Outlook .pst file synching problems

[K. Oberon]

Hi, all.

I'm trying to share Outlook between my laptop and desktop computer
over a LAN. Both systems are running Windows 2000 SP 4 and a
combination of Outlook XP SP2 and Outlook 2003. I've tried using the
same client version on each system and tried XP on one and 2003 on the
other.

I've moved my desktop data file to the My Documents folder. I've tried
using Windows Briefcase to share the folder on my desktop, and point
Outlook on the laptop to the .pst file in the briefcase.

The files synch OK as long as Outlook hasn't run on the desktop since
booting, but if Outlook on the desktop has been run, then Outlook on
the laptop can't open it, complaining that the file is in use and
could not be accessed. Outlook is closed on the desktop machine, and
task manager doesn't show any "lurking" Outlook processes.

I've read the slipstick.com bits about using briefcase, but can't find
any answer to this. The odd thing is that I seem to recall sharing a
..pst file with with Office 2000 and not experiencing this problem.

Is anyone successfully sharing an Outlook 2002 or XP .PST file?

Thanks!