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Can I install Outlook twice with different accounts?

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Summary: You cannot install Outlook more than once, but Outlook does have a feature that supports multiple account configurations.

I use Outlook 2002/XP for personal email rather than Outlook Express. I would like to install a separate (additional) copy of Outlook with its own folders & contacts to use for business only. Is this possible?

Nope.

But don't despair. Outlook has a feature designed to do exactly what you want.

This is a perfect use of Outlook mail profiles.

Go to Control Panel, Mail, Show Profiles. Each profile can be configured with different email accounts and different storage folders. In addition, you can have Outlook prompt you for which profile to use when it starts up.

I use multiple profiles on my laptop. When I'm at home I use a profile that includes all my email accounts. When I'm on the road I use a different profile that only checks a couple of critical accounts. When I'm traveling with my wife I use yet a third profile that includes my wife's email account as well.

Related:

Article C2230 - November 23, 2004

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Recent Comments
12 Comments

Hi Leo,

I just switched over to Outlook 2003 from Outlook Express.

In the example above, you are using different profiles, similar to the Outlook Express concept of identities.

My question is if you set up multiple profiles in Outlook 2003 (which I have figured out how to do) can you have them share the same calendar/tasks etc?

Cheers,
Andrew
http://www.automatedbusiness.org

Posted by: Andrew Murray at April 2, 2006 8:16 AM

Sure. As long as each profile references the same ".pst", that's where the calendar and tasks are stored. I do it all the time :-).

Posted by: Leo at April 2, 2006 4:10 PM

Leo,
How do I install Outlook over Outlook Express and keep my folders, address book and message rules?

Thanks,
Chuck

Posted by: Chuck Bennett at July 28, 2006 7:20 PM

Install Outlook, and then use it's import function to import your OE mail.

Posted by: Leo Notenboom at July 29, 2006 9:45 AM

How do I reference the same calendar pst when using two profiles?

Posted by: Brad Hayashi at September 24, 2006 10:10 PM

Hi Leo,

I use Outlook 2003 and I am wondering if it is possible to send emails from two differents account created under the same profile. There seems to be always one account selected by default and the only way I have found to use the other account to send emails is to change the "by default" account in option. ¿Any suggestion?

Than you.

Posted by: Claudio Parra at March 6, 2007 6:36 AM

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That's this article:
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_send_mail_from_my_mail_forwarded_address.html

Leo
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Posted by: Leo Notenboom at March 6, 2007 8:38 AM

Hi Leo,

I have a following problem. I'm using two separate e-mail accounts in MS Outlook. Right now when i Send/Receive the messages from both accounts automaticaly land in default folders - Inbox, Sent Itmes etc. Now, is it possible to run two separate windows and folder trees for each account in one instance of MS Outlook, so that the messages don't "merge" in just one inbox/sent items and so as it happens now? Thanks for any advice

Posted by: Radoslaw Janiec at September 7, 2007 3:11 AM

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No and yes.

No: There's no way to have Outlook do that automatically for you.

Yes: you can set up a folder tree manually and use "Message Rules" (see the
Rules item in the Tools menu) to automtically move messages to folders you
designate as they arrive.

Leo


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Posted by: Leo A. Notenboom at September 10, 2007 3:06 PM

Similar to above, but, I think what is required is two "pst" files, lets call them home and business.
The calendars should be able to be opened side by side, so one can drag personal stuff (birthdays, reminders, etc..) onto the business copy. Also some business stuff would be required on the personal copy.
So, is it possible:
1: TWO copies of "pst"?
2: If yes, how user friendly would they both be?
BEEJAY

It can work. The biggest issue is that Outlook will always consider one of the two PST's "primary", and deliver mail to it and the like. But otherwise it can work well.
- Leo
23-Sep-2008

Posted by: John F. Scholten at September 22, 2008 7:53 AM

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