Apply global custom views to Microsoft Outlook 2003

The goal is to apply global custom views to Microsoft Outlook 2003.  Microsoft has created a default view in Microsoft Outlook 2003 that is generally difficult to adjust.  Many users have grown a distaste for the Auto Preview, Reading Panes, and the all Group-By Settings.  In recent months, I have had to assist several clients, repeatedly with this issue and I have found a solution that I have used with great success.

Turn off AutoPreview, Reading Panes, and all Group-By settings

  • Create a Shortcut to OUTLOOK.EXE on the Desktop.
  • Edit the Shortcut properties and add the /cleanviews switch:
    For example: “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE” /cleanviewsStart
  • Select the Inbox folder
  • Navigate the menus to View | Arrange By | Current Views | Define View
  • Select Messages and click the Modify button.
  • Click the Group By button and uncheck Automatically Group.
  • Click OK.
  • Click the Other Settings button and set Reading Pane to Off.
  • Click OK, twice.
  • Click on any other view listed in the dialog box OTHER THAN Messages and click Apply (ie. Last 7 days)
  • Again, Navigate the menus to View | Arrange By | Current Views | Define View.
  • Choose Messages and click Apply.

source

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