Outlook 2003 and BCM

[Kevin Reid]

I find that after a while I start losing BCM. It is no
longer shown on start-up and it doesn't appear in the
disabled items list from the Help/About option.

Leading up to this most account contacts opened after an
error dialog box and showed the contents of my inbox in
the history field instead of the real account history.

I have tried copying the BCM files accross to a different
system (with BCM installed) but even after forcing the
files change through I get an error saying the database
is not available.

I have been using BCM since the early beta and have found
the dissapearing act to be quite a regular thing.
Unfortunately I need the functionality of accounts and
contacts other wise I would spend a week editing
everything back to a normal outlook contact folder. Every
time I rebuild from CSV files I have to stitch over 400
accounts and 800 contacts back to gether again. I am an
Action Pack subscriber so tried the install CRM but sadly
this is only a demo version - so here I am a Microsoft
Partner with my business contacts in ruins trying to make
a living out of promoting Microsoft products.

Any ideas greatfully received - Please don't suggest ACT
or Goldmine.

Thanks

Kev

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

BCM sometimes has what's known as a "forms cache" problem. Clearing the
cache usually fixes it. Choose Tools | Options | Other | Advanced Options |
Custom Forms, then click Manage Forms, then Clear Cache. If simply clearing
the cache doesn't fix the issue, try the other steps detailed at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;836558

You should also apply Office 2003 SP1, which resolves most forms cache
issues, and the separate SP1 for BCM.

 

[kevin reid]

this worked first time. But then I spotted that every
time I started Outlook I also got an empty Word window.
No tools or menu just and empty window. Closed down
outlook and tried again same thing - buriness tools where
there but so was the empty word menu.
Re-booted
start Outlook - no business tools no disabled items, and
no empty word window. tried to do the fix again - clear
cache gave message "The forms manager dialog box could
not be displayed. An error occured while installing a
form. (OK)"

I have another system with exactly the same install
levels Office SP1 and BCM Sp1 - I have treid copying the
database files accross to this system but can't get it to
recognise the database - I can't use backup and restore
on the first system because business tools is not
loading.

 

[kevin reid]

copied the old dat files back and got it working again
but only with the empty word window every time outlook
starts.
On this system Outlook occassionaly doesn't exit properly
leaving the outlook icon in the task bar - but it is non
responsive.