Strange outlook 2003 icon next to senders name

[stompin]

HI - one of my users has just informed me that he is getting a grey filled
circle (like a blob!) next to all the names in the from part of each email.
I can click on the icon and it pulls up a menu with the senders options. But
he has changed nothing on Outlook 2003 and we would like to know what it
means and why it has suddenly appeared.

Help advice appreciated.

regards

 

[ChrisRM]

HI - one of my users has just informed me that he is getting a grey filled
circle (like a blob!) next to all the names in the from part of each
email.
I can click on the icon and it pulls up a menu with the senders options.
But
he has changed nothing on Outlook 2003 and we would like to know what it
means and why it has suddenly appeared.

Help advice appreciated.

regards

They are little icons and they are linked to MSN Messenger or Live Messenger
etc

They show the availability of the people in the from list on messenger.
i.e. Green = Available and online
Gray = unavailable
No entry sign = Busy, dont want to talk

In other words if the person who sent you the mail has their Messenger
online you can click the green icon and jump into a chat/audio/video session
on Messenger

So I guess your user just installed one of the messenger family or recently
started using it.

If you want to turn it off Tools->Options Select the "Other" tab , at the
bottom in the Person Names section uncheck the "Display online status next
to person name" checkbox

Regards
Chris