Getting or Changing to a Specific Windows Task (here: Outlook 2003

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

Hello,

I would like to minimize Outlook 2003 (that is Office v11) while it is
loading during Windows startup.

Currently I use the SendKeys statement to minimize it, which works, if you
start Outlook manually, but does not when starting it through Windows startup.

The simple cause: Windows starts several applications at this time and so
takes the focus off Outlook.

I can use the SendKeys statement to change back ro Outlook, but this will
result in taking the focus off Outlook, if started it manually while another
task is also running and minimizes that instead.

So I would like to know, if there is a way to change back the focus to
Outlook (an aimed task switch, I would call that), so I can run it either way
(manually and automatically).

Thanks in advance,
Phoenix
 
Have you tried changing the properties of the shortcut in the Startup folder?
On the Shortcut tab, change the value in the Run combo box to Minimized.
 
Hello,

Tried it before (Outlook XP) and tried it now (Outlook 2003). Outlook
simply does not follow the minimized state on startup using the appropriate
shortcut modification. It is a pity that a trained Outlook MVP does not know
this already. If this would have solved my problem I would not have written
it within the discussion group of "Outlook Programming-VBA".

So: Is there a solution in getting a specific application's focus from
within VBA?



Thanks in advance,
Phoenix
 
Tried it before (Outlook XP) and tried it now (Outlook 2003). Outlook
simply does not follow the minimized state on startup using the appropriate
shortcut modification.
Click to expand...

It does here (OL11 / NT5.1).

You may want to review <http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=251340>.

The salient points are that the last time OL ran it was not maximized,
and that Outlook Today is not your initial view.
 
Hello,

Unfortunately, it does not work here. Outlook starts, but in a normal or
maximized state (depending on the previous state Outlook was open). I tried
changing the shortcut before with an older version of Outlook (Outlook XP)
and older version of Windows and even another (older) computer, but it
remains visible on screen either maximized or in a normal state.

So this time (after trying to modify the shortcut) I wanted to try something
else.
I have been experimented with Excel's VBA before and know that VBA can be
very powerful. Therefore I want to try it using VBA in Outlook.
Currently I use the SendKeys statement and managed it to minimize Outlook
during its startup, BUT this only works if you start Outlook manually.
Starting it through Windows Startup it will remain visible due to other
programs that start as well and take the focus off Outlook. The SendKeys
statement is executed and voila the currently focussed application is
minimized. I appreciate that, but it does not help.
I can put in another SendKeys statement with <Alt> + TAB to execute, but you
know what happens, if you start Outlook manually having other applications
already running.

For me I got 50% of the miracle (say: Minimizing Outlook) solved, but the
other half (getting Outlook re-focussed) is still a miracle. Maybe there is a
solution.

Currently my computer runs Windows XP SP-2 (v5.1.2600) and Microsoft Office
2003 Standard (Outlook v11.6359.6360 SP-1) among several other software.



Thanks in advanced,
Phoenix
 
Hello,

Unfortunately, it does not work here. Outlook starts, but in a normal or
maximized state (depending on the previous state Outlook was open). I tried
changing the shortcut before with an older version of Outlook (Outlook XP)
and older version of Windows and even another (older) computer, but it
remains visible on screen either maximized or in a normal state.

So this time (after trying to modify the shortcut) I wanted to try something
else.
I have been experimented with Excel's VBA before and know that VBA can be
very powerful. Therefore I want to try it using VBA in Outlook.
Currently I use the SendKeys statement and managed it to minimize Outlook
during its startup, BUT this only works if you start Outlook manually.
Starting it through Windows Startup it will remain visible due to other
programs that start as well and take the focus off Outlook. The SendKeys
statement is executed and voila the currently focussed application is
minimized. I appreciate that, but it does not help.
I can put in another SendKeys statement with <Alt> + TAB to execute, but you
know what happens, if you start Outlook manually having other applications
already running.

For me I got 50% of the miracle (say: Minimizing Outlook) solved, but the
other half (getting Outlook re-focussed) is still a miracle. Maybe there is a
solution.

Currently my computer runs Windows XP SP-2 (v5.1.2600) and Microsoft Office
2003 Standard (Outlook v11.6359.6360 SP-1) among several other software.
Click to expand...

Are you sure that your initial view is not set to Outlook Today and that
Outlook was not in a maximized state when last run? I can simulate the
behaviour you describe if I make Outlook Today the initial view,
otherwise the "Run: Minimized" directive from the LNK file will be
observed.

You might also try this: Add the following parameters to the shortcut's
Target box:
/safe
or
/Select outlook:Inbox

What happens?

PS: SendKeys is always problematic. You might try this:
Sub MinMe()
ActiveWindow.WindowState = olMinimized
End Sub
end then invoke Outlook from the Startup Folder with the parameter:
/autorun MinMe
 
Hello,

Now that is strange. I followed your suggestion to remove Outlook Today as
the initial view and set Outlook into the "Normal window"-state. After
restarting it with the modified shortcut (Run: Minimized), it immediately
rushed to the tray, just how I want it to go.

First: Thank you very much for that one.

Maybe you can tell me: What has the "Outlook Today" view to do with that?
Why does it keep Outlook visible? Just asking, because I like that overview
with calendar, tasks and mail folders and got used to it.



Thanks in advance,
Phoenix
 
Now that is strange. I followed your suggestion to remove Outlook Today as
the initial view and set Outlook into the "Normal window"-state. After
restarting it with the modified shortcut (Run: Minimized), it immediately
rushed to the tray, just how I want it to go.

First: Thank you very much for that one.

Maybe you can tell me: What has the "Outlook Today" view to do with that?
Why does it keep Outlook visible? Just asking, because I like that overview
with calendar, tasks and mail folders and got used to it.
Click to expand...

I don't know what the Outlook Today view has got to do with it, but I
pointed it out in my very first post. Note that I didn't come up with
that, I just quoted from a MS KB article which I recommended to you. I
wish you had "followed my suggestion" then.

For my second post, I did research a number of alternatives in case the
Run: Minimized approach would not work even when correctly applied. Most
respondents put considerably care into their advice; in the future,
please read the responses to your problems with the care and diligence
they deserve.

Lastly on your quoting style: I am not dogmatic regarding top- or
bottom-posting, although I prefer the latter. However, I view it as
impolite when my bottom-posts are in turn top-posted in further
enquiries by the original poster. Lastly, Usenet quoting rules strongly
suggest to omit any signatures.
 
I don't know what the Outlook Today view has got to do with it, but I
pointed it out in my very first post. Note that I didn't come up with
that, I just quoted from a MS KB article which I recommended to you. I
wish you had "followed my suggestion" then.

For my second post, I did research a number of alternatives in case the
Run: Minimized approach would not work even when correctly applied. Most
respondents put considerably care into their advice; in the future,
please read the responses to your problems with the care and diligence
they deserve.

Lastly on your quoting style: I am not dogmatic regarding top- or
bottom-posting, although I prefer the latter. However, I view it as
impolite when my bottom-posts are in turn top-posted in further
enquiries by the original poster. Lastly, Usenet quoting rules strongly
suggest to omit any signatures.
Click to expand...
Sorry that I had misinterpreted your first post, but I read every post
thoroughly and careful.

Regarding my posting style, I did not want to be impolite. I am just new to
post into forums myself.
Even as it seems, I do not use (automated) signatures. I write them all by
myself. This is the style I write eMail and I had the impression that forum
posts are about to be the same.

Thanks for all!
 
Back
Top