Default Compose Settings Not Working

Sorsche · External Since: Oct 07, 2005 Posts: 4

Hello,
I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0 (XPSP_SP2) )

Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when I reopen
the Tools menu option.

However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot change
formatting features.

What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a new mail
message? And to use the default formatting features in Tools/Options?

Thanks very much for any help you can offer.

Sorsche

Bruce Hagen · External Since: Apr 17, 2004 Posts: 12678

When you say the formatting features are disabled, can you see the Format
Bar? Are you using HTML? If you have switched to Plain Text, the Format bar
isn't available.

XP version makes no difference. In OE | Help | About MSOE - What is the
number under msoe.dll?
--
Bruce Hagen
MS MVP - Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"Sorsche" <Sorsche.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com...
> Hello,
> I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0 (XPSP_SP2) )
>
> Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
> Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when I
> reopen
> the Tools menu option.
>
> However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
> defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot change
> formatting features.
>
> What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a new
> mail
> message? And to use the default formatting features in Tools/Options?
>
> Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
>
> Sorsche
>

Sorsche · External Since: Oct 07, 2005 Posts: 4

Hi Bruce,
I mean that when I've opened a new, blank mail mesage, and select the Format
menu option, that the Style, Font, Paragraph, Increase and Decrease Indent
features are "greyed out" - they do not open. I cannot select a different
font/text color/size/ bold etc.

Yes, I'm set to send/receive in HTML

The number in msoe.dll is: 6.00.2900.2180

Thanks much for your help. Appreciated.

S

"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

> When you say the formatting features are disabled, can you see the Format
> Bar? Are you using HTML? If you have switched to Plain Text, the Format bar
> isn't available.
>
> XP version makes no difference. In OE | Help | About MSOE - What is the
> number under msoe.dll?
> --
> Bruce Hagen
> MS MVP - Outlook Express
> ~IB-CA~
>
> "Sorsche" <Sorsche DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com...
> > Hello,
> > I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0 (XPSP_SP2) )
> >
> > Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
> > Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when I
> > reopen
> > the Tools menu option.
> >
> > However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
> > defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot change
> > formatting features.
> >
> > What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a new
> > mail
> > message? And to use the default formatting features in Tools/Options?
> >
> > Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
> >
> > Sorsche
> >
>
>

Bruce Hagen · External Since: Apr 17, 2004 Posts: 12678

If you are indeed using HTML, then just put the cursor in the message body
and click Format. Those options are always grayed out until the message body
is active.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS MVP - Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"Sorsche" <Sorsche.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E62EE697-1DA6-4850-933D-CBBB9E94CE77@microsoft.com...
> Hi Bruce,
> I mean that when I've opened a new, blank mail mesage, and select the
> Format
> menu option, that the Style, Font, Paragraph, Increase and Decrease Indent
> features are "greyed out" - they do not open. I cannot select a different
> font/text color/size/ bold etc.
>
> Yes, I'm set to send/receive in HTML
>
> The number in msoe.dll is: 6.00.2900.2180
>
> Thanks much for your help. Appreciated.
>
> S
>
>
> "Bruce Hagen" wrote:
>
>> When you say the formatting features are disabled, can you see the Format
>> Bar? Are you using HTML? If you have switched to Plain Text, the Format
>> bar
>> isn't available.
>>
>> XP version makes no difference. In OE | Help | About MSOE - What is the
>> number under msoe.dll?
>> --
>> Bruce Hagen
>> MS MVP - Outlook Express
>> ~IB-CA~
>>
>> "Sorsche" <Sorsche.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com...
>> > Hello,
>> > I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0
>> > (XPSP_SP2) )
>> >
>> > Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
>> > Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when I
>> > reopen
>> > the Tools menu option.
>> >
>> > However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
>> > defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot
>> > change
>> > formatting features.
>> >
>> > What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a new
>> > mail
>> > message? And to use the default formatting features in Tools/Options?
>> >
>> > Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
>> >
>> > Sorsche
>> >
>>
>>

Sorsche · External Since: Oct 07, 2005 Posts: 4

Yes, of course. Thanks.

But the basic question remains: Why aren't the default settings working?
In every other version of OE I've used, once I've set the defaults, I
immediately SEE the defaults in the text of an email message. e.g. I use
Verdana, teal, italic - But the defaults aren't working in an email message.

"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

> If you are indeed using HTML, then just put the cursor in the message body
> and click Format. Those options are always grayed out until the message body
> is active.
> --
> Bruce Hagen
> MS MVP - Outlook Express
> ~IB-CA~
>
> "Sorsche" <Sorsche RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:E62EE697-1DA6-4850-933D-CBBB9E94CE77@microsoft.com...
> > Hi Bruce,
> > I mean that when I've opened a new, blank mail mesage, and select the
> > Format
> > menu option, that the Style, Font, Paragraph, Increase and Decrease Indent
> > features are "greyed out" - they do not open. I cannot select a different
> > font/text color/size/ bold etc.
> >
> > Yes, I'm set to send/receive in HTML
> >
> > The number in msoe.dll is: 6.00.2900.2180
> >
> > Thanks much for your help. Appreciated.
> >
> > S
> >
> >
> > "Bruce Hagen" wrote:
> >
> >> When you say the formatting features are disabled, can you see the Format
> >> Bar? Are you using HTML? If you have switched to Plain Text, the Format
> >> bar
> >> isn't available.
> >>
> >> XP version makes no difference. In OE | Help | About MSOE - What is the
> >> number under msoe.dll?
> >> --
> >> Bruce Hagen
> >> MS MVP - Outlook Express
> >> ~IB-CA~
> >>
> >> "Sorsche" <Sorsche RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com...
> >> > Hello,
> >> > I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0
> >> > (XPSP_SP2) )
> >> >
> >> > Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
> >> > Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when I
> >> > reopen
> >> > the Tools menu option.
> >> >
> >> > However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
> >> > defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot
> >> > change
> >> > formatting features.
> >> >
> >> > What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a new
> >> > mail
> >> > message? And to use the default formatting features in Tools/Options?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
> >> >
> >> > Sorsche
> >> >
> >>
> >>
>
>

Bruce Hagen · External Since: Apr 17, 2004 Posts: 12678

If you are using stationery, that could make it default to a specific font.
If it is just a normal e-mail:

You may have a damaged identity. File | Identity | Add New Identity. Create
a new one and test it. If all is well, you can import your messages from the
old identity and delete it.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS MVP - Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"Sorsche" <Sorsche DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E4FD392B-5120-49F0-BAD2-A5DF470CFF9E@microsoft.com...
> Yes, of course. Thanks.
>
> But the basic question remains: Why aren't the default settings working?
> In every other version of OE I've used, once I've set the defaults, I
> immediately SEE the defaults in the text of an email message. e.g. I use
> Verdana, teal, italic - But the defaults aren't working in an email
> message.
>
> "Bruce Hagen" wrote:
>
>> If you are indeed using HTML, then just put the cursor in the message
>> body
>> and click Format. Those options are always grayed out until the message
>> body
>> is active.
>> --
>> Bruce Hagen
>> MS MVP - Outlook Express
>> ~IB-CA~
>>
>> "Sorsche" <Sorsche DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:E62EE697-1DA6-4850-933D-CBBB9E94CE77@microsoft.com...
>> > Hi Bruce,
>> > I mean that when I've opened a new, blank mail mesage, and select the
>> > Format
>> > menu option, that the Style, Font, Paragraph, Increase and Decrease
>> > Indent
>> > features are "greyed out" - they do not open. I cannot select a
>> > different
>> > font/text color/size/ bold etc.
>> >
>> > Yes, I'm set to send/receive in HTML
>> >
>> > The number in msoe.dll is: 6.00.2900.2180
>> >
>> > Thanks much for your help. Appreciated.
>> >
>> > S
>> >
>> >
>> > "Bruce Hagen" wrote:
>> >
>> >> When you say the formatting features are disabled, can you see the
>> >> Format
>> >> Bar? Are you using HTML? If you have switched to Plain Text, the
>> >> Format
>> >> bar
>> >> isn't available.
>> >>
>> >> XP version makes no difference. In OE | Help | About MSOE - What is
>> >> the
>> >> number under msoe.dll?
>> >> --
>> >> Bruce Hagen
>> >> MS MVP - Outlook Express
>> >> ~IB-CA~
>> >>
>> >> "Sorsche" <Sorsche DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Hello,
>> >> > I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0
>> >> > (XPSP_SP2) )
>> >> >
>> >> > Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
>> >> > Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when
>> >> > I
>> >> > reopen
>> >> > the Tools menu option.
>> >> >
>> >> > However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using
>> >> > the
>> >> > defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot
>> >> > change
>> >> > formatting features.
>> >> >
>> >> > What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a
>> >> > new
>> >> > mail
>> >> > message? And to use the default formatting features in
>> >> > Tools/Options?
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
>> >> >
>> >> > Sorsche
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>

Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE · External Since: Sep 08, 2005 Posts: 2534

"Sorsche" <Sorsche DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com
> Hello,
> I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0
> (XPSP_SP2) )
>
> Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
> Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when
> I reopen the Tools menu option.
>
> However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
> defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot
> change formatting features.
>
> What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a
> new mail message? And to use the default formatting features in
> Tools/Options?
>
> Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
>
> Sorsche

If you are using stationery and the stationery defines a font or font size,
that will over ride the default.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE
Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com./athome/security/protect/default.aspx
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

Sorsche · External Since: Oct 07, 2005 Posts: 4

Problem Solved! Much obliged, and many many thanks!

"Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE" wrote:

> "Sorsche" <Sorsche DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com
> > Hello,
> > I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0
> > (XPSP_SP2) )
> >
> > Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
> > Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when
> > I reopen the Tools menu option.
> >
> > However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
> > defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot
> > change formatting features.
> >
> > What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a
> > new mail message? And to use the default formatting features in
> > Tools/Options?
> >
> > Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
> >
> > Sorsche
>
> If you are using stationery and the stationery defines a font or font size,
> that will over ride the default.
>
> --
> Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE
> Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
> http://www.fjsmjs.com
> Protect your PC
> http://www.microsoft.com./athome/security/protect/default.aspx
> http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/
>
>
>

rowenainday · External Since: Oct 08, 2005 Posts: 1

"Sorsche" <Sorsche DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com...
> Hello,
> I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0 (XPSP_SP2) )
>
> Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
> Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when I
> reopen
> the Tools menu option.
>
> However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
> defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot change
> formatting features.
>
> What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a new
> mail
> message? And to use the default formatting features in Tools/Options?
>
> Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
>
> Sorsche
>

Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE · External Since: Sep 08, 2005 Posts: 2534

"Sorsche" <Sorsche.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0E9E229C-FF1F-4B47-86FF-49F37ACE55DB@microsoft.com
> Problem Solved! Much obliged, and many many thanks!

You're welcome.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE
Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com./athome/security/protect/default.aspx
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

potain · External Since: Sep 17, 2009 Posts: 2

Hi

I am experiencing a problem with the Verdana font in Outllook Express 6 on
XP Home edition.

Under Tools/Options - Compose Font - Mail- Font Settings - I select
Verdana Regular 9pt . Click OK but the font looks like 10 point and it is
10pt when I coompse a new message o reply.

Any idea as to waht I can do about it.

Thanks you

"rowenainday" wrote:

>
> "Sorsche" <Sorsche DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com...
> > Hello,
> > I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0 (XPSP_SP2) )
> >
> > Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
> > Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when I
> > reopen
> > the Tools menu option.
> >
> > However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
> > defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot change
> > formatting features.
> >
> > What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a new
> > mail
> > message? And to use the default formatting features in Tools/Options?
> >
> > Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
> >
> > Sorsche
> >
>
>
>

PA Bear [MS MVP] · External Since: Jan 08, 2009 Posts: 206

In the future, please begin a new thread to ask a question. State your full
Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3) in your first post.

Only even-numbered font sizes are used in WinXP SP2 or SP3 (despite the
availability of the odd-numbered font sizes). If you select 9pt, you'll see
10pt; if you select 13pt, you'll see 14 pt, &c.

Understand that these compose font settings only apply to RichText (HTML)
messages and the use of most Stationery templates will trump this setting.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
www.banthecheck.com

potain wrote:
> I am experiencing a problem with the Verdana font in Outllook Express 6 on
> XP Home edition.
>
> Under Tools/Options - Compose Font - Mail- Font Settings - I select
> Verdana Regular 9pt . Click OK but the font looks like 10 point and it is
> 10pt when I coompse a new message o reply.
>
> Any idea as to waht I can do about it.
>
> Thanks you
<snip hijacked thread>

potain · External Since: Sep 17, 2009 Posts: 2

Thank you.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> In the future, please begin a new thread to ask a question. State your full
> Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3) in your first post.
>
> Only even-numbered font sizes are used in WinXP SP2 or SP3 (despite the
> availability of the odd-numbered font sizes). If you select 9pt, you'll see
> 10pt; if you select 13pt, you'll see 14 pt, &c.
>
> Understand that these compose font settings only apply to RichText (HTML)
> messages and the use of most Stationery templates will trump this setting.
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
> www.banthecheck.com
>
>
> potain wrote:
> > I am experiencing a problem with the Verdana font in Outllook Express 6 on
> > XP Home edition.
> >
> > Under Tools/Options - Compose Font - Mail- Font Settings - I select
> > Verdana Regular 9pt . Click OK but the font looks like 10 point and it is
> > 10pt when I coompse a new message o reply.
> >
> > Any idea as to waht I can do about it.
> >
> > Thanks you
> <snip hijacked thread>
>
>

PA Bear [MS MVP] · External Since: Jan 08, 2009 Posts: 206

YW

potain wrote:
> Thank you.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
>> In the future, please begin a new thread to ask a question. State your
>> full Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3) in your first post.
>>
>> Only even-numbered font sizes are used in WinXP SP2 or SP3 (despite the
>> availability of the odd-numbered font sizes). If you select 9pt, you'll
>> see 10pt; if you select 13pt, you'll see 14 pt, &c.
>>
>> Understand that these compose font settings only apply to RichText (HTML)
>> messages and the use of most Stationery templates will trump this
>> setting.
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
>> www.banthecheck.com
>>
>>
>> potain wrote:
>>> I am experiencing a problem with the Verdana font in Outllook Express 6
>>> on
>>> XP Home edition.
>>>
>>> Under Tools/Options - Compose Font - Mail- Font Settings - I select
>>> Verdana Regular 9pt . Click OK but the font looks like 10 point and it
>>> is
>>> 10pt when I coompse a new message o reply.
>>>
>>> Any idea as to waht I can do about it.
>>>
>>> Thanks you
>> <snip hijacked thread>

o;; · External Since: Sep 27, 2009 Posts: 13

"potain" <potain.RemoveThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:08EB3E7F-4150-4A21-BBAB-26A7F6393E14@microsoft.com...
> Hi
>
> I am experiencing a problem with the Verdana font in Outllook Express 6 on
> XP Home edition.
>
> Under Tools/Options - Compose Font - Mail- Font Settings - I select
> Verdana Regular 9pt . Click OK but the font looks like 10 point and it is
> 10pt when I coompse a new message o reply.
>
> Any idea as to waht I can do about it.
>
> Thanks you
>
>
>
> "rowenainday" wrote:
>
>>
>> "Sorsche" <Sorsche.RemoveThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:6F7FEFA8-F614-4B83-A89C-DF6A484E6F81@microsoft.com...
>> > Hello,
>> > I'm using Outlook Express on XP ( version 6.0026.00000 6.0
>> > (XPSP_SP2) )
>> >
>> > Initially, I was able to set-up Compose Settings Defaults in
>> > Tools/Options/Compose. And the settings still appear to be set when I
>> > reopen
>> > the Tools menu option.
>> >
>> > However, when I create a new mail message, the system isn't using the
>> > defaults. And all the formatting features are disabled. I cannot
>> > change
>> > formatting features.
>> >
>> > What do I need to do/set to be able to use the format features in a new
>> > mail
>> > message? And to use the default formatting features in Tools/Options?
>> >
>> > Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
>> >
>> > Sorsche
>> >
>>
>>
>>