Installation Instructions: (not for the faint of heart)
- Download these files:
modSignatureService.bas
frmSigSetup.frm
frmSigSetup.frx
frmSigService.frm
frmSigService.frx - You will also need to create some files. One file that you will
need is a file full of quotes/taglines. The format is
important. Each quote must be separated by a blank line. The
file must also be terminated by a blank line. The second file you
will need is a header file. The header file will appear
before the quote. I have mine set up to look like this:
- Ben
http://bwmartens.tripod.com
---------------------------
The quote will be appended to the header file. The next file is a little more tricky. We need to create a signature in Outlook for the macro to use:
Tools > Options... > Mail Format > Signatures... > New...
Give this signature a name you will remember (e.g.. "Automatic") and just use a blank template. It doesn't matter what you put in the signature because it will be overwritten. Back on the Mail Format tab, select your new template for New Messages and for Replies and Forwards. We're not quite done though. We need to figure out where Outlook stores the signature files. On my machine, the path is:
C:\Documents and Settings\martens\Application Data\Microsoft\Signatures
Peak around your computer and find the directory. You could also search for "Automatic.txt" (if that's what you called your template) and it should show you the directory. Save this information for later. - The next step is to Import the macro into Outlook. So go ahead
and start up Outlook.
Tools > Macro > Visual Basic Editor
If you get a prompt about macros, click Enable Macros.
Now import the files that you downloaded:
File > Import > (files)
Once the files are imported, save the project.
Close Visual Basic Editor and return to Outlook. - Change the macro security settings to allow you to run macros.
Tools > Macro > Security > Security Level > Medium. - Now we will create buttons for the toolbar so the macros can be easily
accessed. There are actual two macros in these files. One is
called "SignatureServiceNoDialog" and the other is
"SignatureServiceWithDialog". You should see both these macros if
you go to Tools > Macro > Macros...
Note: SignatureServiceNoDialog is essentially the same macro as SignatureServiceWithDialog. The only difference is that the signature file is changed immediately. With the dialog, a window pops up showing you the tag line you picked and let's you keep picking tag lines until you get one you liked. The setup window can also be accessed from SignatureServiceWithDialog.
These are the directions for adding one button for SignatureServiceWithDialog. Simply repeat these directions to add the other macro. Right click on the toolbar area and select Customize. Under the Commands tab, select Macros. Pick SignatureServiceWithDialog and drag it to the toolbar. Right click on the button you just created. There are numerous options there that you can set to make it look pretty. - Need a breather? We're almost done. Run
SignatureServiceWithDialog. It should bring up the Setup dialog, but
if it doesn't, just click Setup. Input the full paths to your files
there. The only trick is the "Signature File" field. If you
have the same path as me and your template is Automatic, this field would
be:
C:\Documents and Settings\martens\Application Data\Microsoft\Signatures\Automatic
There are no file extensions. (This is because Outlook creates three signature files for each template - RTF, HTML, and TXT. This macro will create those three files also.) - Congratulations if you've gotten this far. Hopefully you can figure it out from here. If you have any suggestions to make these directions better, or if you have no luck at all, send me an e-mail. I realize this isn't a convenient process, but I don't really know any other way.
This code was accepted as a tool on Devhood!
Disclaimer:
By installing this software, you assume complete responsibility for any
damage that may occur to your system or your oldest child. I assume no
liability. Besides, if you tried to sue me you wouldn't get much.
May cause cancer in pregnant
lab rats on rainy days in Arkansas. Violators will be persecuted. Do not
pass Go, do not collect $200, go directly to jail. An apple a day keeps the
doctor away. Caffeine-free (although I am probably not). Look both ways
before crossing the road. Don't put that quarter in your mouth, you don't
know where it's been. Do not use in areas of high radiation. Do not use
while being chased by a rabid African tiger (a healthy one maybe, but not a
rabid one). I am not responsible for any lost or stolen brain cells. And
last, but not least, have fun!