It might help you to make a shortcut to the c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\stationery folder to put on your desktop. Open your microsoft shared folder, right click on the stationery folder, and select "create shortcut here". A shortcut will now appear in the Microsoft shared folder. Drag it with your mouse onto your desktop. When you open your zip file, you can now drag the files in it directly to your stationery folder shortcut.

Making Sure the Stationery Works as it Should

When composing a message, if you want the recipient to be able to see the scrolling background, or any of the other special effects some of the stationery has, you must use the down arrow beside "New Message" and select the stationery you want to use. If it is not on the list, choose "select stationery" and choose it from the dialog box. Using the command format/apply stationery will not include any special effects.

Font Color

The font color I have selected to match the stationery will not be applied if you are replying to a message. You can either choose to reply with a new message or go to view and make sure you have a check mark beside source edit. When you do this, three tabs will appear under your message body. Start out by typing the first word in your message. You can then click on the "Source" tab and find the word you just wrote, and remove the font color="FFFFFF" tag right before that first word. Now all of your text will be the color that was designed to be used with the stationery.

Adding a Sound File

If you are using Outlook express 5 and have a music file you would like to play when your letter is opened, you may use the format/ background /sound... command to apply the music. If you want to use a midi file you must click on the down arrow beside files of type to select midi files. The default sound is wav, and the default opening folder is C:\windows\media. If you want to use a file in another folder, click the browse button to select it.