Hidden Outlook Rules

[Klaus]

I’m running Outlook as part of Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2016 on Windows 10 Version 1909 OS Build 18363.1016. I have several PST files open at the same time, all connected to POP accounts, so there is no Exchange server in the mix.

I noticed a few weeks ago that none of my rules are listed, but they are still functioning. I did not find any solutions online, only some clues, so I started by launching Outlook with the /cleanrules command line switch to start out fresh. After that, I was able to add a rule, but it immediately disappeared from view after closing and reopening “Manage Rules and Alerts”, and did not reappear after closing and opening Outlook.

Next, I started Outlook with /safe , i.e. without extensions, Reading Pane, or toolbar customization, i.e. all add-ins have been disabled. Progress, my rules were now visible, but they would again disappear after adding, editing, deleting, any single rule and closing and reopening the “Manage Rules” form. So in short, while I can tediously manage rules, it’s only one edit at a time, then I have to restart using /safe.

See attached screenshot of hidden rules and temporarily visible ones. One hint maybe the “Apply changes to this folder:” text that’s overlaid the “New Rule”, “Change Rule” etc. menu. If I click on the overlaid text, I can reveal the underlying menu items one at a time, but the rules still remain hidden.

Any pointers are appreciated!

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[b]

There’s a different workaround here that worked for a few and may be better:

In Outlook, click on the following menus:

File > Info > Account Settings > Manage Profiles > Show Profiles… > Properties > Data Files > Settings

Now, close all dialogue boxes.

Open Manage Rules & Alerts…

My Rules were visible and could now be edited.

There may be a corruption in the Outlook Profile. This workaround will only work until you close Outlook. When you reopen Outlook, you will have to repeat the above steps.

Missing rules after upgrade to Outlook 2016 but rules still being applied!

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[Klaus]

Thanks for the additional workaround option, which worked in the current session. And as you predicted, once I closed and restarted Outlook, I’m back to not being able to see the rules. At least I don’t have to start in /safe mode.

1 user thanked author for this post.

b

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[Klaus]

Also, for the record, I ran scanpst against all pst files as discussed in the link you posted, including all active archives, but unfortunately, no change, although at least it fixed some errors I wasn’t aware of.

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[joep517]

FWIW, accessing a mailbox via POP does NOT preclude using Exchange server. Exchange supports POP access.

--Joe

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[Klaus]

Thanks for keeping me straight 🙂

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[joep517]

You could try creating a new Outlook profile. It is easy to do. If that fixes it you can import your current PST file content. You can open the old PST file and then drag and drop what you want into the new file.

--Joe

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[Klaus]

Yes, thanks for the suggestion, I have considered that. But I have several active PST files open, i.e. personal, sales, purchasing, AP, AR, info, jobs,… and archive folders for some of them. So I have been reluctant to take this on, but might have no choice and roll up my sleeves, or live with the current situation.

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[joep517]

If it does not disturb your work too much, with a new profile you could open one of the old PST files at a time. Then use it for a while to make sure that there is not some corruption in the PST file causing your problem. I know this is time consuming and may not be possible with real work being involved.

--Joe

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