OL97: Configuring the CompuServe Mail Information Service

• Microsoft Outlook 97

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Outlook 97, the CompuServe Mail information service can be used without the CompuServe software. This article discusses the configuration properties of the CompuServe Mail information service.

MORE INFORMATION

You can install the CompuServe Mail information service for use with Outlook even though you do not have the CompuServe software installed on your computer. Additionally, CompuServe Mail is TAPI (Telephony Application Programming Interface) compliant and dials directly to your modem to call the CompuServe network, so a Windows 95 Dialup Networking connection is not required.

For information on obtaining and installing CompuServe Mail, please refer to the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge base:

Article- ID: Q160970 Title: OL97: How to Get Latest Version of CompuServe Mail Service

CompuServe Mail Configuration

The CompuServe Mail Properties contain four tabs:

General

This tab contains information specific to your CompuServe account. Items such as your Name, CompuServe ID, and your password reside here. All information in this tab is required except for your password. If you leave your password blank, Outlook will prompt you for your password each time you start Outlook.

Connection

This tab contains information on your connection. Items such as the CompuServe Access telephone number, which modem to use, and Winsock settings.

Phone Number:

Enter the telephone number you use to access CompuServe.

 NOTE: To use the TAPI dialing properties specified for your modem,
       (such as dialing "9," to access an outside phone line) enter
       the phone number in the following format:

      +c (aaa) xxx-yyyy
      |    |      |_____________ phone number
      |    |___________area code (parentheses required)
      |__________plus sign followed by country code

      Example:  +1 (614) 764-2957.

Select the modem you want to use. The TAPI lines are setup in the Windows Control Panel with the Modems icon.

Network:

Select the network that you use to access CompuServe.

Windows Modem Settings:

Select the modem you have installed to use your preferred TAPI line.

Winsock Connection:

Select this to establish a special connection to the Internet known as a WinSock connection, which gives you full access to the Internet. You can review or modify your WinSock settings by using the Configure button.

  - Configure button

  - Host Name

  - Host IP Address: (Optional)

  - Connect Timeout: (Optional)

Use CompuServe Dialer:

Select this option to search for and use the CompuServe Dialer, which allows you to easily establish a PPP connection. Note that you can also set the Dialer up to logon and retrieve mail while you are simultaneously using other CompuServe Dialer-compliant programs such as WinCIM 2.0 and Mosaic 2.0; refer to your CompuServe Mail for Microsoft Exchange documentation for more details. This setting is dimmed or unavailable if the Dialer is not installed.

Direct Connection:

Select this if your computer is physically connected to another computer system which provides your connection.

  - Configure button:

  - Connector:

  - Baud Rate:

Default Send Options:

Send using Microsoft Exchange rich-text format:

NOTE: This feature is not supported by the CompuServe Mail information service.

Release Date:

Type a date to have the message held until the date specified, and then forward the message to the recipient's e-mail box. If no date is set, the message will be forwarded as soon as it is sent.

Expiration Date:

Type a date to have the message automatically deleted from the recipient's e-mail box on the date specified.

Advanced

Advanced options do not apply when you use the Remote Preview feature.

Create Event Log:

Click to select this check box if you want to receive an Inbox "event log" message upon completion of each mail retrieval session. The event log provides information on the messages sent and retrieved during the particular session.

Delete Retrieved Messages:

Click to select this check box to automatically delete messages from your online mailbox after retrieving them to your Inbox.

Change CompuServe Folder:

Use this button to change the path to the common CompuServe folder.

Schedule Connect Times:

Use this to change the times for your automated connection to CompuServe Mail. You may select one or more options to automatically retrieve mail at certain intervals:

  - Startup of Mail:

  - Every X hours and minutes:

  - Scheduled at X hours:

The third-party product discussed here is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

REFERENCES

For general information about adding the CompuServe mail service to a profile, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q143051
   TITLE:      How to Install and Use CompuServe Mail with MS Exchange.

   ARTICLE-ID: Q161973
   TITLE:      OL97: Troubleshooting Outlook Configuration Problems

   ARTICLE-ID: Q162223
   TITLE:      OL97: Err Msg: "MAPI Spooler Has Shut Down Unexpectedly"