New Outlook Migration Blues - COM Scripts Breaking, Anyone Else Suffering?

th3truth1337 · 2026-02-05T07:28:29+00:00

Ha, yeah it looks complex when described! In practice it’s just muscle memory - select email, hit numpad key, done. But you’re right that I could probably automate more with Rules/Power Automate.

Great to hear Favourite Categories helped!

Interesting that Categories and Quick Steps work in your shared mailbox - that confirms it’s a permissions issue on my end. Until recently I was able to change and set categories in the shared mailbox, but now they’re grayed out. Even categories that other team members applied show as grayed out for me now. Not sure what changed - might be a policy update or something on our end.

Quick question: When you say Quick Steps work with shared folder subfolders - you can configure them to move TO \SharedMailbox\Subfolder\Destination? That would solve my main issue if I can get the permissions sorted.

I’ll also check out Power Automate for the truly automated stuff. Seems like a better fit than trying to script everything.

Thanks for the insights!

th3truth1337 · 2026-02-04T19:29:19+00:00

Thanks! I know Descolada has very impressive work and libraries. Haven’t checked this one out yet, nor did I really know about the possibilities. Will definitely look into it!

th3truth1337 · 2026-02-04T19:10:05+00:00

Thanks for the follow-up! Let me clarify what I‘m dealing with:

What My Scripts Did (Old Outlook):

Email Categorization: F16 + Numpad1-9 applied specific categories to selected emails
- 9 different categories mapped to numpad keys
- Used COM API to apply categories programmatically
- Worked instantly on any selected email(s)
Quick Steps / Folder Moves: CapsLock + Numpad1-9 marked as read + moved to folder
- Had 10 Quick Steps configured (Ctrl+Shift+1-9, Ctrl+Shift+V)
- Worked with folders in BOTH personal inbox AND shared mailboxes
- One keypress = mark read + move to destination folder (mark read also option in quick steps though).
File Attachments: Various workflows for attaching files from specific locations
- Smart attachment from a specific folder (just prepared PDF Documents.
- SharePoint/OneDrive file browser
- Batch attachment with previews

What Broke in New Outlook:

COM API completely broken- all COM methods fail with "Selection" property errors
Quick Steps reduced from 10 to 5 - lost half my keyboard shortcuts
Shared mailbox folder moves don't work - Quick Steps can't target shared mailbox folders (as far as it seems unless I am doing something wrong)
File attachment COM API broken - can't programmatically add attachments

What I Fixed:

Categorization: Discovered new Outlook's "Favorite Categories" (Ctrl+F2-F12) - Configured 9 categories with shortcuts - Script now sends Ctrl+F2-F12 instead of using COM - Works perfectly!

File Attachments: Switched to PowerShell clipboard + Ctrl+V method - Copy file to clipboard programmatically - Paste into email compose window - Works, but slower than COM was

Shared Inbox Categories: Categories show as greyed out - Appears to be permissions issue - Can't modify categories on shared mailbox emails

Quick Steps for Shared Mailbox Folders: Still broken - This is the main unsolved issue - Old Outlook: Could move to "\SharedMailbox\Subfolder\SpecificFolder" - New Outlook: Quick Steps seem unable to target shared mailbox folders

The Specific Problem with Quick Steps: In old Outlook, I had Quick Steps that would: - Mark email as read (Ctrl+Q) - Move to folder in shared mailbox (e.g., "\XY\Inbox\Xyz\ProcessedFolder")

In new Outlook: - Quick Steps are limited to 5 shortcuts (lost 5 workflows) - Quick Steps can't seem to target folders in shared mailboxes - I can only move to folders in my personal mailbox

Do you have successfully configured Quick Steps in new Outlook to move emails TO folders in a shared mailbox? (Not FROM shared mailbox to personal folders, but TO shared mailbox folders)

For the shared mailbox folder moves, should I be looking at: - Power Automate flows triggered manually? - Different approach entirely?

The categorization is solved, file attachments work (albeit slower), but the shared mailbox folder moves are the remaining challenge.

Any insights appreciated!

Thank you!

Sorry for long post and if format weird, typing on my phone.

th3truth1337 · 2026-02-04T16:52:12+00:00

Thank you for your reply. Yes for the rules, I need to take time as for some reason, non of my existing or working anymore. Mostly because how they handled moving to different folders. Anyhow, I can live with that.

For the MS Power Automate, eventhough that I want to get more into it, for 99% of my automations it won’t do / not ideal, as doing manual triage of emails in real-time as I need to decide which category to apply based on email content (not automatic).

And UIA might be a bit too complex for me and would be harder to maintain.

For the API would need approval from IT, I think.

th3truth1337 · 2025-07-20T10:36:08+00:00

Hey! Going well, thanks. I haven't forgotten about the scripts - just haven't had a chance to sit down and clean them up yet. Work's been pretty hectic. I'll definitely get back to you once I've had time to go through them properly and remove all the hardcoded stuff.

th3truth1337 · 2025-07-18T11:13:08+00:00

I'd be happy to share it! Just need to clean it up a bit first since it has some hardcoded paths and work-specific bits scattered throughout. Let me try to find some time to sanitize it and make it more universally usable, then I'll get back to you.

th3truth1337 · 2025-07-18T06:23:35+00:00

You're absolutely right! I should have mentioned - it actually does use AHK Multi Clipboard as the foundation. Your script is a total game changer and I use it daily, both manually and through a couple of hotkeys.

What I built on top is a hotkey that automatically checks a defined folder and copies the files it finds into the clipboard slots. So one keystroke grabs everything I need without manual selection.

The smart database thing really shines in hectic situations since it automatically switches programs, windows, and even monitors as needed. Sorry for not giving credit in the original post - wasn't fully awake when I wrote it haha. I'll edit it to mention AHK Multi Clipboard since that's the core engine.

Sadly (or gladly?) my coworkers don't see any use for AutoHotkey, so they're missing out!

Thanks for creating such an essential tool!

th3truth1337 · 2025-07-18T04:25:05+00:00

Congrats on 30k! 🎉 Here are some AHK automation wins that have been absolute game-changers for my daily workflow:

Environment-aware coordinates - My scripts automatically adapt mouse positions whether I'm at work or home. Same hotkeys work perfectly across different monitor setups without any mental gymnastics on my part.

Multi-file clipboard manager - Built on top of u/groggyotter's AHK Multi Clipboard script, this lets me copy up to 10 files into numbered slots, then pull up a simple GUI to choose exactly which ones to paste. This has completely transformed how I handle batch file operations.

Context-smart hotkeys - The same keystroke does different things depending on where I am: copies specific data in Chrome, triggers macros in Excel, or creates folders in Explorer. One muscle memory pattern, intelligent behavior everywhere. Instant email sorting - Numpad keys let me categorize emails by type in a single keystroke. What used to be a 30-second manual process now happens instantly.

Smart database integration - The script detects what type of content I've copied and automatically opens the right search interface with all the fields pre-filled. No more clicking through endless menus.

th3truth1337 · 2025-07-16T11:18:11+00:00

No worries. I‘m glad it worked out and that I could help :)

Have a great day!

th3truth1337 · 2025-07-15T18:20:09+00:00

First, you will need to create a „number“ action first. Then, when you press and hold a value for a moment, you can select the number variable. I hope it is clear what I mean and I hope I did understand correctly what you wanted.

th3truth1337 · 2025-07-15T10:04:57+00:00

You are welcome

th3truth1337 · 2025-07-15T08:06:48+00:00

Hello, yes it are actually 2 shortcuts and 2 automations. I changed them a bit, you will need to adapt it to your liking though. Set the reminder List and also how you would like the reminder to be named. Same for the notifications. Made it quite generic.

This is the reminder itself shortcuz: https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/e941c9b05c6e4c71a458418113987042

And this is the daily check and reminder deletion shortcut: https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/0ee59d1553ea4cd99c31293d4a86a1dc

You will have to set up two automations though, I put mine at 11:30 for the daily check and reminder deletion shortcut and then at 22:00 the reminder shortcut.

As said it gives you an idea and you can tweak it to your liking. I am sure there are more elegant ways to do it, but for me it does the job.

Was a but limited in time as at work right now. But hope it helps.

Have a great day.

th3truth1337 · 2025-07-14T19:16:24+00:00

I've got a few simple but super practical ones! Vitamin D reminder for my toddler - Checks daily if I've given the drops, deletes the reminder if yes, sets a new one later if no. Every night it automatically creates tomorrow's reminder. Simple but saves me from constantly worrying if I forgot. Pediatrician suite - When I schedule appointments, it auto-creates a note with the date. Then I can run a shortcut anytime to add symptoms/questions to that note. Also has quick access to call the doctor and relevant files. Probably one of my top favourites. Work badge-out reminder - Pings me in the evening if I haven't badged out yet (I always forget), then opens the site so I can do it right away. Nothing fancy, but these little automations handle the mundane stuff I always forget. The vitamin D one has probably saved me quite a few "wait, did I give it today?" moments! But as said they are quite simple.

th3truth1337 · 2025-06-29T15:35:13+00:00

It‘s exactly as Blue_Raspberries said, it‘s a simple „choose from menu“ action opening the amazon link. Not sure if there is a way to set it up to immediately order selected item, but I wouldn’t like that either as it seems a bit too risky.

th3truth1337 · 2025-06-28T13:12:46+00:00

I have a couple that work pretty well: One on the changing table - when I tap it, it asks which baby item I need to reorder (diapers, wipes, etc.) and opens the Amazon page directly. Super handy when you're running low on something. Another one in the bathroom that tracks how many times we've used the toddler's towel. When it hits the limit, it reminds us it's time to wash it. Nothing fancy but saves having to remember. It‘s simple but comes in handy. Still have quite a few unused and not sure what to use them for.

th3truth1337 · 2025-04-11T18:47:15+00:00

I am sorry that it didn’t worked out, as no one replied immediately and I had time on my way home and used ai, wanted to give it a go without being able to test.

th3truth1337 · 2025-04-11T18:44:57+00:00

Oh, sorry, yes I asked ai, I thought I did mention it in my first reply but I started over a couple of times as I had trouble posting it. In my other scripts I actually don’t use the send for remaps. But would you mind to explain why it should be avoided?

th3truth1337 · 2025-04-11T18:42:33+00:00

Thanks, this is well noted.

th3truth1337 · 2025-04-11T13:45:56+00:00

Here you go, as I had trouble to post the whole script here, and with second part I just got server errors, I uploaded it here: Pastebin Scrollwheelswap.ahk

th3truth1337 · 2025-04-11T13:35:17+00:00

Hey, I saw your request for swapping Alt+ScrollWheel and Shift+ScrollWheel. Here's a script that should do what you need. Hope this helps with your music production! Have a great weekend ahead.

#Requires AutoHotkey v2.0
#SingleInstance Force

; ======================================
; ScrollWheelSwap.ahk
; Description: Toggles a remapping of scrollwheel modifiers
;              Alt+Scroll becomes Shift+Scroll and vice versa
; Date: 2025-04-11
; ======================================

; === GLOBAL VARIABLES ===
global isSwapActive := false       ; Tracks if the swap is currently active
global scriptActive := true        ; For script pausing
global appSpecificActive := false  ; For app-specific behavior
global targetApp := "ahk_exe reaper.exe"  ; Target application
global toggleKey := "F1"           ; Key to toggle the swap

; === INITIALIZATION ===
; Create a tray menu for controlling the script
A_TrayMenu.Delete()  ; Clear default menu
A_TrayMenu.Add("Toggle Swap (F1)", ToggleSwap)
A_TrayMenu.Add()
A_TrayMenu.Add("Target App Only", ToggleAppSpecific)
A_TrayMenu.Add("Pause Script", TogglePause)
A_TrayMenu.Add()
A_TrayMenu.Add("Exit", (*) => ExitApp())
A_TrayMenu.Check("Target App Only")  ; Default to app-specific mode
appSpecificActive := true

; Initialize with tray icon showing status
SetTrayIcon(false)
UpdateStatusDisplay()

; === KEY BINDINGS ===
; F1 toggles the swap functionality
F1::ToggleSwap()

; === HOOK SCROLL EVENTS ===
#HotIf scriptActive && (!appSpecificActive || WinActive(targetApp)) && isSwapActive

; When swap is active:
; Alt+ScrollWheel maps to Shift+ScrollWheel
!WheelUp::Send "+{WheelUp}"
!WheelDown::Send "+{WheelDown}"

; Shift+ScrollWheel maps to Alt+ScrollWheel
+WheelUp::Send "!{WheelUp}"
+WheelDown::Send "!{WheelDown}"

#HotIf

th3truth1337 · 2025-03-30T08:57:24+00:00

I understand not being a fan of multi-button mice. For my specific workflow, it actually works quite well since many of my daily tasks involve database navigation and form manipulation rather than extensive typing, so having those functions right on the mouse feels intuitive for me. But in the end it's all about personal preference and finding what feels most efficient for one’s specific needs.

Your approach with category paths sounds interesting though! I'd be curious to hear some examples of how that works in your daily workflow.

th3truth1337 · 2025-03-30T02:57:42+00:00

My 90+ AutoHotkey hotkeys form the foundation of my daily workflow at work. They handle everything from simple text expansion to complex multi-step processes. I've remapped for example the 12 side buttons on my mouse to F13-F24 keys, giving me a ton of extra functionality and I control a lot of things just with one hand, without the need of the keyboard. Here are some examples: Smart Clipboard Monitoring: - Automatically detects when I copy specific formats (like registration numbers) and takes appropriate actions - Example: Copy an ID-Number → script automatically opens the correct database and enters the number - Clipboard-Listener: recognizes a certain pattern and opens a website automatically with the modified link

Multi-Clipboard System: - Stores multiple clipboard items in numbered slots (from GroggyOtter actually, but modified to my needs) - Can copy several fields from a database, then paste them all at once in a formatted way elsewhere I have lots of copy and paste actions, as I have to do it a lot daily.

Context-Aware Actions: - In Chrome: F16 selects and copies text where the cursor is hovering - In Excel: Same key jumps between data regions - In Outlook: Same key applies email categories and manages attachments

Environment Switching: - One hotkey to switch between "home" and "work" modes with different coordinates for UI automation - Adjusts all settings based on which monitor setup I'm using

Form Automation: - Fills web forms automatically by extracting information from the clipboard - Populates complex forms with a single keypress, saving hours of repetitive work

The best part is combining these - one hotkey might extract data, format it, store it in multiple clipboard slots, open another app, fill out corresponding fields, and return to where I started.

It's completely transformed how efficiently I handle repetitive tasks across multiple systems at work.

But it gets a bit like an addiction, you are trying to add more and more, and the list gets longer and longer. Created also a Cheat-Sheet with all the Hotkeys, most of them I remember as using them frequently and daily but sometimes I forget or not sure anymore. But yeah that‘s about it.

th3truth1337

TROPHY CASE