OL97: Unable to Start Outlook Minimized

• Microsoft Outlook 97

SYMPTOMS

When you right-click the Microsoft Outlook 97 shortcut on the desktop and then click Properties, there is a Run Minimized option on the Shortcut tab. If you select this option and then start Outlook using the shortcut, Outlook starts in a normal window.

CAUSE

This occurs if you are using the Rules Wizard. The Rules Wizard prevents the Run Minimized feature from working in Microsoft Outlook 97 version 8.0.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Outlook 97. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

The Rules Wizard is a free utility that allows you to create and edit natural-language rules to manage incoming and outgoing e-mail messages. It is available on the Microsoft Web site at:

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

   http://www.microsoft.com/

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Right-click the Outlook shortcut on the Windows desktop, then click Properties on the shortcut menu.

   NOTE: If you are using Windows NT 3.51, select the Outlook program item, and on the File menu, click Properties.

2. Click the Shortcut tab, then select Minimized from the Run list and click OK.

3. Double-click the Outlook shortcut to start Outlook. Outlook starts in a normal window instead of minimized.