Weekly Computer Tip # 365
31 March 2012


Close everything but Outlook itself
(Outlook 2007-2010)

When you reply or forward an email message in Outlook the original message stays open, which means that if you deal with dozens of emails per day (yeah, well done; you're really important! ;) you end up with lots and lots of messages open. In tip 341 (tip_341.php) I told you how to change the configuration so that it automatically closes the original message after you have forwarded or replied to it, but what if you don't want that or forgot about it, yet want to close all your open Outlook windows in one fell swoop, without closing down Outlook?

Here's how:

  1. In Outlook 2007: Select the File, Close All Items command. OR
  2. In Outlook 2010: On the View tab, in the Window group, click Close All Items. (Then right-click it, and stick it on your Quick Access Toolbar!)

If you cannot find the option, make sure you are not looking for it in one of the many open messages or calendar items.

By the way, as I suppose you're all more interested in stuffing yourself silly on chocolate next week, I've decided to have a "tip break". Happy Easter!

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