And I'm a Systems Accountant of many years' experience.....

 

[Dmitry Streblechenko]

What you need is a store provider - it is straight Extended MAPI in C++ or
Delphi, and I doubt it will be more relliable that the PST provider after
you spend a year writing and debugging it.
As somebody else suggested, all you need is a good backup solution aunning
daily.

Dmitry Streblechenko (MVP)
http://www.dimastr.com/
OutlookSpy - Outlook, CDO
and MAPI Developer Tool

 

[Jules]

What you need is a store provider - it is straight Extended MAPI in C++ or
Delphi, and I doubt it will be more relliable that the PST provider after
you spend a year writing and debugging it.
As somebody else suggested, all you need is a good backup solution aunning
daily.

Dmitry Streblechenko (MVP)http://www.dimastr.com/
OutlookSpy -Outlook, CDO
and MAPI Developer Tool










- Tekst uit oorspronkelijk bericht weergeven -

Hi Shane, In case you still are looking for a cheap add in for Outlook
to archive email to msg files,
maybe MailToFile (www.mailtofile.com) is a solution for you.
Have a nice day!

 

[sstory]

It figures. Leave it to Microsoft to complicate anything beyond belief.