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Using Profiles

Outlook Express allows you to manage identities so that people sharing the same computer can keep their e-mails separate from each other. Using Identities is a simple process. This tutorial guides you through creating and switching identities within Outlook Express.

Managing Identities
To get started using this feature in Outlook Express, you will want to get familiar with the Manage Identitiesapplication.

  1. Open Outlook Express. To open Outlook Express, click the envelope icon in the Taskbar (near the Start button). Alternatively, click the Start button and then select Programs and then Outlook Express.
  2. From the File menu, select Identities and then click Manage Identities...
    Describes how to open the Identity Manager in Outlook Express
  3. This application allows you to add, remove, or edit identities you have set up in Outlook Express. To create a new identity, click the New button.
    Screen shot of a user clicking the Add button in the Identities Manager.
  4. Enter a name for your new identity. Keep in mind that you will use this name to switch from one identity to another, so choose something unique for your situation. You may also choose to protect your new identity with a password, in order to prevent others who use your computer from accessing your e-mail. When you are ready, click OK to create your new identity and return to the Manage Identities application.
    Screen shot of a user entering in a new identity name.
  5. You are now asked if you want to switch to your new identity. For purposes of the current process, click No. (If you accidentally clicked Yes, follow the procedure in Step 2 to return to the Manage Identities application.)
    Screen shot of a user clicking No when asked to switch to the new identity.
  6. After you have created multiple identities, you can choose the default identity (the one that will open automatically when you launch Outlook Express). Select the options you want, and then click Close to exit the Manage Identities application.

Switching Identities

After you have created the identities you would like to use with Outlook Express, it is easy to switch from one identity to another.

  1. Launch Outlook Express. To launch the program, click envelope icon in the Taskbar (near the Start button). Alternatively, you can click the Start button and selectPrograms and then Outlook Express.
  2. From the File menu, select Switch Identity... The Switch Identities window opens.
    Screen shot demonstrating how to switch identities.
  3. Select the identity you would like to switch to, and then click OK. The Switch Identities window closes and you are returned to Outlook Express. The identity you selected is now active. Note: If you protected your identity with a password, you will need to enter the correct password in the Password field.
    Screen shot of a user selecting a different identity to switch to.

To determine which identity you are using in Outlook Express, refer to the upper-right corner of the main Outlook Express window.
Screen shot showing the current identity.