How can I change the default location/action of 'Open Outlook Data File' in Outlook 2010?

Posted by Chadddada on Super User See other posts from Super User or by Chadddada
Published on 2012-07-23T17:16:08Z Indexed on 2012/09/12 15:41 UTC
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I have recently deployed a Remote Desktop Host server that functions as a remote Microsoft Office 2010 work space for users. In part of the locking down of this server I have installed all programs on the D: drive and, through the use of Group Policy, hidden all the drives on the server from standard users. In addition to hiding these drives I am not allowing users to save anything locally (on the server) or open Libraries. However one of the functions of the server is to provide the Outlook client. Often users will have the .PST file stored on a network location and want to open this in Outlook.

Can I change the default action or location that File > Open > Open Outlook Data File looks or tries to pull the file from?

The default location seems to be under Users / Libraries. When click 'Open' you get a warning:

This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.

Clicking OK drops the user into a small menu that shows attached network drives under Computer. Can I instead have the 'Open' click drop the users in a defined network drive or just open computer and allow them to select a share? I don't want them to see the error message.

A solution that looks to have been used for Office 2000/03 is:

Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\<version>\Outlook 
    Value name: ForceOSTPath 
    Value type: REG_EXPAND_SZ 
    Value: path to your storage folder

I am not sure if there is a better way to do this now OR if this even works with Office 2010.

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