Outlook 2003 task pane using VSTO?

[Allan Logan]

I am creating an addin that must work in Outlook 2003 and 2007. I want to
create my own inspector basically. When my "task" is opened I want to see my
..net created usercontrol.

I have studied the PrepareMe addin sample that uses the custom Task pane.
This seems like a viable solution (thought I want to change/mostly remove the
existing form as well which I hope I can do with forms design). But It
appears that this is only 2007 functionality. Although I read in Mr.
Durant's blog from a couple years ago that it is indeed posible in 2003.

The functionality I need in my inspector may be as simple as a browser
control.

Thanks!

 

[Ken Slovak - [MVP - Outlook]]

Custom task panes for Outlook are only supported in Outlook 2007, not in
Outlook 2003.

 

[Allan Logan]

Yeah as I've read more here I've noticed that answer serval time. Sorry
about the premature post.

Is there another solution here? Can I create my own Inspector?
In 2003, what extensibility do I have as far as the Inspector goes?
Maybe just open my own Windows form when the inspector is normally opened?


thanks

 

[Ken Slovak - [MVP - Outlook]]

You can customize the form used for a type of item, such as contacts or
email. You can do a substitution but you have to code that from scratch by
intercepting NewInspector and substituting your own form and closing the
innate Outlook form. There may be some video flashing of the item showing up
and then being closed in many cases.