OL98: Outlook .pst File Lock Release Interval Now Configurable (234211)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook 98
This article was previously published under Q234211
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

Outlook locks personal folder (.pst) files while they are in use; it is not possible to copy the .pst file while it is locked. Outlook releases the lock on a .pst file after a period of 30 minutes of inactivity by default.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem.

To resolve this problem, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:
File nameVersion
Emsabp32.dll5.5:2543.0
Emsmdb32.dll5.5:2615.0
Emsui32.dll5.5:2513.0
Mspst32.dll5.5:2607.0

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Outlook 98.

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

The .pst file lock release interval is now configurable by adding the following DWORD value

PSTDisconnectDelay

to the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\8.0\Outlook\PST

Setting PSTDisconnectDelay to a value of 10 (hexadecimal) is equivalent to telling Outlook to release the lock on the .pst file within 16 seconds.

This feature is included with the released version of Outlook 2000 and no hotfix is necessary, but the registry value mentioned above must be used to change the default release time.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/2/2005
Keywords:kbbug kbfix kbQFE KB234211
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