I haven’t used or seen this software in awhile up until one of our users asked (nicely!) if I could re-install Outlook Express on her very old (but functional) computer. Contractually we’re not suppose to provide support to non-business applications or equipments which the user had knowledge of. However at the same it was probably quicker for me to offer to help than to reason with the user. Before I started I had to set some ground rules we both agreed that since it was a personal computer I’ll do it as a once off and will not be providing on going support with Outlook Express. I hope this will not come back and bite me!
Actually the user was a little confused. When she mentioned Outlook Express she meant Microsoft Outlook the installed on her work laptop.
I mentioned to her that the version of Microsoft Outlook installed on her workstation is licensed by Microsoft to the business and if she wanted it on her personal machine she would have to pay for a Microsoft Outlook license.
At this stage the user realised what she was up for so opted to settle with Outlook Express.
I obtained a copy of Outlook Express (Click to download) from softpedia.com.
After the download and installs I set up her POP3 email and I was even nice enough to configure Outlook Express to get her Hotmail emails.
Two things I got out of this experience:
- Even to this day users still confuse Microsoft Outlook with Outlook Express
- I find that I don’t mind helping users with their non-work related queries as long as an agreement is met as to what level of support is provided after the initial non-business related has been completed.