In Outlook 2003, a signature is added after boilerplate text that is contained in the stationery for new e-mail messages

You create a new e-mail message by using custom HTML-format stationery that contains boilerplate text. Additionally, you have a signature that is added to your new e-mail messages. If security update MS07-003 for Outlook 2003 that is dated January 9, 2007 is installed, the signature is added after the boilerplate text of the stationery in new e-mail messages.

Note This problem occurs when you use the Outlook Editor to edit e-mail messages. You do not use Microsoft Office Word to edit e-mail messages.

To resolve this problem, install the Outlook 2003 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix package that is dated December 7, 2007. Then, add the OutlookSignatureFirst setting to the Registry.

How to obtain the hotfix

This issue is fixed in the Outlook 2003 post-Service Pack 3 Hotfix Package that is dated December 7, 2007. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

How to enable the hotfix

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To enable this hotfix, follow these steps:

1. Exit Outlook 2003.
2. Start Registry Editor.
   • In Windows Vista, click Start
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     , type regedit in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
     
     
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     If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
   • In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate and then click to select the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook\Options
4. After you select the subkey that is specified in step 3, point to New on the Edit menu, and then click DWORD Value.
5. Type OutlookSignatureFirst, and then press ENTER.
6. Right-click OutlookSignatureFirst, and then click Modify.
7. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
8. On the File menu, click Exit to close Registry Editor.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For more information about the security update, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: