Outlook 2010 introduced a change to the way the AutoComplete list (aka: nickname cache) is stored on the client.  The new Roaming AutoComplete list is now stored on the Exchange Server. A user’s recipient AutoComplete list is now available to any computer on which Outlook 2010 runs that is connected to the same Exchange account. Individual names can be easily removed from the list by using the new inline Delete function.  Just simply type the first few characters of the name you wish to delete and press the Delete key or click the X.

What this means for you is that your AutoComplete list is synchronized between platforms: OWA, Windows Mobile and Outlook will all share the same AutoComplete list.  While this sounds up front like a great enhancement there are some changes that you need to be aware of in case you need to clear this list.

First, there is no more NK2 file.  The actual file you are looking for is located is:

C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache\Stream_Autocomplete*.dat.

Deleting this file will not clear your AutoComplete list.  As soon as you start Outlook 2010 the file will reappear, along with any bad addresses.  So how does one clear the entire list?

Use one of the methods listed below to reset the Outlook nickname cache for Microsoft Outlook 2010.

Method 1

1. With Outlook 2010 open, click File (BackStage), and then click Options.
2. Click the Mail tab.
3. Under Send Messages, click Empty Auto-Complete List.

Outlook will generate a new nickname cache.

Method 2

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Start Outlook by using the /CleanAutoCompleteCache switch.
   For example: Outlook.exe /CleanAutoCompleteCache
   Note If Outlook is not installed in the default location, you will need to point to the path of Outlook.exe.

Outlook will generate a new nickname cache.

Reference KB287623 for more information…

In anticipation of the pending release of Office 2010, Microsoft has posted the Group Policy setting reference spreadsheet (XLSX) for download.  This reference is designed to be used in conjunction with the Office 2010 Administrative Template file and Office Customization Tool.

Click here to download the reference sheet…

Also available in Beta is the Office 2010 Resource Kit which has a section on Group Policy.

Most of us that have worked with Outlook for some time have come across this feature.  You try to send a file to a colleague and Outlook blocks and displays a nice message for you:

Outlook blocked access to the following potentially unsafe attachments: []

Of course the kneejerk reaction is to just rename the extension and resend the email.  While this works the majority of the time, it requires extra steps, time and some forethought before sending the email (while increasing your mailbox size).  A more permanent solution (albeit more dangerous) is to modify the Outlook policy itself either through a registry edit or using a GPO.

Other and more preferred options include:

1. Use a file share or FTP site to save and access the attachment.  This is a Messaging administrator’s dream as it takes the burden off the Exchange servers and places it solely onto the file server.  While message storage is usually at a premium, file share storage can be much cheaper.
2. Use a file compression utility to change the file name extension.  This works great and often saves valuable mailbox space in the process.  Two birds with one stone.

Searching the Internet on this topic brings up many posts (this is not an new topic), and while most seem to be focused solely on how to modify the behavior at the client level, I’ve included some links that the administrator can utilize to adjust the attachment filtering behavior at the server level.

Background

For more information on Outlook’s attachment filtering behavior along with a table of all those extensions that Outlook (aka: Microsoft) deems unsafe following this link.

Outlook divides attachments into three groups based on their file name extension or file type.  Outlook handles each group in a specific way.

Level 1

The unsafe category represents any file name extension that may have script or code associated with it. You cannot open any attachment that has an unsafe file name extension.

Level 2

Level 2 files are not unsafe. However, they do require more security than other attachments. When you receive a Level 2 attachment, Outlook prompts you to save the attachment to a disk. You cannot open the attachment in the e-mail message.

Other

When you try to open an attachment that has a file name extension other than those in the Level 1 or the Level 2 list, Outlook prompts you to either open the file directly or save it to a disk.You can turn off future prompts for that file name extension if you clear the Always ask before opening this type of file check box.
 

Customizing Attachment Filtering

So now that you understand a bit more about why let’s focus on the how.  There are a couple of options for customizing attachment filtering behavior.  While this article’s language is specific to understanding and modifying the behavior of Outlook, I’ve also included some options for modifying the attachment filtering features at the server level.

Configure the behavior at the server level

• Use a GPO
  1. Click here for more information on planning for configuring security setting in Outlook
  2. Information for administrators about e-mail security settings in Outlook 2007
• Outlook Web Access
  1. Exchange 2007
  2. Exchange 2010
• Modify the Edge or Hub Transport server (Anti-Spam agents enabled)
  1. Exchange 2007
  2. Exchange 2010

Configure the behavior at the client level

• Edit the registry

Fresh out of the gate with loads of updates and performance improvements.  Get it now…

Click here to download…

Read the announcement from the Outlook Team blog…

Looks like the Office 2007 Security Guide was updated as well.

Click here to download the security guide…

(Shout out to Aaron for finding this one…I swear he never sleeps.  Note how this was posted at 2:29 AM EST on a Monday.)

As posted on OfficeRocker!, Office 2007 SP1 is ready for download today.

Read the original post here…

SP1 focuses on the issues that matter most to our customers based on direct customer feedback and error reporting tools. You can expect:

• Stability. Using data from the Dr. Watson bug-reporting system, we’ve fixed the top software issues for each application in the 2007 Office system. The 2007 Office system SP1 also improves the stability of server components in the 2007 Office system and delivers compatibility with Windows Server® 2008, so you can confidently plan for future upgrades.
• Performance. The 2007 Office system SP1 improves performance in applications and servers. Performance improvements can be found in Microsoft Office Excel® 2007, Microsoft Office Outlook® 2007, Microsoft Office PowerPoint® 2007, and Microsoft Office SharePoint® Server 2007.
• Security. By incorporating incremental advances in security and results from application testing, the 2007 Office system SP1 offers home and office users better protection against malicious software and potential threats to privacy.

For a full list of improvements in SP1, download the Service Pack 1 whitepaper.

Get the free download from OfficeOnline.

Problem Description

With Office 2007 running on Windows Vista, opening an Office document hosted on a SharePoint (i.e. WSS 3.0 or MOSS 2007) site results in a prompt for login credentials even if the user is already logged on with an account that has access to the document. Canceling the credential prompt may still (but not always) allow the document to open in read-only mode.

Read here for potential workarounds…

The Microsoft Office Visio 2007 Connector for Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) lets you view the results of an MBSA scan in a clear, comprehensive Microsoft Office Visio 2007 network diagram.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=92d8519a-e143-4aee-8f7a-e4bbaeba13e7&displaylang=en

This download includes updated Group Policy Administrative Template files and Office Customization Tool OPA files for use with the 2007 Microsoft Office system programs. It also includes an \Admin folder with an updated Office Customization Tool, and ADMX and ADML versions of the 2007 Microsoft Office system Administrative Template files for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. In Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 operating systems, the ADM files are replaced by ADMX files, which use an XML-based file format to display registry-based policy settings. This download also includes a workbook (Office2007GroupPolicyAndOCTSettings.xls) that provides information about the 2007 Office system Group Policy settings and OPA settings.

Direct Download