Why Does Outlook 2007 Show Up in My Status Window?

If you use Microsoft Outlook 2007, it sends new message alerts and other information by default to an area of your Windows taskbar. This functionality is known as "desktop alerts."

Background

• Microsoft Outlook 2007 is a popular email client that is part of the Microsoft Office suite. Outlook's desktop alerts use the Windows System Tray to provide previews of newly arrived email, tasks and meeting requests.

Options

• This default feature of Outlook can be turned off via "Options" under the "Tools" drop-down menu. It is also possible to change the way that Outlook alerts you to new items, with alternatives including playing a sound or changing the mouse cursor.

Appearance

• Desktop alerts do not have to appear in the default location of the bottom right of the screen. You can configure Outlook to change the location of the alert. You can also configure how long the alert is displayed for and the level of transparency of the message box.