If I recall correctly, I was able to set up a custom installation package
under SBS 2000 / Outlook 2000 that would automatically set Exchange server as
the account type, set the Exchange server name, and perhaps even populate the
mailbox ID with the currently logged-on user (domain with single SBS 2K
server).

However, as we have purchased new computers with Office (including Outlook
2000, then Outlook 2002, and now Outlook 2003) pre-installed, I have not had
the option of doing this.

Is there a way (setup script, registry entry, ini file, other?) to stipulate
these three things for each user as he logs onto a computer in the domain for
the first time?

Auto-select account type Microsoft Exchange Server.
Auto-populate Exchange server name
Deselect travel (O2K/XP) or cached (O2003) mode.
Auto-populate mailbox with current user ID (which always matches)

Microsoft uses text files with a .prf extension and a highly structured format to provide information to OUtlook that enables Outlook to create or modify a mail profile. You can create such .prf files with the Custom Installation Wizard or Custom Maintenance Wizard tools in the Office Resource Kit. For more details, including a variety of .prf deployment methods, read the excellent white paper "Configuring Outlook Profiles by Using a PRF File" at http://office.microsoft.com/search/r...60 I&respos=3

The page at http://www.slipstick.com/exs/olroam.htm includes information on other profile tools and resources.
--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
http://www.turtleflock.com/olconfig/index.htm
and Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers
http://www.outlookcode.com/jumpstart.aspx

"Brian" wrote in message ...
If I recall correctly, I was able to set up a custom installation package
under SBS 2000 / Outlook 2000 that would automatically set Exchange server as
the account type, set the Exchange server name, and perhaps even populate the
mailbox ID with the currently logged-on user (domain with single SBS 2K
server).

However, as we have purchased new computers with Office (including Outlook
2000, then Outlook 2002, and now Outlook 2003) pre-installed, I have not had
the option of doing this.

Is there a way (setup script, registry entry, ini file, other?) to stipulate
these three things for each user as he logs onto a computer in the domain for
the first time?

Auto-select account type Microsoft Exchange Server.
Auto-populate Exchange server name
Deselect travel (O2K/XP) or cached (O2003) mode.
Auto-populate mailbox with current user ID (which always matches)