[FAQ's: OD] How do I set the default Form for a folder?

[RobDog888]

In order to set a default form on a folder we need to access the folders properties. I will go through this example setting a new modified Appointment Form to one of my Calendar folders. A Calendar folder will be defaulted to the "IPM.Appointment" or "Appointment" class form.

Note: Some standard Forms like the Appointment and Task Forms do not allow you to modify the first Tab.


Outlook 2003 used in this example...

Step 1:
Right click on a calendar in your "My Calendars" bar located to the left side of the Canendar display view as seen in Fig. 1. You can also right click on a Calendar folder in Folder view. Then Left click on the Properties context popup menu that results.

Fig. 1






Step 2:
Next you will get the "Calendar" dialog window displaying the properties for the Calendar/Folder (Fig. 2). Note the form that is specified in the "When posting to this folder, use:". This is the default Form that will be used for creating and displaying Items in this folder. It will show "IPM.Appointment" by default.

Fig. 2






Step 3:
We will change the default Form by clicking on the dropdown box to display our choices. "IPM.Appointment" and "Forms..." will be available. Choose "Forms...". (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3






Step 4:
Next a "Choose Form" dialog window will popup displaying the Forms in the "Standard Forms Library" and we will change our selection to the "Personal Forms Library" (Fig. 4)..

Fig. 4






Step 5:
Select your custom/modified form from your available Forms (Fig. 5). Note: must have a modified/custom form already published or just use a different Standard Form from the Standard Forms Library.

Fig. 5






Step 6:
We can now view our new default Form is set by going back to the folder properties and checking the "When posting to this folder, use:" and see that "Time Entry" is selected (Fig. 6a). You can also see that "Time Entry" is now a choice in the dropdown of available Forms to use as a default (Fig. 6b).

Fig. 6a


Fig. 6b






Step 7:
Lets test it by creating a new item in the Calendar folder and note that our custom Form is being displayed (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7