Another fix for Outlook to iPhone sync problems

Synchronization with Microsoft Outlook has proven one of the most problem-prone operations for the iPhone, and we've covered a number of solutions including:

• Make sure the iTunes sync add-in is enabled
• Eliminating problematic contacts
• Downgrading iTunes
• Opening Outlook prior to the first sync
• Eliminating events that repeat every 8 weeks

Now Apple has posted a knowledge base article (#306666) indicating that Outlook plug-ins (such as Live Search Maps), may be to blame for some issues. The problem is that some plug-ins change the default message class property of new calendar events to something other than the default: "IPM.Appointment."

To resolve this issue, you need to first inspect your event entries and check their message class, then change it to the default if necessary. To do this, follow these instructions from Apple:

1. "Open Outlook Calendar on the computer.
2. Choose View > Current View > Events.
3. For Windows Vista, choose View > Current View > Customize Current View.
4. For Windows XP, choose View > Arrange By > Current View > Customize Current View.
5. Click the Fields button and choose All Appointment fields from the pop-up menu in the "Select available fields from" section.
6. In the "Available Fields" column, select "Message Class" and click the Add button.
7. Click OK."

Once you can see the field, check to see if there are any events that don't have "IPM.Appointment" as their message class. If so, unintall any plug-ins (such as Live Search Maps) that might change the value, and re-attempt syncing. Failing that, you'll have to manually change the message class via the instructions in this Microsoft knowledge base article.

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