IdenSwitch v1.01 - Easily switch between identities in Outlook Express

IdenSwitch v1.01
Copyright (c) 2004 Nir Sofer

Introduction

Starting from version 5.0, Outlook Express allows you to create multiple identities, where every identity has a separate address book, inbox and other folders. However, in order to switch to other identity, you have to open Outlook Express with the current identity, select 'Switch Identity' from the File menu, and then select the desired identity.

This utility allows you to instantly open Outlook Express with the desired identity, without opening Outlook Express at first.
It provides 2 methods to do that:

You can simply select the desired identity from the main window of IdenSwitch, and then click the 'Switch' button.
You can create special shortcuts on your desktop that will instantly open Outlook Express with the desired identity.

Notice: From some reason, IdenSwitch bypasses the poor security system of Outlook Express Identities. So even if your identities are protected by password, you won't be asked for a password when you switch to them through IdenSwitch utility.

Versions History

Version 1.01: Small bug fixed.
Version 1.00: First release.

Using IdenSwitch

IdenSwitch is a standalone executable, so it doesn't require any installation process or additional DLLs. Just copy the executable (idenswitch.exe) to any folder you like, and run it.
You can also use ZipInstaller utility to install IdenSwitch as any other software. If you use ZipInstaller to install IdenSwitch, it'll automatically be added to 'Add/Remove Software' list, and shortcuts to this software will be added to your start menu and to your desktop.

The main window of IdenSwitch displays the list of all your Outlook Express identities. You can select one identity, and then click the 'Switch To' button in order to open Outlook Express with the selected identity.
Alternatively, you can select one or more identities, and then click the 'shortcuts' button.
In the Shortcuts window:

Select the folder for saving the shortcuts. (the default is your desktop folder)
Select the template string that will be used for creating the shortcut name. The '*' character represents the identity name. For example: if the template string is 'Mail For *', and the identity name is 'Mike', the shortcut name will be 'Mail For Mike'.
Click the 'Create Shortcuts' button to create the shortcuts.

Notice about the 'Set the identity to default' option: If this option is checked, the default identity will be changed each time that you activate the shortcut. If this option is cleared, the default identity won't be changed, but the shortcut won't open the right identity in the first time that you open Outlook Express after reboot.

The Default Identity

When Outlook Express is opened in the first time after rebooting your system, it always opens your default identity. You can set the default identity by selecting it in IdenSwitch window and then clicking the 'Default' button, or in the identities manager of Outlook Express - by selecting the desired identity under the 'User this identity...' check-box.
By default, when you switch to another identity in IdenSwitch, it also automatically changes the default identity to the selected identity. If you don't want that the default identity will be changed each time that you switch to another identity, you can avoid it by clearing the 'Set to default on identity switch' option. However, if you do so, the 'Switch To' operation won't work in the first time after reboot.

License

This utility is released as freeware for personal and non-commercial use. You are allowed to freely distribute this utility via floppy disk, CD-ROM, Internet, or in any other way, as long as you don't charge anything for this. If you distribute this utility, you must include all files in the distribution package, without any modification !

Disclaimer

The software is provided "AS IS" without any warranty, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The author will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages due to loss of data or any other reason.

Feedback

If you have any problem, suggestion, comment, or you found a bug in my utility, you can send a message to nirsofer@yahoo.com

Download IdenSwitch