Microsoft Outlook Networking Question

[Todddster]

Hi all,

I've searched this forum and can't seem to find some answers to my questions. I'm kinda new to networking so bear with me.

Here goes:

I've networked two PC's using a Zywall router and an Allied Telesyn switch. One pc uses WIN98 and the other uses WINXP. They both share DSL. They both have MS Office 2000.

My question:

Since each pc uses the same e-mail account, is there a way to configure MS Outlook 2000 so that no matter which pc checks the e-mail, the other can see it as well? If this means placing a folder in the shared directory, I'm not sure which folder.

Am i making any sense :confused:

What happens now is when I check my pc for mail, it downloads it to my inbox and my wife has to look at my physical computer to see what's there and vice versa.

If this makes sense, any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Todd

[omendata]

Create a share and put hte .pst/ .ost in it and link it to the other machines user profile for outlook.

[cat5e]

You cam simply configure the same email account on both computers and check the Leave Email on Server for few days/weeks on each account config.

Doing so enable each computer to deal with the email independently.

.

[omendata]

Lateral thinking cat5 - nice one - yep probably the easiest way but it could get confusing.......

[Todddster]

Thanks for the help.

Todd

[dajogejr]

Yep...no easy way to do this...unless you want to pony up for an exchange server...:)

It gets mucky when the comptuter with the shorter "leave on server" time gets the message before the other one...

NO easy answer for this one...

[DVOM]

I don't know if this can be done with Outlook but this is the way I did it with OE. Rather than each machine sharing a single store folder, you can sync 2 separate files/folders.

Move the store folder on machine 1 to a newly created folder. This gets all the mail into one, easy to find location. (this wouldn't be necessary with Outlook as all mail is in a single file to start with)

On machine 2 create a new briefcase and name it "mail" or whatever.

From machine 2 find the mail store folder on machine 1 and drag it into the new "mail" briefcase. This copies all the mail into the briefcase.

On machine 2 change the OE store folder to the folder in the "mail" briefcase. You get a warning message similar to "there's already mail in the folder, do you want to keep it?" Click yes.

Now you'll be able to sync the mail folders on both machines.

[dajogejr]

DVOM, have you actually done this....or is this hypothetical?

Reason I ask is that OE sets direct permissions on it's mail store folder, which is really the root of the problem.

However...I have never tried or thought about using the Briefcase...which, really...is a laptop thing for syncing files...

Also...I thought my briefcase was a Windows NT thing, not 98 or XP???


**Edit...My bad. It's on XP...just not staring you in the face on your desktop.**

:rolleyes:

[genesound]

Originally posted by cat5e
You cam simply configure the same email account on both computers and check the Leave Email on Server for few days/weeks on each account config.

Doing so enable each computer to deal with the email independently.

. That's what i do when I travel. I like to keep email on a workstation at home and also my laptop. It can be a problem if you set it for like a couple of weeks (like I must sometimes) and you get numerous sizeable emails. Sometimes I'm forced to weed them out via webmail.

[dajogejr]

That is a fine point indeed, Gene...

Many of the ISPs offer webmail. I know OE and Outlook have a lot of bells and whistles...but is using webmail on the PCs an alternative...Toddster?

Also...although I haven't gotten it to work, there is some type of Microsoft folder sharing out there for Outlook. Don't think it works for OE, but it supposedely works on outlook.
Might be worth a search...

Nevermind...DVOM was pretty much dead on, and my security issue is answered here.

Take a look...this link might be worth a sticky...

http://www.slipstick.com/outlook/olshare2.htm

Doesn't look like Outlook Express is an option, but since you have office 2000 on both, I'd be using Outlook anywho...

[DVOM]

dajogejr, I've been using the sync method at home with OE for a couple of weeks. As for permissions, I'm signing into both machines with the same user/password.

I've tried it at work with a coworker's Outlook pst file. However, I haven't had time to actually get it to work.

Also, when I've initially copied the file, it prompts for name and pw before access is allowed.

[dajogejr]

You're using the sync method (briefcase) with OE?

That's good to know...I've dabbled a few times, but haven't really spent too much time on it.

I guess I have a new direction to try here, till we get that Exchange server!!

When you open Outlook, using that .pst file, does it ask you for user ID and password...or, just initially when you copy the file?

Just curious.

We have a mixed OE and Outlook user system here, all using MCI's POP3 Email system. This could be a very viable alternative for the short term...

[DVOM]

dajogejr, yes, using the briefcase sync on my home OE. I can also put a shortcut to machine 2's briefcase on the desktop of machine 1. That way I can sync from either machine.

As for the pst file, I can copy with no restrictions. I'm only prompted for user/pw when I try to open it.

BTW, the machine that hosts the file has to have a share set on the file. And both machines have to have OE shut down for the sync to take place.

[dajogejr]

You da man!
I figured they had to be shut down, can't modify while in use...

I'll have to tinker with this soon here...

I appreciate your input!!

DJ

[DVOM]

dajogejr, you're welcome.

I've been using mutiple briefcases to back up data files from all the machines at work. I've been experimenting with it in various situations for about a year now.