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Using Favorites and Shortcuts in CRM 2011 for Outlook

Post Author: Joe D365 |

Dynamics CRM 2011 for Outlook is awesome. With great features like the reading pane, pinned views, searching within a view, conditional formatting and the ability to see exactly where records are being tracked in CRM without having to open the record (just to name a few) it really is a game changer. BUT two things I like to take the experience to the next level is using favorites and shortcuts in CRM 2011 for Outlook.

Sometimes the CRM folder structure in Outlook can become a little overwhelming as you find yourself sifting through entities that you don't use all the time.

One fix is to drag the entities your favorite entities into your Outlook Favorites so they are always ready when you need them. This way, entities like Dashboards, Accounts, Contacts, Leads, Opportunities etc.. get top priority and you never have to spend time searching for them.

Favorites and Shortcuts in CRM 2011 for Outlook image 1

Except out-of- the-box you can't drag and drop your CRM icons into the Favorites section of Outlook. To do this you'll have to make a change to your registry. Microsoft released a Knowledge Base article on how to make this quick change http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2494600

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method.

Below is the copy from the article on what you'll need to do. As always make sure you backup and be careful when making changes to the registry.

To work around this limitation, you can disable the Solutions Module in Outlook. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
  2. Locate HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftMSCRMClient.
  3. Right-click MSCRMClient, point to New, and then select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  4. Enter DisableSolutionsModule as the name.
  5. Right-click the DisableSolutionsModule REG_DWORD subkey, select Modify, and then set the value to 1.
  6. Exit and then restart Outlook.

Another trick that's good to have up your sleeve is using Shortcuts. Using Shortcuts in Outlook allows you to organize the items in Outlook just how you like.

Shortcuts in CRM 2011 for Outlook

To configure Shortcuts:

  1. First go to your Shortcuts area

  2. After you click the Shortcuts icon your navigation pane should look something like this.

  3. Right Click and rename Shortcuts. For example rename it Outlook

  4. Delete Outlook Today and Microsoft Office Online

  5. Right Click your new Shortcut Group and create a new Shortcut

  1. For example, in the Add to Navigation Pane select Outlook and click OK

  2. It should now like something like this

  3. Now you're ready to create a new Shortcut group

  4. Name your new Shortcut Group

  5. Create a new Shortcut

  6. Find your CRM folder tree, add an icon and click OK

  7. And Repeat

Now you can organize Outlook and Microsoft Dynamics CRM exactly how you need to reach maximum productivity!!

To work with the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Experts at PowerObjects please reach our here.

Happy CRM'ing

Joe CRM
By Joe D365
Joe D365 is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 superhero who runs on pure Dynamics adrenaline. As the face of PowerObjects, Joe D365’s mission is to reveal innovative ways to use Dynamics 365 and bring the application to more businesses and organizations around the world.

2 comments on “Using Favorites and Shortcuts in CRM 2011 for Outlook”

  1. Hey guys! Thanks for the info. So what happens when we disable the Solutions Module to enable Favorites? I don't read anywhere about the risks associated with doing that. If there aren't any, then why not disable it?

  2. The only drawback to this is that the CRM link in the Wonderbar goes away. With that said, users who prefer their frequently used folders to be in favorites will likely use those over the link in the Wonderbar.

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