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Scripting change in default address book

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Scripting change in default address book - 31.Aug.2008 3:12:48 AM

TacticalSniper

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Hey all.

First of, I've searched the forums, didn't manage to find an answer to my question, so I apologize in advanced if I've missed another post on the subject.

I have a relatively small organization (under 100 users) using Exchange. The default address book in every Outlook is the Global Address List, which Outlook receives from the Active Directory. My question is, if I can create a script that would automatically set the Outlook to use the address book located in Public Folders as default, instead of one from AD.

Thanks in advance

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RE: Scripting change in default address book - 31.Aug.2008 3:50:49 PM

Sembee

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Not that I am aware of.
I have been looking for one for about three years.
The settings is purely client side and because it is buried inside Outlook it cannot be reached by scripts. It isn't a registry setting so that rules out most scripts.

Simon.

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Simon Butler,
Exchange MVP
Blog: http://blog.sembee.co.uk/
Web: http://www.amset.info/
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(in reply to TacticalSniper)

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RE: Scripting change in default address book - 1.Sep.2008 12:58:00 AM

TacticalSniper

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Joined: 31.Aug.2008
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Gee, you'd think Microsoft would include such a feature somewhere. It'll be really annoying to go over all my computers and setting the address book manually.

(in reply to Sembee)

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RE: Scripting change in default address book - 1.Sep.2008 6:51:30 AM

Sembee

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Microsoft only include items in their product that they think people need.
The request you have made is not that common. The GAL is the default for most companies. Certainly Microsoft are not going to do ANYTHING that encourages the use of Public Folders, considering that they have spent the last few years trying to kill them off and get everyone to use Sharepoint instead.

Simon.

_____________________________

Simon Butler,
Exchange MVP
Blog: http://blog.sembee.co.uk/
Web: http://www.amset.info/
In the UK? Hire me: http://www.sembee.co.uk/
Exchange Resources: http://exbpa.com/

(in reply to TacticalSniper)

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RE: Scripting change in default address book - 1.Sep.2008 12:21:18 PM

TacticalSniper

Posts: 4
Joined: 31.Aug.2008
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Oh, that sounds reasonable enough, but my company is too small to invest in SharePoint at the moment. Also, I wouldn't mind using GAL, but my problem is that as far as I understand I cannot make an address book good enough, when compared w/ the Public Folders one. Am I wrong? I need a fully-working address book for all my users; maybe I'm just inexperienced and don't know how to do that. It's just that the PF sounded as a good and easy option.

(in reply to Sembee)

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RE: Scripting change in default address book - 1.Sep.2008 12:42:25 PM

Sembee

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From: Somewhere near London, UK
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Public Folders is the best solution, the only issue is setting it as an address book. I have used Public Folders as a contact database many times.

Simon.

_____________________________

Simon Butler,
Exchange MVP
Blog: http://blog.sembee.co.uk/
Web: http://www.amset.info/
In the UK? Hire me: http://www.sembee.co.uk/
Exchange Resources: http://exbpa.com/

(in reply to TacticalSniper)

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RE: Scripting change in default address book - 1.Sep.2008 1:01:43 PM

TacticalSniper

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Joined: 31.Aug.2008
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Frankly, I believe it is ridiculous to do it manually, but fine, I guess there is no other choice. In any case, thanks a lot for help, you saved me lot of trouble. I guess I'll just send all my users an email w/ instructions on changing the address book.

Thanks a lot :)

(in reply to Sembee)

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RE: Scripting change in default address book - 2.Sep.2008 8:33:22 AM

fontyyy

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This is scriptable, the registry value for the details of what address book to show for a default profile is held in [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows Messaging Subsystem\Profiles\Default Outlook Profile\9207f3e0a3b11019908b08002b2a56c2], this in in both Outlook 2003 and 2007.
Set it up however you want on one machine, export that key and regedit /s it in a logon script.

< Message edited by fontyyy -- 2.Sep.2008 8:35:11 AM >

(in reply to TacticalSniper)

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RE: Scripting change in default address book - 2.Sep.2008 8:35:44 AM

Sembee

Posts: 4093
Joined: 17.Jan.2008
From: Somewhere near London, UK
Status: offline

Yes - changing the address book is script-able.
However unless the folder has been set as an Outlook Address Book, then you cannot go any further. That is where I have hit a barrier. I haven't found a way to enable that option.

Simon.

_____________________________

Simon Butler,
Exchange MVP
Blog: http://blog.sembee.co.uk/
Web: http://www.amset.info/
In the UK? Hire me: http://www.sembee.co.uk/
Exchange Resources: http://exbpa.com/

(in reply to fontyyy)

Post #: 9