How to Use Tasks in Outlook 2003

Use tasks in Microsoft Outlook 2003.

In addition to its Calendar features, Microsoft Outlook 2003 allows the ability to set and track tasks. Tasks are errands that you want to track until they are completed. You can customize tasks by setting a due date of completion, make them recurring and give yourself reminders. Create tasks for yourself or assign them to others by sending a task request. The recipient has the ability to accept, decline or pass the task on to someone else. While there are many features of Outlook tasks, here are some tips to get started.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Outlook 2003

Instructions

1. Create a new task. In Outlook, click the "File" menu. Select "New" and click "Task."

2. Type a name for the task in the "Subject" box. Fill in pertinent information regarding the task on the "Details" and "Task" tabs.

3. Click "Recurrence" to make the task recur. Choose from "Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Yearly." Click "Regenerate New Task" to make the task recur based on the date of completion. Otherwise, the task will recur regularly.

4. Set the start and end date of the task. Enter the completion date in the "Due Date" box. Enter the start date in the "Start Date" box.

5. Set a reminder for a task by opening it. Select the "Reminder" check box. Enter a date and time for which you want the reminder to occur.

6. Click "OK." Click "Save and Close."

7. Assign a task to someone else by either creating a new one or opening an existing task. To create a new task request, click "File," select "New" and click "Task Request." Otherwise, open an existing task and click "Assign Task."

8. Enter in the "To" box the name of the person to which you want to assign the task. Type a description in the "Subject" for a new task.

9. Select the completion date and other options. For instance, to receive a status report on the task, select the checkbox next to "Send Me a Status Report When This Task Is Complete." Select the "Action" menu and click "Recurrence" to set the assigned task to be recurring.

10. Type instructions for the recipient in the body of the task. Click "Send."

References

• Microsoft Outlook 2003 Help: About Tasks and Task Assignments
• Microsoft Outlook 2003 Help: Create a Task
• Microsoft Outlook 2003 Help: Set or Clear a Reminder
• Microsoft Outlook 2003 Help: Assign a Task to Someone Else
• Microsoft Outlook 2003 Help: Set the Due Date and Start Date for a Task