OL98: AutoSignature Problems Using WordMail (180443)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook 98
This article was previously published under Q180443

SYMPTOMS

When attempting to create an AutoSignature using Microsoft Word 97 (WordMail) as your e-mail editor in Microsoft Outlook 98, you may experience the following problems:

  • While attempting to create the AutoSignature you are not presented the option to make it the default, so it is not created.

    -or-
  • You can create and use the AutoSignature in the current Outlook session but it is not retained after you restart Outlook.

CAUSE

The Normal.dot template file in which the AutoSignature data is stored is damaged.

RESOLUTION

Remove the SIGNATURE entry from the Word AutoText entries or rebuild the Normal.dot file.

NOTE: SIGNATURE refers to the name of the AutoSignature you created.

MORE INFORMATION

Removing the SIGNATURE AutoText entry is the best solution as it preserves any special attributes stored by the user in the Normal.dot file. However, if this procedure does not solve the problem it will be necessary to rebuild the Normal.dot file.

Remove the SIGNATURE AutoText Entry

  1. Quit Outlook.
  2. On the Word Insert menu, point to AutoText and then click AutoText.
  3. Scroll through the list of AutoText entries and click to select SIGNATURE.
  4. Click Delete and OK.
  5. Quit Word and if prompted, click to save changes to the Normal.dot file.
  6. Start Outlook.
  7. Open a new mail message.
  8. Type the AutoSignature data as you wish it to appear.
  9. Select the AutoSignature data just entered.
  10. On the Tools menu, click AutoSignature.
  11. Click Yes and OK.
  12. Close the message without saving.

Rebuild the Normal.dot File

  1. Quit Outlook.
  2. Quit Word.
  3. Using the Windows Find File function, search for and rename the Normal.dot file.
  4. Start Outlook.
  5. Open a new mail message.
  6. Type the AutoSignature data as you wish it to appear.
  7. Select the AutoSignature data you just entered.
  8. On the Tools menu, click AutoSignature.
  9. Click Yes and OK.
  10. Close the message without saving.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/6/1999
Keywords:kbprb KB180443
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