To use switches, at the Start menu, Run command type:

Outlook /switch

Occasionally you’ll need to use the full path to Outlook, so the command line looks like:

“C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office11\Outlook.exe ” /switch

Note: Paths that include spaces between words must be enclosed in quotation marks (”) and are case sensitive.

For your reference here are just some of the most commonly used switches:

/c messageclass

Creates a new item of the specified message class, works for any valid MAPI form. For example:

/c ipm.activity creates a Journal entry
/c ipm.appointment creates an appointment
/c ipm.contact creates a contact
/c ipm.note creates an e-mail message
/c ipm.stickynote creates a note
/c ipm.task creates a task

/CleanClientRules

Starts Outlook and deletes client-based rules. For non-Exchange users.

/CleanFinders

Sets Outlook 2003 Search Folders back to the default state (deletes custom Search Folders)

/CleanFreeBusy

Cleans and regenerates free/busy information.

/CleanProfile

Removes invalid profile keys and recreates default registry keys where applicable.

/Cleanpst

Launches Outlook with a clean Personal Folders file (.pst)

/CleanReminders

Cleans and regenerates reminders.

/CleanRules

Starts Outlook and deletes client- and server-based rules.

/CleanSchedPlus

Deletes all Schedule+ data (free/busy, permissions, and .cal file) from the server.

/CleanServerRules

Starts Outlook and deletes server-based rules. Used only with Exchange server accounts.

/CleanViews

Restores default views.

/FirstRun

Starts Outlook as if it were run for the first time.

/ImportPrf prffilename

Launches Outlook and opens/imports the defined MAPI profile (*.prf). If Outlook is already open, queues the profile to be imported on the next clean launch.

/Profile profilename

Loads the specified profile. If your profile name contains a space, enclose the profile name in quotation marks.

/ResetFolderNames

Resets the language of the default folders to the language of the Outlook client.

/ResetFolders

Restores missing folders for the default delivery location.

/ResetOutlookBar

Rebuilds the Outlook Bar.

/ResetWunderBar

Rebuilds the new Outlook Control Bar in Outlook 2003.

/Rpcdiag

Opens Outlook and displays the remote procedure call (RPC) connection status dialog.

/Sniff

Starts Outlook and forces a detection of new meeting requests in the Inbox, and then adds them to the calendar.