How to force Outlook 2003 to insert a hyperlink to a Folder (as opposed to just a file) in Outlook Calendar, Task and Contact forms

It happened again yesterday in a training programme. We were looking at the value of inserting copies of and hyperlinks to files within Tasks, Calendar and Contact forms in Outlook to aid execution. Then the inevitable question arose….. ‘Can we use this Hyperlink method to point to a FOLDER as opposed to just a file?’ (NOTE: Click the link if you are looking for how to do this with Microsoft Outlook 2007 and 2010 )

I said something like ‘I wish!’ and one of our delegates, Mark Duggan, said ‘I do and here’s how’. My thanks to Mark for sharing his very simple work around.

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For the sake of completeness in this entry here’s how you insert a hyperlink to a FILE within an Outlook 2003 Task, Calendar or Contact form:
Place your cursor in the notes area of your Outlook form where you want to insert the hyperlink.
Go to the Form’s top Toolbar > Hit the word ‘Insert’ (not the paperclip button) > Select ‘File’> Navigate to the file and highlight it only > Go to the ‘Insert’ button at the bottom of the form and click on the arrow on the right of the button and select ‘Insert as hyperlink’ and you’re done.

Now Mark’s clever bit….
Do the above and create a hyperlink to any file within the folder you want to access in your Outlook 2003 Form.
Go to your created hyperlink and simply (but carefully) insert your cursor at the end of the link between the last letter of the hyperlink itself and the limiting >. Now simply remove the file extension and filename by hitting the ‘Back’ button on your keypad until you have reached the folder you want the hyperlink to point to. Then come out of the link by taking your cursor to another area without hitting ’Enter’ .

I have tested this all the way down to my C directory and it worked every time. So now I am linking to Project, Client and Prospect folders where that is more appropriate, and not just files.

‘Richard’s support has helped me retain better focus and control over my deliverables with less effort, stress and pain – even with up to 100 emails a day! Work with him if you want to change the way you work for the better.’
Phil Benton Director Civica PLC.

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