Troubleshooting Outlook 2003 with your Exchange mailbox

This article describes how to troubleshoot problems with your Exchange mailbox, using Outlook 2003

Exchange Server Connection Status

You can view the active server connections made by Outlook 2003, including the type of connection that has been made, as seen in Fig A. To view this information, follow these steps:

Fig. A - active server connections

• 1. Find the Outlook icon in the notification area that is located at the lower right of the desktop (next to the clock).

• 2. Press the CTRL key, and then right-click this icon.

• 3. Click Connection Status.

All active connections appear. You can use the Exchange Server Connection Status window to determine if you are connected to the Exchange 2003 computer by using an RPC over HTTP connection.

You can also click Start, click Run, type outlook rpcdiag, and then click /OK to get to this screen.

Enable Transport Logging

Outlook 2003 can record all contact between the client and the various severs that it connects with. This can sometimes be a good way to troubleshoot problems:

• 1. On the Tools menu, select Options.

• 2. Click the Other tab and select Advanced Options.

• 3. Check the Enable mail logging (troubleshooting) check box.

• 4. Click OK twice.

• 5. Quit and restart Outlook.

Once logging has been enabled, the logs will be recorded at the following location within Windows XP:

• C:\Documents and Settings\<logon name>\Local Settings\temp\OPMLOG.LOG

Fig. B - enable transport logging

Note: Be sure that you disable logging when you have finished, as the log file has a tendency to get quite large.

Outlook in safe mode

If you are having problems opening Outlook, you can run it in safe mode, which will run only the bare minimum parts of Outlook:

• 1. Go to Start, then Run.

• 2. Type outlook safe and click /Enter.

Repairing Outlook

Outlook has its own build in repair system that can be used if the application gets damaged in any way:

• 1. Double click Add or Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel.

• 2. Select Microsoft Office and click Change.

• 3. Select Reinstall and Repair and select Next.

• 4. Select Reinstall Office.

Have all updates and hotfixes been installed?

Microsoft often release updates and fixes for their software. You can keep your copy of Outlook up-to-date by regularly visiting http:/office.microsoft.com/officeupdate and installing any recommended updates.