Slow E-mail Delivery with Microsoft Outlook 2003
Cached Exchange Mode Issues
What is Cached Exchange Mode?
Cached Exchange Mode is a feature in Microsoft Outlook 2003 that allows you to read and compose messages offline when disconnnected from the campus network, for example, when you're at home. The next time you return to campus and reconnect, messages will be sent and your inbox synchronized.
How Can I Tell if it's Enabled?
Look in the lower right corner of the Outlook window. If you see Online, or Offline, Cached Exchange Mode is enabled. This is the default setting.
Reported Problems with Cached Exchange Mode
While cache mode provides flexibility for e-mail collaboration both on and off campus, if you frequently encounter either of the following issues, temporarily disable Cached Exchange Mode to see if performance improves.
- A delay in showing newly arrived mail in the Outlook "inbox". Messages are visible with Outlook Web Access - a.k.a. POBox, but not in your Outlook mailbox.
- You are unable to see or update free/busy times on shared calendars.
How do I Disable Cached Exchange Mode?
- On the Outlook Tools menu, click E-Mail Accounts, click View or change existing e-mail accounts, and then click Next.
- Select Microsoft Exchange Server and then click Change.
- Under Microsoft Exchange Server, clear the Use Cached Exchange Mode check box.
- Exit and restart Outlook.
You may also want to consider temporarily disabling Cached Exchange Mode if you:
- Use ActiveSync or other Outlook "add-ins". Pocket PC's use ActiveSync to synchronize with the computer. It is not compatible with Cached Exchange Mode.
- Access other user’s folders such as calendars for scheduling meeting rooms or appointments.
- Regularly access the Public Folders.
- Are using other contact lists within your account such as"All Faculty and Staff" or "All Students" instead of the "Global Address List"
- Use client-side rules to manage or move messages.
- Are using Microsoft Outlook on an older, slower computer.
If you continue to experience problems after disabling Cached Exchange Mode, contact the Technology HelpDesk at 677-2964 to open a service request. Be sure to tell the staff what you are experiencing and the steps you have already taken.
Resources:
Cached Exchange Mode
About Cached Exchange Mode
Setting Up Outlook 2003 Cached Exchange Mode Accounts
Description of Outlook 2003 with Cached Exchange Mode in an Exchange Server 2003 environment