Tip 974: Using shortcuts to create new Outlook items

I'd like to have a shortcut in my system tray or sidebar in Windows 7 so I can create a new appointment without opening Outlook. Is this possible?

Of course, its possible.

You can take the easy route and use QuickIcons. This application works with all versions of Outlook to create shortcuts in the Quick Launch toolbar, which you can move or pin to the start menu or taskbar as needed.

Because Windows 7 doesn't use the Quick Launch bar, you need to right click on the taskbar and choose New toolbar then browse to C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer and choose the Quick Launch folder. Or you can open the Quick Launch folder and pin the shortcuts to the taskbar or start menu.

Or you can create the shortcuts yourself, using the /c messageclass switch – the shortcut will look something like this:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\OUTLOOK.EXE" /c IPM.APPOINTMENT

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\OUTLOOK.EXE" /c IPM.NOTE

Use
/c ipm.activity to create a Journal entry
/c ipm.appointment to create an appointment
/c ipm.contact to create a contact
/c ipm.note to create an e-mail message
/c ipm.stickynote to create a note
/c ipm.task to create a task

Use the M switch (along with the C switch) to include the email address or alias (Exchange account) or Contact display name:

/m emailname

Outlook.exe /c ipm.note /m test@poremsky.com

Outlook.exe /c ipm.note /m dianep

Outlook.exe /c ipm.note /m "Diane Poremsky"

Outlook 2010 and up on Windows 7 and up

With Outlook 2010 (or newer) installed on Windows 7 (or newer), you don't need to use shortcuts. You can right click on the default Outlook icon on the task bar and create new items from the jump list menu. If you have Outlook pinned to the Start menu, you can hover over Outlook and choose new items from the expanded menu.