up vote 0 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

Since I found out about Outlook's "Cached Exchange Mode" I've been using it, and I also set it up on every PC I come across. I think it's a great feature that improves the efficiency of of every Outlook user, and I don't understand why it's not ON by default.

My question is - are there any disadvantages to using Cached Exchange Mode? (Besides the obvious fact that it consumes a bit more space, which I don't see as a big issue nowadays)

link|improve this question
40% accept rate
Uuhhhh.... it IS on by default since Exchange 2003, unless you're using a customised installer package for Office/Outlook, or perhaps a Group Policy setting. – Graeme Donaldson Oct 28 '09 at 21:11
feedback

6 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

If you only use one PC, none. If you work in a hot-desking environment, or even just occasionally use another PC, the your entire Exchange folder will be downloaded when you start Outlook. If you are subject to a quota, not such a problem but if you've several GBs of data stored on Exchange, bit of a pain in the network.

link|improve this answer
Our administrator publishes Outlook on a terminal server and doesn't need dozens of users keeping a copy of their overstuffed 2GB Exchange cache there. – Stephen Jennings May 1 '10 at 4:37
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

I suppose that you could be used to Exchange and think you are connected, click send and quickly suspend or shutdown before being on the VPN / network and then forget to send? :S

I can't really think of any serious downsides either.

link|improve this answer
New feature? Wasn't it introduced 6-7 years ago? :) – Roee Adler Oct 28 '09 at 19:13
ehh... been a while since I used Exchange last... I will delete last para! – William Hilsum Oct 28 '09 at 19:16
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

I use Outlook in Cached Mode on several computers, and the main disadvantage is that changes are not propagated to the server immediately. This means that if I move a message to a folder, or add an appointment to my calendar and then immediately suspend, those changes aren't reflected on any other client (until I wake back up and give it a few minutes to sync).

link|improve this answer
How long is the delay? – Roee Adler Oct 28 '09 at 20:47
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

Not sure about newer versions but the default in Outlook 2003 was to only sync directory changes once a day in cached mode.

This means that you might not be able to email that new member of staff to welcome them to the office if they only started today, also you'll only pick up mailing list membership changes (and new mailing lists) at the sync, so if you send a mail to your team's mailing list welcoming the colleague who's just transferred in they might not get it.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

What about the obvious security issue about having OST files left on the users local PC? Anyone could access the OST files and get unauthorised access to their emails. For that reason alone it may be appropriate to disable cached mode.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

When Cached Exchange Mode is enabled, Search Folders will not work properly in Outlook Web Access. For example, you may not be able to see the Unread Mail search folder.

link|improve this answer
Welcome to superuser. Please do not include signatures or sign-offs in your answers, questions, or comments. – Jeremy W 2 days ago
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.