The PRF is not just for Exchange server or corporate users, anyone can use a PRF to configure their profile. If you have many email accounts, a PRF can save time and aggravation if you need to recreate your profile or when you get a new computer. You can even use the Custom Installation Wizard (included in the Office Resource Kit) to create a PRF for you.
- Step through the CIW dialogs until you reach step 17, the Outlook: Customize Default Profile screen. (After step 4, can skip to step 17 using the button at the top of the CIW window.)
- Choose New Profile and enter a name for your profile.
- Add an Exchange account if you have one, otherwise go to the Add Accounts screen and add your POP3 or IMAP accounts.
- Export the Profile settings on the next screen and exit.
Using it is easy: just double click on the PRF to open Outlook and your profile is created.
Once the PRF is created, use First published in Exchange Messaging Outlook
Notepad to edit existing accounts or add additional accounts, remembering to add the account number to Section 3 and the account values in Section 5.
Look for more information about the CIW, as well as links to download the Office Resource Toolbox, in the Office Resource Kit. Links to previous versions of the resource kit on the Office 2003 ORK home page.
More Information
To learn more about PRF files, see
Tips for using Outlook .prf files to configure profiles (Slipstick)
Whitepaper: Configuring Outlook Profiles by Using a PRF File. (Outlook 2003 ORK)
Outlook Profiler is a useful tool for small sites to use to create Outlook profiles automatically, including configuring many of Outlook's options. Larger sites may be interested in Imanami's OProfile
In step 2 of the wizard you have to select an .msi file. Non of the files on the office installation disc nor on the system (only 1) are accepted. What should be specified there/
Which version of office do you have? I used the Pro11.MSI on the Office 2003 CD in a test this morning. (It's been awhile since i used it). This error: The Office Custom Maintenance Wizard cannot use this MSI. means your office version is not a version they don't support. The CIW installation is specific to each version of office - the links on this page for Office 2003 ork only work with office 2003 files.