Using Outlook for Disconnected Mode

Messages in remote mailboxes can be stored on your computer's hard disk so that you may access these messages when your computer is not connected to a network (when traveling, etc.). These messages can be read and otherwise manipulated in the normal manner, and any changes made to messages while in disconnected mode will be reflected in their online counterparts the next time a network connection is made. This is known as disconnected mode operation.

Configuring Outlook for Disconnected Mode

In order to use disconnected mode, some preparation is necessary. Follow these steps:

1. Select Tools > Options.
2. Select the Mail Setup tab and then click Send/Receive.
   
3. If it isn't already highlighted, highlight the group All Accounts and click Edit.
4. The "Send/Receive Settings-All Accounts" dialog box appears. Be sure that your email account is selected on the left hand side.
5. Follow these steps for each mailbox that you want to be able to access while offline:
   • Select the radio button for Use the custom behavior defined below.
   • Under Folder Options, if it's not already expanded, double-click your email address (or whatever you named your email account) to expand it.
   • Select the mailbox that you want to be able to access while offline (e.g., Inbox).
   • Select the appropriate radio button for the download method you prefer: Download headers only OR Download complete item including attachments.
   • If you want all sub-folders within this mailbox to be available in disconnected mode, right-click on the same mailbox and select Check All Subfolders.
   • Right-click on the same mailbox again and select Apply Options to All Checked Folders
     
6. Repeat step 6 for all mailboxes that you want to be able to access while offline. When finished, click OK to close the Send/Receive settings window.
7. Click Close to close the Send/Receive group window.
8. Click OK to close the Options window.

Disconnecting Outlook

Outlook automatically knows if you do not have a network connection. Once you have followed the steps in Using Outlook in Disconnected Mode, no other preparation is necessary to work offline. Follow these steps to disconnect:

1. Select File >Work Offline.
   Note: "Offline" is indicated in the lower right corner of the window.

While offline you can compose new messages, read local copies of your mail, or reply to your mail.

Reconnecting Outlook

Follow these steps to reconnect Outlook:

1. Select File > Work Offline to disable the work offline feature.
2. After you reconnect, any outgoing mail you composed while disconnected from the network will be sent upon the next Send/Receive schedule or when you select Send/Receive.