Outlook command line switches

The good people at Microsoft Office Online have a handy list of available command line switches that you can use when launching Outlook. You can use these to change the way Outlook behaves when you start it up. The full list of switches can be found here.

Some of the switches you might find useful include:

/select (to force Outlook to start with the calendar visible; this is handy when you just want to get to your calendar in a hurry when Outlook is closed)

/c ipm:task (creates a new task)

/c ipm.note /m mum@mymother.web (creates a new email and addresses it to mum@mymother.web or whatever email address you want; this is handy if you regualrly email a particular person and want a super-speedy shortcut))

/cleanreminders (when your reminders need a spring clean)

/sniff (so Outlook opens, sniffs out any calendar appointments in the Inbox and adds them to your calendar)

Still puzzled about how to use a command line? Try this step-by-step guide:

- Click Start, and then click Search to find the Outlook executable file (Outlook.exe).

- Right-click on Outlook.exe, point to Send To on the shortcut menu, and then click Desktop (create shortcut).

- Close the Search Results dialog box and go to your desktop.

- Right-click the shortcut you just created, and on the shortcut menu, click Properties.

- On the Shortcut tab, in the Target box, type a space following the path to Outlook.exe, and then type /select outlook:calendar.

- Click OK.

- On the desktop, double-click the Outlook shortcut you created.

- Outlook starts and displays your calendar!