OLEXP: Cannot Change Text Format Using Outlook Express (178895)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
This article was previously published under Q178895

SYMPTOMS

When you compose a new message with Outlook Express, you may be unable to change the font style, size, or color.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions exists:
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer is configured to ignore specified formatting features in the Accessibility dialog box.
  • Outlook Express is configured to use plain text.

RESOLUTION

To change the format of the text when you compose a message, use one of the following methods:

Turn off the Accessibility Settings

To turn off the Accessibility settings, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Internet or Internet Settings.
  2. On the General tab, click Accessibility.
  3. Click the following check boxes as necessary to clear them:
    • Ignore colors specified on Web pages
    • Ignore font styles specified on Web pages
    • Ignore font sizes specified on Web pages
  4. Click OK.
  5. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Change the Sending Format

Change the sending format to Rich Text (HTML). To do so, follow these steps:
  1. In Outlook Express, click Options on the Tools menu.
  2. Click the Send tab, and then click HTML under Mail Sending Format.
  3. Click OK.
  4. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/24/2004
Keywords:KB178895
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.