OL98: Undocking Laptop Does not Switch to Offline Mode

ID: Q182740

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

Outlook does not automatically switch to Work Offline if the net connection is dropped by way of undocking, or removal of the net connection.


CAUSE

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Outlook 98. for Windows. Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.


RESOLUTION

Manually switch to Work Offline before disconnecting or undocking the computer.


MORE INFORMATION

If you undock or disconnect your computer from the network, Outlook will not sense the disconnection and switch to offline mode. This will cause errors to be generated since Outlook thinks it's still online. However, If you remove the network PC card while Outlook is running, it will switch to Work Offline automatically. Plugging the Network PC card back in will return you to working Online.

Switch to Work Offline

To switch to working offline, on the File menu, Click Work Offline.

You will now see an icon on the status bar with a red x through it indicating that you are now working offline.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

  1. Start Outlook and check for new mail to establish that you can make a connection to your mail server.


  2. Unplug the net cable, or undock the computer.


RESULTS: There is no network disconnection icon on the status bar. When you check for new mail by clicking Send and Receive, pressing the F5 key, or through a schedule, a mail server error will be generated. Outlook does not switch to Work Offline.

This does not occur if you remove the Network PC card from the laptop while online.

Additional query words: 


Keywords          : CfgRemMail 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbbug

Last Reviewed: August 9, 1999