Synchronizing Outlook across multiple computers

[JDArt]

I've tried many PST synchronization methods, and they are all lacking.

Does anyone know of a good way to keep Outlook synchronized across multiple computers? Is a "hosted exchange service" the best way to go? And if so, does anyone have any ideas on which one to choose? Thanks!

[StinkyDaddy]

I can't answer the question, but I'd like to hear the suggestions. As of now I'm only doing email on my laptop, that saves me from having to deal with the synch issue. That has it's shortcomings as well.

Have Fun,
Wm.

[ohenry]

I would think a synch tool with a hosted hub would work, depending on exactly what you are trying to do. Say you have one desktop and 2 laptops. If you gave a bit more detail about how many computers and their proximity to one another, it would be helpful

[edk]

I think you'll find that isn't really a good way to sync pst's. If you have a large enough number of PC's (more than 4) then I would suggest a hosted or exchange solution. Dedicated exchange will be expensive, but a hosted solution would be cheap and would also have the benefit of being accessible anywhere you go. You are probably aware of the pro's and con's of going for a hosted solution, but I would suggest one that also allows calendar and group address book options. Hope this helps.

[felix.reichardt]

IMAP is what I am using since some weeks instead of local storage. Advantage is that all your mail folders are kept in sync with any computer plus my webmail. Disadvantage is that the calendar is not synced with the IMAP folders. And you need enough space granted from your mail provider to store the mails.
I archive emails after aroudn 12 month.

[mcbit]

I've been using IMAP for ages, solves a lot of problems. I've mostly used a 'Briefcase' for synching Outlook which works pretty well as long as you remember to only work on one copy of the Outlook .pst file between synchs.

[felix.reichardt]

Originally Posted by mcbit

I've been using IMAP for ages, solves a lot of problems. I've mostly used a 'Briefcase' for synching Outlook which works pretty well as long as you remember to only work on one copy of the Outlook .pst file between synchs.

syncing pst files can work fine with discipline but does not solve my problem that some give me internet access through my notebook but block outlook. so I need to use webmail and in that case IMAP is just more convenient.

[mcbit]

Originally Posted by felix.reichardt

syncing pst files can work fine with discipline but does not solve my problem that some give me internet access through my notebook but block outlook. so I need to use webmail and in that case IMAP is just more convenient.

Not clear about this, are you e-mail providers blocking Outlook? I have no problems with any of my providers using IMAP through Outlook

[felix.reichardt]

Originally Posted by mcbit

Not clear about this, are you e-mail providers blocking Outlook? I have no problems with any of my providers using IMAP through Outlook

no no. most of my clients (customers) blocking outlookc access through my notebook and their network so i have to use webmail and then IMAP comes handy since all my mail available and gets back synced automatically when I am at home at my desktop using outlook again.

[mcbit]

Originally Posted by felix.reichardt

no no. most of my clients (customers) blocking outlookc access through my notebook and their network so i have to use webmail and then IMAP comes handy since all my mail available and gets back synced automatically when I am at home at my desktop using outlook again.

Aahh! I see, I tend to use 3G broadband to remain independent from others.

[momo2000]

Get a hosted Exchange account $6-10/month at a provider like www.godaddy.com. Sync all local copies to Exchange. You also get access via OWA (the web without an Outlook client for times when you are away) and via a mobile device on ActiveSync. I do this, and it solves all these problems.

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by felix.reichardt

IMAP is what I am using since some weeks instead of local storage. Advantage is that all your mail folders are kept in sync with any computer plus my webmail. Disadvantage is that the calendar is not synced with the IMAP folders. And you need enough space granted from your mail provider to store the mails.
I archive emails after aroudn 12 month.

Can you explain how to set this up?

I'm trying out Sherweb. Having some issues setting it up, however.

[momo2000]

JDArt: So you purchased (or are trying ) their $8.95 Hosted Exchange account, is that correct? If so, can you access the account with Outlook Web Access (OWA) via the web from your PC? That is step #1, to make sure that your account is setup and working with Sherweb.

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by momo2000

JDArt: So you purchased (or are trying ) their $8.95 Hosted Exchange account, is that correct? If so, can you access the account with Outlook Web Access (OWA) via the web from your PC? That is step #1, to make sure that your account is setup and working with Sherweb.

Yes, I have it going via Web access. It's getting Outlook set up properly that's the issue. I haven't had time to sit down with their support folks to figure it out.

[momo2000]

OK, so if you have never used Outlook before, it should prompt you to set it up when you start. If you already are using Outlook, then you just set up a new account (not to be confused with a new user or profile). Are you getting that far, but just getting errors with your credentials, or are you just not sure what to do? It is a bit tough to help with the limited description