Picks: A roundup of add-ons for Microsoft Outlook

I've gotten quite a few emails asking me about add-ons for Microsoft Outlook. So here, just for you, is a roundup of some Outlook extras. -- Doc.

Attachments Processor for Outlook, by MAPILab Ltd. is a clever Outlook add-on that helps you manage attachments. The program is very easy-to-use and gives you a number of options for dealing with email attachments. In testing it out I was impressed by how slick the program worked. For example, an email comes in with an attachment and Attachments Processor for Outlook automatically snags the attached file and saves it to your hard drive. Now, that in itself is pretty slick, but what follows is really cool. The program replaces the attachment with a link to the attachment on your hard drive. All you do is double-click on the link and you pull up the attachment. Nicely done. Another powerful feature of the program is the ability to automatically ZIP outgoing and incoming attachments. This saves space and decreases download times. If you wish you can even have password protected ZIP files. In addition, if you prefer, Attachment Processor for Outlook can also create self-extracting files that are easy for everyone to open. The program also lets you manipulate what types of files are accepted and which are note. By using this feature you can override default settings so otherwise restricted files will be allowed. Attachment Processor for Outlook is the perfect solution for anyone who uses Outlook and deals with attachments. Check it out for yourself.

System Requirements: Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista

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Duplicates Remover for Outlook 2.5.2, by MAPILab Ltd. is another cool product from the same company that makes Attachment Processor for Outlook. As the name implies this program goes through your Outlook folders and finds duplicates. Please note that this product does not look for duplicate email, but rather goes through your calendar, tasks, contacts, and so on. There is a separate product by this company that does look for duplicate emails. The program is very quick and can process any number of folders. I like the fact that you decide what happens to duplicates. They can be copied to another folder, moved to another folder, deleted, or flagged. In addition to determining what happens to duplicates you can also establish priorities to determine which item will be considered the duplicate. The program works with Microsoft Exchange Server and works with every version of Outlook from 2007 to 2000. If you're looking to eliminate duplicates and keep them gone, this is your solution.

System Requirements: Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista

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ShareO for Outlook, by Alittera Ltd Inc. is a cool tool for anyone who wants to share or synchronize their Microsoft Outlook data. In testing it out I can see that this would be a great addition for anyone who wants to share information with colleagues and co-workers. ShareO for Outlook makes it possible to share notes, email, contacts, and lots more. You can use the add-on in a number of ways. One way would be to synchronize your own Outlook data between two computers like a desktop and a laptop. The program is quick so getting two copies of Outlook in sync would be very fast. Another way to use ShareO for Outlook would be among a team of users like doctors in a clinic, lawyers in a group, and so on. In this context you could keep everyone up-to-date on everything from notes to appointments. You can even have group folders for sharing specific data. I have to say that I'm really impressed with the number of things this product can handle. It can share your Outlook information over your network or even over the Internet. The program also gives you complete control over what data is shared and who it's shared with. This a clever product because it lets groups of people share important data that they all need. It will even sync things between different versions of Outlook. I like ShareO for Outlook so much that I'm also making it a Dr. File Finder Favorite and those are few and far between. So, whether you simply want to sync two copies of Outlook or want to share information with an entire office, this is your solution. I recommend it.

System Requirements: Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista

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Outlook Cleaner, by PersonalCRM Inc. is a nifty tool for cleaning up your copy of Outlook. The program is intuitive and very easy-to-use making it perfect for users with all levels of experience. The program lets you pick which folders you want to clean. You can also tell the program to clean sub-folders and even to remove those folders during cleaning. You also get the option to include folders that you've created beyond the default ones that come in Outlook. So, for example, I have a "Tucows" folder and I added that to the list. You can also specify the deletion parameters based on the date a file was modified. You could use that to clear out the emails from last month or all of 2006. Totally up to you. Outlook Cleaner is quick and easy and perfect for anyone who wants to clean up their copy of Outlook. Check it out.

System Requirements: Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP

Download Outlook Cleaner 3.1 NOW!

Bells & Whistles for Outlook 2.5.56, by DS Development SRL adds some great functionality to Outlook and it's actually like a collection of various add-ons. I have to mention my favorite feature first. The program reminds you to add email attachments so you never send a message without the attachment. Another cool feature numbers replies to a given subject so you know exactly what's going on. In addition it adds an ID for tracking so you can stay on top of important messages. Bells & Whistles also gives you email templates which can be a real time-saver. With templates you can have predefined blocks of text covering a range of topics. So, for example, if you do tech support you could have a response for a certain question and just use the template to insert your answer. Saves time and typing. The program has lots of other cool features including the ability to have people who are automatically copied on every message you write. Another function will add date and time stamps to your emails and you attachments. Ahhh, but there's more. You can force Outlook to send plain text or HTML emails, add a personal greeting, and eliminate some of Outlooks warning messages. I also like the fact that Bells & Whistles lets you control which of these features are active and working. Bells & Whistles is a powerful collection of add-ons for Microsoft Outlook and you owe it to yourself to check it out.

System Requirements: Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP

Download Bells & Whistles for Outlook 2.5.56 NOW!

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