iCal4OL

© ical4ol [at] gutentag.ch    
  Highly configurable Sync Solution for Outlook with Google Calendars, iCloud, Darwin, DAViCAL, EGroupware,.. & Import/Export ICAL Files/Feeds


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FAQ English       Hier klicken für deutsches FAQ
See also Forum, Documentation and Support for general introduction and information.


Installation - Versions of Office/OS - Remarks

  • The Setup Package is made by Nullsoft Installer (nsis), which will automatically ask for administrator rights.
  • You need administrator rights to install iCal4OL, or you downloaded the Special Version
        (for "Special Customer Version" see "Customer Update Page").
  • If you tested a previous version or mistakenly "trial expired" shows up, please ask by mail for a different version.

    Outlook Versions:

  • ONLY the latest Service Pack of an Office Version is supported.
  • For Outlook 2000-2003 (or Exchange 2000/2003 Connection) it may be neccessary to install an older interface,
        if iCal4OL does not run stable!
  • Outlook 2010 needs an active and updated Antivirus Solution, otherwise iCal4OL will get blocked!
        ==> There is a problem with the ActiveX component of Outlook (Error:429)
        Go to Options - Security Center - Settings - and activate [X] Never warn me about suspicious activity (not recommended)
  • If Outlook 2010 gets closed during an iCal4OL Sync, iCal4OL may crash. Outlook 2010 is an InOroc server..
        Ignore it, nothing I can do to prevent this. iCal4OL does check the connection for every item.
        It will not crash during waitstate for next sync.
  • If iCal4OL can't connect to Outlook 2007, due to ActiveX error:
        Repair (or install new) MS Office
        Activate on tab OPTIONS-STARTUP: "[X] Keep ActiveX connection.."

    Vista/Win7 - please note:

  • An Administrator does not have automatically "administrator rights" under Vista/Win7, if UAC is activated!
  • The User Account Control (UAC) of Vista without SP may prevent the simultaneous execution of iCal4OL AND Outlook!
        This does happen, if the compatibility of iCal4OL.exe was set to "Win XP" ... remove it this way:
        Right-click C:\Program Files\iCal4OL\iCal4OL.exe - Properties - Compatibility - unmark [ ] run program in compatibility modus,
        or deactivate UAC (under Win7 the lowest level of UAC may help already)!
  • iCal4OL runs "mostly" for Restricted Users.
        This is depending on domain administrator "group policies". Perhaps you need to (let) change your OS Profile to "Standard User".
  • Windows 7: "[X] Use WinInet.dll instead of WinHttp.dll (see tab OPTIONS-HTTP_DLL)
        Will be activated by default for new installations!
        WinHTTP does use less CPU in asynchronous mode, but does'nt inherit the proxy setting of IE
        WinHTTP does not work with Darwin CalendarServer (Scheduling Spec Bug for "If-Schedule-Tag-Match:"-Header)!
        If you can't connect to a server, first toggle this option (and check firewall/proxy settings).


    Short introduction into the way iCal4OL is syncing

    For Google/CalDAV Sync Configuration use the correct Assistant on tab "Who"!
    The Contact Sync will be configured (if supported), too. You should test this first separatly on tab "Contacts". If ok, you should activate the option to start the Contact Sync together with the Calendar Sync (e.g. every sixth time).

    For Background Sync use a Link from START - All Programs - iCal4OL, e.g. "iCal4OL TRAY every 30 minutes".
    If you copy such a link to your STARTUP Folder, you should let iCal4OL start Outlook (to be ready). This option is on tab "Options - Startup".

    Note: If you wish to sync with different Outlook Folders (Calendar, Tasks, Contacts), add those folders directly in Outlook, then restart iCal4OL and don't forget to choose those folders on the corresponding tabs/window,

    It's best to read the whole FAQ. More detailed information you'll find in the Forum.
    How to sync with multiple (Google) Calendars with multiple configuration files (*.ini)


  • First Sync should be done as full sync - without [X] Select time period, with rule "from -31 days (Incremental)", if you want to sync the past, too.
  • From second Sync on, it's best to activate [X] Select time period, with rule "from -31 days (Incremental)"! With this option not all events have to be read during download and upload.
  • The Incremental Sync will be activated by default (from second sync on), if the time period rule has NO enddate (empty "to:" date). Otherwise - due to a logic problem of previous changed events now falling into the rule - the incremental sync will get de-activated.
  • The field "Date and time last run" is set to the timestamp of the last run (actually -1 minute before last run = security).
  • You may change/empty this field, if you know what you are doing.. A double click will fill the field with todays date => this will check only modified or new items from today on (if they need to get synced)!
  • The result with/without incremental sync is the same (or you mistakenly elevated the field "Date and time last run" too high > last sync). A full sync takes longer..

  • To recognize deleted items (events, contacts, tasks) in Outlook, the "Deleted Items Folder" of Outlook is synchronized, too!
  • For public exchange folders see the section here in FAQ. It's necessary to activate additional options (deleted items are not moved to "deleted items folder"):
      ==> [X] Monitor deleted Events/Contacts for public Exchange Folders (on tab "Options - Exchange/other *.pst"):
    All exported events will get "remembered" in an external MDB during next sync (so it will work afterwards...).
    If you empty the "deleted items folder" manually or automatically (OL menu Tools-Options), those events are not present anymore for the next syncs! With those exchange options you can make it "bullet proof".
  • On tab "2.1 More" (activate enhanced options) there is a option to remove events and tasks from the "Deleted Items" folder just after a sync (deleted mails and contacts don't get removed here). If you are syncing with multiple *.ini configuration files, activate it only in the LAST .ini file.
  • (Note: If you want to re-import previous deleted events into Outlook again, use the button(s) [Sync Reset Folder])

  • Deleted Google Events and Gmail Contacts don't get fully removed on Google. They are still in the download feed for about 14 day.
  • Google Calendars must be "emptied / fully deleted" (don't delete one by one item), if you want to do a fresh upload.
  • Gmail Contacts can be deleted one by one. To do a fresh upload enter upall upnew into the field "Modified Contacts since" (or use [Sync Folder Reset]).

  • CalDAV works differently: Here iCal4OL has to check, if an event is not anymore on the server. This is done by the flags:
      ==> "deleted remove" in the field "UserId"!
  • If you selected 2-Way-Sync, it's done during upload. But only events, not more than 31 days in the past, are actually tested and deleted.
  • If you do just a CalDAV "down" you should add "asFeed" in field "UserID", too. Alternativly (for not loosing modifications of events in OL) use on tab "Options / Import" the three options "eGW/WebDAV", so deleted server items can get deleted in Outlook, just after import.

  • "2-Way-Sync with WebCalendar 1.05" does work similar to Google. Deleted events are still in the feed (you need my patch from the download page).

  • Attention: Outlook Reminders in Outlook Default Calendar
    If OL reminders are shown and you select [Dismiss], the LastModificationTime will be set to now!
    This can mess up your yync, if you are using Drag&Drop in e.g. Google Calendar (moving events to later time), if the reminder - before next sync - gets shown/removed in OL!
    In this case it's better, to not use OL Reminders at all - or not using Drag&Drop.
    - Do not download them (tab "Options / Reminders" or tab "Google"), and for new OL events with reminders, use
    "[X] Deactivate Reminders in OL for new uploaded events" on tab "Google".
    - Or alternativly use a Outlook sub calendar (alarms are not triggered here).
    - Or alternativly ask me for a OL macro, to circument this issue (you will need basic experience with the VBA Editor).

  • Attention: PC Clock
    For iCal4OL it's very important, that the PC Clock is in sync with the Server Clock!
    If several machines sync with the same Server Collection (Calendar), they MUST have correctly set time!
    You can always check by button [Test] on tab "1. How", but perhaps iCal4OL has not enough rights to adjust the clock automatically (UAC)! Do it manually..

    ==> I strongly suggest to configure NTP (Internet time, with e.g. ntp.metas.ch) to keep the PC Clock up-to-date - and do the same for local servers!

    There are flags in iCal4OL (like "singleget older") to only check, if an element has changed (does not test on modification time). For CardDAV it depends on your solution - email the name of your solution, so I can help with the configuration.


    "Deleted Items" Folder will be synced by default, too (may consume a lot of time)

    By Default the "Deleted Items Folder" will by synced, too. iCal4OL checks this folder, if an item was already deleted or must be deleted on the server.
    But for performance reason it only checks for items not more than 30 days in the past (events/tasks).
    This behavior may cause problems, if this folder is accidentially emptied in Outlook, or if there are many items in it!
    And - deleted items from Public Exchange Folders or different *.pst files will never be moved to this folder...

    In this case you MUST re-configure iCal4OL. Ff you like, use it for normal folders, too!

  • [X] Monitor deleted Events/Tasks on tab "Options - Exchange/other *.pst" - mark it!

        From Version 2.11.8 on (published 9/3/2011) you can now deactivate on tab "2.1 More":
        [ ] Deleted as well (for Sync with ..) ,but keep tabs "x.1 More" aktivated.
        The Monitor Option is now independent from this option. But cancelling of invitations may not work anymore properly.

        The next sync will be done with empty field "date and time last run",
        and every once uploaded item will get "remembered" in a datebase (MDB).

  • [X] Monitor deleted Contacts on tab "Options - Exchange/other *.pst" - mark it, if you sync contacts, too!

    If you don't use Outlook "Deleted Items" folder as a pseudo archive for emails, you may want to empty it from time to time after a sync.
    iCal4OL can remove already deleted (and synced) events and tasks from this folder automatically. See tab "2.1 More":
    [X] After Sync remove all events form "Deleted Items" folder
    ==> If you do multiple syncs, only activate this in the last chained configuration file *.ini (tab "Run")!


    Order Code - Upgrading or changing your PC - How to receive a new Liberation Code

    To liberate the full version (there is no way to liberate the trial), you need a liberation code which relates to your PC hardware/OS.

    To compute the liberation code, I need a (new) order code, which was generated on your PC!
    You can generate the order code in the trial or in the full version.

    If you did not order iCal4OL from inside the Trial, please email the order code. If you upgraded/changed your OS/Hardware, confirm the de-installation on the old PC, and email the new order code, generated on the new PC. The replacement is free of charge.

    step by step
    Start iCal4OL - then on the splash window click [Order Software (Generate order Code)], enter your name, click [Generate order code], copy it to the clipboard and paste it into an email...
    To buy a licence from the Trial you can directly click on [Open order page in your browser], and then use the [Paypal] button (the order code will automatically be included in the PayPal form). See order page for more info..

    Privacy Policy (Order Code):
    The order code includes following computer data: Entered Name, MAC-Address, Computername and Harddisk Serial.
    All customer data is treated as strictly confidential and is secured in an encrypted PGP-Disk.


    How to use an Exchange Public Calendar Folder or in addition opened *.pst files

    Go to tab "Options" and activate "[X] Extended Scan for Exchange Public Calendar Folders"
    There is a reason for this separate option: Scanning a big company folder structure may take long (at iCal4OL startup)..

    To circument a scan at startup, you may want to use "Start now (otherwise at next program start)?" for scanning directly the folder structure and mark the desired Public Folder afterwards with the button [EntryID] - which will show up on tab "1. How"..

    Choose first your (public) calendar and then click on [EntryID].
    The folder EntryID will be written into the configuration file (.ini) and the option "Extended Scan for Exchange Public Calendar Folders" will be deactivated again.

    Please note: If you want to sync with a Public Task or Contact Folder, too - do NOT deactivate this option (and do not use [EntryID])!

    Attention: To save the Sync Fields in a Public Exchange Folder, you must be the OWNER of this folder (admin rights are not enough).
    From 2.9.3 onwards, an option is available to save the sync fields in an external DB!

    In addition there is an option on tab "Options - Exchange/other *.pst" called:
    [X] Monitor deleted events in Exchange Public Folder.
    This option will prevent the re-import of events, if they have been already deleted, because deleted events or those folders are not moved to OL "Deleted Items" Folder. In addition it will delete events on the server, which have been already deleted in OL (for Google Calendar and CalDAV).

    Note: The default behavior of iCal4OL is only to check the OL "Deleted Items" Folder. You may want to use the above option for "normal" calendars, too (safer!).
    A file "EntryID".MDB under C:\documents and settings\<profile>\Appdata\iCal4OL\ will be created with all UID's, for all exported/uploaded events/tasks (done at next sync!).
    By the way, there is another "manual" trick: Modify the subject of an event from e.g. "meeting" to "meeting <deleted>". Events with text "deleted" in subject are treated as deleted by iCal4OL (so they get deleted on the other side).
    .


    Some Exchange Installations have an Outlook Search Addin, which does modify events "again", just after the upload by iCal4OL (iCal4OL does write Sync Fields Info into the events, and the search addin will therefore scan for text changes...). iCal4OL can't distinguish, if an event was modified by hand or by this search addin. Therefore some events could be uploaded over and over again....
    ==> [X] Add +1 Minute to time period, in which two items are treated as identical (tab "Options - RDO/Misc.")
    With this option, it will only upload events again, if at least 75 seconds newer....

    Actually, there may be another way to circumvent this search addin issue: Unmark:
    [ ] Do not use RDO for Export (tab "Options - RDO/Misc.")
    This option (deactivated) is reading all fields directly from the MAPI-Store, and not "over" Outlook. So the changes of the search addin are "not yet" written back into the MAPI-Store (cached in Outlook). This may help, but is not perfect...


    If an Exchange folder was not created as "Calendar" (see LOG after scan) you can manually add it in the configuration file:
    For this, click [EntryID] for another calendar, and then modify the configuration file (e.g. Default.ini). You can use Notepad.exe (Editor) or do this on tab "Configurations" with [Show .ini].. You must reload the .ini file after the changes!

    [Option]
    :
    :
    DKalender=Name of a Public Folder              => any name possible
    DEntryId=Folder.EntryID + "@" + Folder.StoreID => take it from LOG.exe (of scan above)
    


    How to sync with multiple (Google) Calendars with multiple configuration files (*.ini)

    There are many possibilities...

    1. (here the basics)
    - With button [Configuration save as..] on tab "Run" you can save a configuration under a different name (*.ini).
       C:\documents and settings\<userprofile>\Appdata\iCal4OL\Default.ini is the default name.
    - With button [Load Configuration] e.g. on tab [What] you can load a configuration file.
    - Right click on tab "Run" on a configuration file to see a context menu (COPY/LOAD/..) for easy editing different configuration files.

    - On tab [Configuration] you can duplicate configuration files (or load them).
    - On tab [Run] you can select configuration files to run in addition (chaining).

    See this forum thread, for Multiple Calendar Sync by CalDAV (everything you need to know).
    See this forum thread, if you want to sync ONE Outlook Calendar with SEVERAL (Google) Calendars by Category.

    2.
    A different possibility is to use the button [Scheduled Tasks] on tab [Run].
    Here you can make copies of iCal4OL.exe e.g. as iCal4OL2.exe in the same folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\iCal4OL\), if you have administrator rights. A link under RUN - All Programs - iCal4OL - will be added automatically for you, too.
    This is not possible under VISTA - you need to make manually a copy - as administrator - in the same folder!
    So every iCal4OLx.exe will have it's own Default.ini in its own appdata path like
    C:\documents and settings\<userprofile>\Appdata\iCal4OL2\Default.ini

    For a "Scheduled Task", I suggest to use the Default.ini (standard configuration file). This is very handy to maintain the configuration directly!

    3.
    There are some command line options for iCal4OL.exe, e.g. to load a specific configuration file.
    Under START - All Programs - iCal4OL you'll find several options to run iCal4OL in the background (tasktray), e.g. every 10 minutes.
    See the documentation about "run options", too.
    If another configuration file as Default.ini is loaded, you will always be asked to overwrite it - OR save it as Default.ini


    How to regularly access an iCal feed every 2 hour and auto-update Outlook eg. from Google Calendar

    With a link from START - All programs - iCal4OL
    Copy e.g. "iCal4OL TRAY every 20 min." to the STARTUP folder. iCal4OL will be started in background (see Icon in Tasktray).
    On tab "Option - Startup" you'll find additional options to tweak it, e.g. to not sync, if Outlook is not running.

    With [Scheduled Tasks] on tab "Run"
    More about it see here

    Tasktray Autostart
    see frame on tab "Run"..
    Click on your time intervall to start it. Click again in Tasktray to stop it. While running click to see progress, click MINIMIZE windows to send it back to Tasktray.
    You must click and test your time interval (will become bold) before activating "At next start?". Holding CTRL-SHIFT during startup of iCal4OL until main window shows up, will ignore "At next start".


    How to correct wrong American VTIMEZONE information for a ICS file/feed (New Daylight Savings Time 2007)

    Import:
    Some of ICS files/feed out there have wrong timezone definitions in the VTIMEZONE section!
    For Win XP/2000 this Patch was probably installed on your machine by Windows Updates. This could result in one hour offset between 3/11/2007 and 4/1/2007 for all events (because of the wrong timezone definitions)!

    In this case, you must use the option Ignore VTIMEZONE details and resolve by TZID.txt (read doc!) - or under "Enhanced Import Option" the Manual Timezone Difference!
    Example for America/New_York:

    Manual Timezone Difference:  UTC= -0500 -0400 1SU;4 -1SU;10
                                 TZID= +0000
    
    (Otherwise iCal4OL is using the Windows-API, which could result in 1 hour shifting)
    

    Export:
    If you export a ICS file, it will depend on the other application (patched for 2007?!) what you have to do! Test it...

    For Webcalendar 1.0.5 you have to use UTC and probably
    Manual Timezone-Difference: -0500 -0400 1SU;4 -1SU;10 
    
    For other Outlook Calendar always use UTC!
    
    For other applications not patched with the New Daylight Savings Time rules:
    
    Your TIMEZONE (Who).......: America/New_York -0500 -0400 1SU;4 -1SU;10
    Manual Timezone-Difference: -0500 -0400 1SU;4 -1SU;10   2007: 2SU;3 1SU;11
    or
    Your TIMEZONE (Who).......: America/New_York -0500 -0400 1SU;4 -1SU;10 2007: 2SU;3 1SU;11
    Manual Timezone-Difference: -0500 -0400 1SU;4 -1SU;10   
    

    Google Calendar Synchronization - what is to consider?

    Make sure your system time is set correctly by clicking on button [Test]!
    If your system clock is off by more than 40 seconds, it would result in unnecessary sync of identical events.

    LastModificationTime of recurring events (and occurrence exceptions)
    If a single occurrence get modified, the LastModificationTime of the "Main Outlook Event" will be changed, too - but never in Google! To prevent any sync problem, iCal4OL will upload a just downloaded recurring event again to Google... Do not wonder... it's by design!

    Deleted (Cancelled) Events

  • If you delete an event in Google, this event will disapear, but is still in the Calendar with STATUS=CANCELLED for approx. 7 to 14 days. Conclusion: You must sync at least every week once!
  • Outlook stores deleted events in the "Deleted Items" folder. You must deactivate the automatic cleaning of the "Deleted Items" folder (menu-tools-options-more) in Outlook!
    Note: LastModificationTime is not set when deleting an event in Outlook. iCal4OL will always ignore the upload option "Date(+time) last run" and the export option "only with modificationdate >=" for deleted events! Please clean up the "Deleted Items" folder from time to time (see Tab "Maintenance" or use Outlook command).

    Alternative Method to delete events:
    Never delete events manually (*2).. add only text DELETED in the Subject, e.g. "meeting deleted".
    Those events will be imported normally into Outlook. But when exporting/uploading "STATUS:CANCELLED" will be added - and the event gets deleted in Google.
    After Export you need to clean up those Outlook events (with text "Deleted" in the Subject): Sync again ;-) or use the function in Tab "Maintenance".

    (*2) Please note: Always delete single occurrence of a recurring event directly (in Outlook and GCAL). You should not use text "deleted" here (=>EXDATE!)


    Problems with special characters (UTF-8 Format)

    Export: ics-files are always encoded in UTF-8
    • Never modify ics-files in Notepad.exe - the encoding can get corrupted!
    • Are the special characters in Outlook correct? Correct them first manually..
    • For WebDAV Upload (PUT to a web address), the encoding is done indireclty by WinHTTP.dll. I know only of Kronolith-Horde, which may have a problem with this. In this case switch on tab [Options / HTTP DLL] to "use WinInet.dll instead of WinHTTP.dll" and turn of the Export encoding, too.
    If you still have problems with special characters, send me an Email with the ics file.


    Does iCal4OL support Google Calendar Invitations / Attendees?

    Yes - see also DOC! This options is deactivated by default (under Enhanced Options - Upload, see Do not send invitations to (new) guests).

    iCal4OL supports two different configuration, see on tab "Options":
    (*1) [X] Use Outlook Scheduling Tab for Attendees (otherwise in "Body" or "Link:")
    (*2) If this option is not active, linked contacts from field "Contacts:" will be interpreted as attendees!
    Status of invitations are shown/downloaded in descriptions of the event (OL tab "Status" can't be activated. This is only for sending invitations by Outlook).

    • Invitations (if option active) are send with status "invited" (waiting for answer).
    • If Do not send invitations to guests is activated, new attendees will be uploaded with status "accepted"
    • If a specific contact has a Google Calendar Account, his preferences (options) are used - if he wants to receive invitations.
      For "Non Google Calendar Users" invitations are also send, and can then be accepted per web interface.
    • The invitation status will be shown in the event description, and is also updated during Upload
    • If event gets modified, all attendees will get notified automatically, and status stays "as it was before".
    • An event can be locked - so no invitations are send:
      for NEVER again: above line "==> " in description enter "@@i" or "no inivitation".
      for NOT NEXT TIME: below line "==> " in description - best at the end - enter "@@i" or "no inivitation".
       
    • Single attendees can be "removed" without sending an event notification:
      Change "Participant: xy <xy@test.com> Invited" to "Participant: xy <xy@test.com> delete"... When uploading the "Links" will be deleted in Outlook and Google.
    • Status info gets updated in Body of Outlook Event while uploading an event, too.
    • Version > 2.3.2: @@r or @@reset in Body resets (deletes) all attendees and add contacts/attendees again as "invited" - only added guests in Google get lost.
      (*1= using Outlook Scheduling Tab for Attendees will set Outlook stati again..)
    • The owner (=organizer =>you!) of this Google Calendars never gets "invited" (always "accepted" by design).
    • When importing events into Outlook, use the option "Add attendees to Contact folder and link them with event".
      Check this option when using (1).


    Crashes - Defective Events - Outlook Runtime error

    ==> First restart your machine - really - do it! This is no joke ;-)

    Two Outlook.exe running - see Task-Manager - Process List:
    - It this is the case, iCal4OL can't connect proberly to Outlook anymore (Interface issue)
    Close Outlook and kill the Outlook.exe process(es)..

    The COM-Object (outlook.exe) of MS Outlook XP (2002) SP2 has a bug (update to SP3!):
    - Outlook XP start, iCal4OL start, iCal4OL close, Outlook XP close.... is OK!
    - iCal4OL start, Outlook XP start, Outlook XP close, iCal4OL close.... is OK!
    - Outlook XP start, iCal4OL start, Outlook XP close, iCal4OL close.... will result in an error in iCal4OL.exe!
    Update to SP3..

    FastShutdown Feature of Outlook 2010 does invalidate all ActiveX connections:
    - If a sync is running, iCal4OL may crash - nothing helps to prevent this.
    Can't do any harm. iCal4OL does already test for every item, if ActiveX is ok..

    Find defective events with the function on tab "Defects" in iCal4OL:
    - Do it (without test option). If it fails, it should be easy to find the item in LOG.txt
    Delete this event AND remove it from "deleted items" folder of Outlook (or change the item and save)..

    Find single defective appointments (ERROR 5, LINE 6 in DOEXPORT):
    - Activate toolbar "Advanced"
    - Select the category view and re-sort it by "Begin" (Starttime)
    - Defective appointments often have no start date, ie. those are at the top
    Delete them and remove them from the "Deleted Items" Folder, too.

    Empty "Deleted Items" folder of Outlook:
    - if iCal4OL freezes at End of Export/Upload, there may be a defective item in this folder
    Use the menu entry in Outlook to empty "Deleted Items" folder..

    OL2007 without SP had a severe bug!
    - Ctrl-Drag&Drop duplicated the EntryID, which should be unique.. Only possibility to correct this, is to delete all affected events!
    - Do not use Drag&Drop for duplication of events, anymore! Update to latest SP!
    FIX it by doing an Export, then [Show LOG].. check for the last event written into the Log!
    The next main event (ascending date/time) is corrupt (but not an occurrence of a repeating event).
    Delete this event and try exporting again.

    Export all items and re-import:
    - Export all events into a "personal folder file (*.pst)"
    - Then delete all events (extended search, mark all with ctrl-a and delete
    - empty "Deleted Items" folder (deleted objects)
    - Import again the exported "personal folder file (*.pst)"

    ScanPST.exe - a new Outlook profile:
    - Outlook.pst may be defect. ScanPst.exe is on your harddisk - google yourself how to use it
    - Not all errors can get fixed by ScanPST.exe. Create a new Outlook profile and re-import from old one.

    Issues with Addins - especially Antivirus and Search:
    - Deactive those - some are really black sheeps!
    - Addins are mostly written for viewable Outlook and may prevent connections by "only" ActiveX

    Outlook 2010 needs an active and updated Antivirus Solution, otherwise iCal4OL will get blocked!
    ===> There is a problem with the ActiveX component of Outlook (Error:429)
    - Go to Options - Security Center - Settings - and activate
      [X] Never warn me about suspicious activity (not recommended)

    ActiveX Issues - Repair Office 2000-2007:
    - Rename olmapi32.dll to olmapi32.old, then run Office SETUP - REPAIR
    - This solves many issues with unstable Outlook! In OL 2010 this is under "Options"..

    ActiveX Issues - Re-install Office 2000/XP(2002)/2003:
    - Something did go wrong during last installation
    - An Update from Office 2000 to XP(2002),2003 may be the reason
    - Repeat the installation, use "full installation"
    Perhaps you must de-install Office first, see here.

    iCal4OL Crashes:
    - Mostly caused by an issue in the MAPI store
    - New releases of groupwares may cause new issues in iCal4OL
    - Bug Free Software does not exist - it may be a (new) bug in iCal4OL
    If you can't find an error, mail me Screenshots, LOG.txt and debug.log to get support.



    When subscribing to a Remote Calendar not all old events are deleted

    Possibilities to subscribe a remote calendar are documented in the forum, see here.

    For deleting the old events, the case sensitive name of the file/feed is used, e.g.
    http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/ccc@gutentag.ch/private-ab5559e25bdd6ac2677ffbdda2217bbd/basic.ics
    (see userdefined field ImportICS)

    If already one character is different (@<>%40), or the "Magic Cookie" of Google Calendar was reset, then it's also a "different" feed - and old events are not found for deletion.

    To delete old (duplicate) events, use tab "Maintenance"..

    • Maintenance: "Delete all events from this Import file, inside Calendar stated below"
      Select the "old" name of the ics feed....
    • Maintenance: "Delete duplicate events (if Start+Subject+Body text identical)"
    • Remove events definitely from the "Deleted Items" folder (Deleted objects)
    You could do this directly in Outlook with Extended Search (Filter for field "ImportICS", or ALL), mark all by ctrl-a, delete, and empty "Deleted Items" folder..


    How can I synchronize with Sunbird/Lightning?

    iCal4OL has now a CalDAV/WebDAV Server implemented - you can subscribe, publish or connect by caldav to your Outlook Calendar - see here!

    Sunbird has a "dumb limitation" for import (menu file-import):
    No new versions of already existing events are getting imported! They are always ignored!

    A veritable sync will only work, if you first export an ICS file with iCal4OL. Then use in Sunbird menu - file - open file!
    After working in Sunbird, close Sunbird and import the file with iCal4OL back into Outlook! Export again the changes from Outlook (overwrite this ICS file). Now open Sunbird again - everything is now up-to-date!

    Use:
    [X] Import ICAL file/feed - sync against existing events +
    [X] Export ICAL file/feed (*.ics)

    Because in Sunbird deleted events are not in the import file, you must use on tab "Options / Import":
    [X] eGW/WebDAV: Mark events not anymore in Import with <Deleted> during Export/Upload
    [X] eGW/WebDAV: Remove events, which are marked with <Deleted> after Export/Upload
       [X] Do it separately after Import
    (only, if you don't export immediatly - but you should export immediatly!)

  • On tab "Export" activate the Sunbird-Compatibilty-Option (for cancelled events and special handling "last monday in month").
  • Under Export "Enhanced Options" you MUST activate:
        [X] Mark items like they were imported by previous ICAL Import/Subscription,
        otherwise in Sunbird deleted events can't get deleted.
  • Export without option "Deleted as well", otherwise deleted Outlook events will show up with status "cancelled" in Sunbird.
  • Export with option "Export Recurrence-Exceptions as well"
  • Export in "same" VTIMEZONE - as rule.

    (Using "Subscribing as Remote Calendar" is not optimal - it would delete "previous imported events" from the same source - so modifications in Outlook of those events would get lost)


    Is WEBDAV (e.g. icalx.com), http://, https:// and ftp:// supported?

    WEBDAV is supported from version 2.2.6 on (with Basic Realm and Digest Authentication)!

    Import

    • http://icalx.com/private/username/test.ics
      => use button [Login+Password Cedentials]
    Login/password will be re-asked from version 2.6.1 on, if password = "?" or the http answer is "401 access denied".
    This example is the "safest way" to enter username+password, because the name of the feed will be stored in the userdefined field "ImportICS"! If this is not important, some other possibilities:
    • http://icalx.com/private/username/test.ics?Login=username&Pw=password
    • http://username:password@icalx.com/private/username/test.ics
    • http://icalx.com/public/username/test.ics
    • http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/mymail@gmail.com/private-ab2349e25bdd7ab4577ffbdda94223bbd/basic.ics
    Https is possible, too - and of course also local or UNC files). FTP-Import is supported from 2.2.7 on.

    Export

    Important: Not all server can deal correctly with UTF8 encoding (e.g. Kronolith-Horde). If special characters are shonw incorrectly, go on tab "Option / Export Filter" and deactivate the "UTF-8 encoding" and activate "Use Wininet.dll instead of WinHTTP.dll".

    • http://icalx.com/private/username/test.ics
      => use button [Login+Password Cedentials]
    • http://username:password@icalx.com/private/username/test.ics
    • ftp://username:password@myftpsite.com/path/test.ics
    • https://username:password@webdavsite.com/path/test.ics
    The ICS file will be first created in the TEMP folder and then uploaded.
    You must always provide a PATH for ftp://... FTP is using Wininet.dll with INTERNET_OPEN_TYPE_PRECONFIG.

    For http://icalx.com use options:
    • Export Recurrence-Exceptions as well
    • VTIMEZONE as rule
    • Sunbird compatibility..


    How can I add another Language to iCal4OL?

    The sub folder "\Sprachen" is containing the language files (e.g. C:\Programs\iCal4OL\Sprachen).
    Just make a copy of e.g. "English.txt" to "Français.txt" - and translate the content with a text editor like notepad.exe

  • try to use shorter or same text length (see also Deutsch.txt - there the text is normally a little bit longer)
  • \n means "new line"... keep those "\n"...
  • @ are place holders
  • ~ text behind is tooltip
    You can choose your language file on tab "Who" after restarting the program. Let me know, if you are interested to translate iCal4OL!


    How to configure a Proxy in iCal4OL

    Best Way:
    iCal4OL is using WinHTTP.dll, which can be configured in WinXP with the command line tool "Proxycfg.exe -u" for using the proxy configuration of the Internet Explorer.
    iCal4OL can be configured to use WinInet.dll instead of WinHttp.dll (does use IE proxy settings). You'll find this on tab "Options / HTTP DLL".

    START - Run: Proxycfg.exe -u
    (Proxycfg.exe -d will switch to DIRECT ACCESS, and may help with an invalid proxy configuration in IE)

    Under Vista you must use NETSH:
    START - All Programs - Accessories - right click "Command prompt" - run as administrator, then:
    NETSH
    winhttp import proxy source=ie
    exit

    For Google Sync, activate on tab "Google" Use HTTPS (SSL) for Google (security / proxy problems despite proxycfg.exe), too.
    "Older" proxies need this (they generate a different SessionID for HTTPS and HTTP, even if its the same server)...

    Manual Proxy Configuration:
    See tab "Options"... but I recommend the use of "Proxycfg.exe -u" instead!
    Manual Proxy Configuration will also activate on tab "Google" Use HTTPS (SSL) for Google (security / proxy problems despite proxycfg.exe) automatically!

    Note for FTP-Export: ftp://user:password@host/path/file.ics is done by WinInet.dll and therefore uses the IE proxy settings.


    HTTP Feeds, Google Sync does not work (time out)- Firewall Problems

    iCal4OL is using the so called WinHTTP interface. This DLL can/may be blocked by a firewall.
    Please try the (alternative) interface WinINET, which is implemented, too. You'll find this option on tab "Options / HTTP DLL"!
    Otherwise you have to re-config your firewall e.g. grant access to the internet for iCal4OL..


    Google-Error Failed to import events: Unable to process your iCal/CSV file. The file is not properly formatted

    This is/was a Google Bug ... The syntax of the ics file is correct! Just try again ... mostly it works the 2nd time.
    Consider to use the export option "Split export file ( *_nnnn.ics)" - eg. 200 events...

    Google has a maximum limit for uploading events per day: 5000 events...


    How can I force iCal4OL to export all events again?

    Reset all export options (to default)!
    • check "Select Period from-to": <=== Rule...
    • check "Date and Time last run" or for export "only with modificationdate >=": <=== gets updated automatically after a Sync
    • if you used under Enhanced Options "Only Modified, New Events.." together with "Mark items like they were imported by previous ICAL Import/Subscription", you have to switch to "only with modificationdate >=". There is no way to do this again, because events have been changed.


    How to circumvent the security warning from outlook (Version < 2.2.1)

    From Version 2.2.1 on, there is no security warning from Outlook anymore - or something went wrong during installation!

    - Restart PC and Install again
    - Please make sure OUTLOOK is not running.
       Check Task Manager - Process List, too!
    - if it's still not working, do a manual registration of following ActiveX component:
       WinXP (as administrator): START - Run - regsvr32 c:\Windows\System32\RDOiCal4OL.dll
       VISTA (as administrator): START - All Programs - Accessories - Command Prompt with right mouse click "as administrator"
       Enter the blue text above..

    If nothing helps - let me know - and "[X] Deactivate RDO/Redemption" on tab "Options / RDO/Misc.".
    (RDO/Redemption is not running on Windows Server, if "Exchange Server" is installed..)
    If deactivated, please install Express ClickYes Freeware.
    iCal4OL recognizes this utility. In Tasktray you have to configure this tool to "start suspended"..


    Old COM-Addin Version (not supported any more!): Manual Installation and Deinstallation, Visual Style (XP-Theme)

    Manual Installation for a different User or other Outlook version than 2003 (run setup first)

    • Outlook 2003 different user: Start C:\Programs\iCal4OL Addin\iCal4Addin.reg for adding Registry Entries (close Outlook first)

      or:
      First "clean out" Outlook - but do not uninstall iCal4OL. Read manuel deinstallation for this!
    • START-Run: regsvr32 "C:\Programs\iCal4OL Addin\iCal4Addin.dll" (or run InitAddin.bat/InitAddinFull.bat)
    • End Outlook - then start Taskmanager (ctrl-alt-del) and end all process(es) of outlook.exe if still there. Restart Outlook.
    • On the Tools menu, click Options. On the Other tab, click Advanced Options. In the Advanced Options dialog box, click COM Add-Ins..
      Outlook 2007 has a special "trust center" (menu tools) for Add-Ins management...
    • Add C:\Programs\iCal4OL Addin\iCal4Addin.dll
    • Exit Outlook, wait 10 seconds, restart Outlook, a new commandbar icon should appear...

    Manuel Deinstallation

    • On the Tools menu, click Options. On the Other tab, click Advanced Options. In the Advanced Options dialog box, click COM Add-Ins..
    • Delete Add-In "iCal4Outlook"
    • Delete Commandbar "iCal4Addin" (right mouse on commandbars, delete "iCal4Addin"...)
    • Run C:\Programs\iCal4OL Addin\UninstAddin.bat (unregistering: regsvr32 /u iCal4Addin.dll)

    (Uninstall program or remove folder "C:\Programs\iCal4OL Addin")

    Nicer Visual Style (XP-Theme rendering)

    • Click right on Outlook.exe.manifest and "save as" in the Folder of Office 2003.
      The path is "normally" C:\Programs\Microsoft Office\Office11 (Outlook.exe is in there!)
    • Now the XP-Style is active when you restart Outlook - without any warranties, there may be side effects with other Add-ins ;-)



    See also Documentation and Support for general introduction and information.
  • MS-Outlook® ist eingetragenes Warenzeichen der Microsoft Corp.,   Google Calendar® ist eingetragenes Warenzeichen der Google Inc.
    iCal4OL © ical4ol [at] gutentag.ch