Cannot Change Text Format Using Outlook Express

Last reviewed: January 6, 1998
Article ID: Q178895
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Outlook Express version 4.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Outlook Express version 4.01 for Windows NT 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you compose a new message with Outlook Express, you may be unable to change the font style, size, or color.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions exists:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer is configured to ignore specified formatting features in the Accessibility dialog box.
  • Outlook Express is configured to use plain text.

RESOLUTION

To change the format of the text when you compose a message, use one of the following methods:

Disable the Accessibility Settings

To disable the Accessibility settings, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double- click Internet.

  2. On the General tab, click Accessibility.

  3. Click the following check boxes as necessary to clear them:

        - Ignore colors specified on Web pages
        - Ignore font styles specified on Web pages
        - Ignore font sizes specified on Web pages
    

  4. Click OK.

NOTE: These changes do not take effect until you restart Outlook Express.

Change the Sending Format

Change the sending format to Rich Text (HTML). To do so, follow these steps:

  1. In Outlook Express, click Options on the Tools menu.

  2. Click the Send tab, and then click HTML under Mail Sending Format.

  3. Click OK.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

Addtional query words: 4.01

Keywords          : kbtool outexnt outexw95
Version           : WINDOWS:4.01
Platform          : WINDOWS


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Last reviewed: January 6, 1998
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