Outlook/Vista - multiple users with shared e-mail

chasethedog · 10th July 2009

Hope this is a simple Outlook setup question, but haven't had any luck getting an answer via Help and Google searches...

I have a new computer running Windows Vista and Outlook 2007. This is a family computer and I set up multiple users for logging on to the computer. I'd like for us to all share the same e-mail folders, in-box, contacts, etc. in Outlook, but I can't figure out how to do it.

I logged in as one user, started Outlook and got it configured (it did it automatically) properly so that it is receiving our e-mail from our Internet Service Provider. All is good. Then, I logged in as another user and started Outlook, and gave it the same configuration information. Again, it is receiving e-mail from our ISP account properly. My problem is that each user is not sharing the e-mail received or folders created to organize e-mail messages.

I think this is because Outlook is setting up a separate .pst file for each user. Can I solve this issue by telling each user's Outlook program to pull data from a common .pst file? My e-mail through my ISP is a POP3 account.

**Steve R Jones** · 10th July 2009

Welcome to WindowsBBS

Yes, Outlook is creating seperate pst files for each users.....Probably the best you can do:

1. In all profiles->Outlook account settings->advanced section ->there is a box called "Leave Mail on Server" which will allow all users to receive the same mail.

2. When sending mail, each user can BCC themselves. All users would then get a copy of the mail...

**Arie** · 10th July 2009

I would copy 1 PST file to a separate folder (for example \OutlookMail) and point all installations to use this same file. You can do that with the Mail (32-bit) icon located in your Control Panel.

Now I would question why anyone would want to do that, as it means everyone can read each others email

chasethedog · 12th July 2009

I'll was thinking of trying that after doing some google searching; however, I don't see a "Mail" icon/option in my control panel. Even Outlook's help refers me to the control panel to manage mail options, but I don't see it. I'm running Windows Vista 64 bit - would that be why? Where else can I access this to manage my Outlook PST file location and my settings?

**Arie** · 13th July 2009

When in Control Panel click Classic View, then click View x86 Control Panel Icons, now you should be able to find the Mail (32-bit) icon.

If you have Outlook pinned to the top of your Start Menu there is a shorter way to reach it: right click on the Outlook icon and select Properties.