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Tips for using Outlook .prf files to configure profiles

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› Outlook › Tips for using Outlook .prf files to configure profiles

Last reviewed on February 12, 2018     2 Comments

Outlook 2002 makes the Newprof.exe and Modprof.exe utilities used by administrators obsolete. Instead, .prf files can be run directly, as part of the command to Outlook, or as part of the Office installation. This page is devoted to tips for creating and using Outlook .prf files, which are not totally documented. See More Information below for general information.

Avoid extra backups

Even if the profile .prf file includes these lines:

DefaultProfile=Yes
OverwriteProfile=No
ModifyDefaultProfileIfPresent=False

it may create multiple "Backup of ..." profiles if you run it multiple times. The solution is apparently to add this undocumented line

BackupProfile=No

to the Section 1, [General] section.

Create a Unicode PST file

If using the CMW or CIW (Custom Wizards from the Office Resource Kit) to create a *.PRF containing a Unicode pst, note that there is a bug in the wizards and you'll need to change the Unicode pst's encryption type from:

EncryptionType=0x40000000

to

EncryptionType=0x50000000

More Information

  • Create an Outlook Profile file (*.PRF) (uses the Office Custom Installation Wizard) Outlook 2003
  • Adding Email Accounts to a PRF Outlook 2003
  • Creating a PRF
  • HOW TO- Specify Exchange Server Settings for Outlook 2002 User Profiles in the Custom Installation Wizard
  • HOW TO- Create a PRF File for Configuring MAPI Profiles During a Customized Outlook 2002 Installation
  • HOW TO Add and Customize Outlook 2002 User Profile Account Info

Tips for using Outlook .prf files to configure profiles was last modified: February 12th, 2018 by Diane Poremsky
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Related Posts:

  • Using a Windows Server roaming profile with Microsoft Outlook.
    Roaming Profiles and Multiple Users
  • The PRF is not just for Exchange server or corporate users, anyone can
    Creating a PRF
  • Add a New Data File (*.pst) to Your Profile
  • Understanding an Outlook Profile file (PRF)

About Diane Poremsky

A Microsoft Outlook Most Valuable Professional (MVP) since 1999, Diane is the author of several books, including Outlook 2013 Absolute Beginners Book. She also created video training CDs and online training classes for Microsoft Outlook. You can find her helping people online in Outlook Forums as well as in the Microsoft Answers and TechNet forums.

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salihcpSaleh Mohamed (@guest_183728)
June 2, 2014 9:07 am
#183728

Hi, The Article is really helpful. I am trying to create multiple pop3 accounts in single prf file using Outlook 2010. When I import the PRF file to outlook, all pop3 accounts merged into one PST and hence one Personal folder for all accounts. Is there any work around to to have seperate personal folder for each pop3 accounts. Below is my prf file content. Your help will be really appreciated. ;Automatically generated PRF file from the Microsoft Office Customization and Installation Wizard ; ************************************************************** ; Section 1 - Profile Defaults ; ************************************************************** [General] Custom=1 ProfileName=Outlook DefaultProfile=Yes ;OverwriteProfile=Append OverwriteProfile=Yes ModifyDefaultProfileIfPresent=true BackupProfile=False ; ************************************************************** ; Section 2 - Services in Profile ; ************************************************************** [Service List] ;ServiceX=Microsoft Outlook Client ;*************************************************************** ; Section 3 - List of internet accounts ;*************************************************************** [Internet Account List] Account1=I_Mail Account2=I_Mail Account3=I_Mail Account4=I_Mail ;*************************************************************** ; Section 4 - Default values for each service. ;*************************************************************** ;[ServiceX] ;FormDirectoryPage= ;-- The URL of Exchange Web Services Form Directory page used to create Web forms. ;WebServicesLocation= ;-- The URL of Exchange Web Services page used to display unknown forms. ;ComposeWithWebServices= ;-- Set to true to use Exchange Web Services to compose forms. ;PromptWhenUsingWebServices= ;-- Set to true to use Exchange Web Services to… Read more »

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Diane Poremsky (@guest_183815)
Reply to  salihcpSaleh Mohamed
June 5, 2014 8:47 pm
#183815

It's been awhile since i worked with a prf. I'll have to look into it.

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