9th February 2001

Outlook 2000 excels at one thing: upsetting certain users. It's far from flawless, but you may consider using it as a secondary tool (rather than your primary e-mail client). For example, the other day I needed to copy "subject line" data from a string of mail messages. I selected the range, went to the "Edit" menu, and selected the "Copy" option. Well, all of the visible fields wound up on my clipboard in text format (as desired). I didn't want EVERYTHING, so I wound up removing the other sort fields (temporarily) by dragging and dropping them away from the window... then reissuing the "Copy" command. So, what about Outlook Express users? Can't do it -- unless you import the message range into Microsoft Outlook 2000 first! See how that works? When I feature mutually exclusive "Outlook" trick, import your data and try the tip in the other client. BONUS: you can create Desktop shortcuts to your Outlook 2000 folders; right-click then drag & drop one to the Desktop (from the Folder List). When prompted, select the "Copy Here" option. While OE supports this feature, it only allows you to create Active Desktop Items. Can't win 'em all!