OL97: Using Schedule+ as the Primary Calendar in Outlook 97

In Outlook 97, you can substitute Microsoft Schedule+ 95 for the Outlook calendar function. This article discusses the conditions under which this is desirable.

In a mixed environment consisting of Outlook and Schedule+ 95 and/or Schedule+ 1.0 users, all users can exchange meeting request messages and share free/busy status with each other. However, many Outlook capabilities go beyond those of Schedule+ 95 and Schedule+ 1.0. Outlook users should be aware that their coworkers who are still using Schedule+ 95 or Schedule+ 1.0 may not be able to view or use some of the messaging or calendar information the same way another Outlook user can.

Although Outlook, Schedule+ 95, and Schedule+ 1.0 offer a high level of interoperability for basic calendar and group scheduling functions, the differences can affect more advanced levels of access to other calendars. Using the option to "Use Schedule+ 95 as my primary calendar" is one method of allowing a group of users to modify each other's schedules seamlessly. Continuing to use Schedule+ for calendar functions during the transition period ensures the retention of the same level of interoperability that existed before the upgrade to Outlook.

To enable the option to use Schedule+ as the primary calendar:

1. In Microsoft Outlook, on the Tools menu, click Options.
2. On the Calendar tab, click to select "Use Schedule+ 95 as my primary calendar."

Enabling this option adds a button for starting Schedule+ 95 to the Outlook toolbar. The Outlook calendar is no longer used.

NOTE: The option to use Schedule+ 95 for the primary calendar is only available if Schedule+ 95 is installed and working on the computer before you install Outlook. Alone, the Outlook Setup program does not install enough of the Schedule+ 95 file set to enable its operation, and this option will be dimmed.

For more information about making the decision to use this option, see the white paper titled "Microsoft Outlook 97 Interoperability With Microsoft Exchange Client, Microsoft Mail Version 3.x, Microsoft Schedule+ 95, and Microsoft Schedule+ version 1.0."