[2005] accessing exchange

[vbdotnetboy]

is there anyway to access exchange without using outlook to perform the following actions. reading the emails from the server and reading and creating appointments. i know i could do it with outlook but when i do i get the dialog that states that there is some other application attempting to run outlook and i'm trying to avoid that, unless there is some way to get around that. the app is only going to be used internally. any help would be greatly appreciated.

[RobDog888]

If you write a COM Add-In and use the passed in Application object you should be good.

[vbdotnetboy]

thanks rob i really appreciate it, but do you know any good sites that provide documentation on how i write a COM Add-In in vb.net? i'm looking now, but didn't know if you might know any off the top of your head

[RobDog888]

coincidence as last night I just started writting a 2003 tutorial for it.

I'll give you the starter.

Start a new project and select - New Project > Other Projects > Extensibility Projects > Shared Add-In. Then you will get a wizard that will help you finish configuring the add-in.

[vbdotnetboy]

ok hopefully one last question... sorry i sound like an idiot, but this would be the first add-in i've ever written and just am wondering. would the shared add-in be able to be used in any application or does/will it only work in outlook?

[RobDog888]

If you follow the wizard steps after selecting "Shared Add-In" you will be presented with a checked list of which apps you want it shared with. Ie: each paticular office app, vs addin, etc.