OL97: Inbox Assistant Not Available

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Outlook 97

SYMPTOMS

The Inbox Assistant option on the Microsoft Outlook 97 Tools menu may appear dimmed and not available, even if you installed the Exchange Extensions add-in.

CAUSE

You are not using the Microsoft Exchange Server transport service in your profile. The Outlook Inbox Assistant is only available with the Exchange Server service installed. The Exchange Extensions add-in provides the Inbox Assistant option on the Tools menu; however, without a Microsoft Exchange Server transport service in the profile, you cannot use the Inbox Assistant.

WORKAROUND

If you are using a mail transport service other than Microsoft Exchange Server, you can get the same functionality as the Inbox Assistant from the Rules Wizard. The Rules Wizard works with any transport provider registered in your profile, for example, Microsoft Mail, The Microsoft Network (MSN), Internet Mail.

If you have Internet access, you can download the Rules Wizard to your computer by following these steps:

1. On the Outlook Help menu, point to "Microsoft on the Web," and then click "Free Stuff" to go to the following Microsoft Web site:

         http://www.microsoft.com/OfficeFreeStuff/Outlook
   

2. Click the hyperlink to "Rules Wizard."