How to switch the Outlook Bar and Folder list in Outlook or Outlook Express.
Outlook and Outlook Express both have (depending on the version) an Outlook Bar and a folder list.
The Outlook Bar has larger icons against a dark background while the folder list is the more familiar ‘tree’ display of folders against a white background.
The Outlook Bar was a supposed improvement in Outlook to make it easier for people to navigate – in practice it was widely disliked and disabled by most people. The folder list fits more information into limited space and lets you see all the folders, not just a few.
The Outlook Bar was mercifully removed from Outlook 2003 but remains in Outlook Express 6.
To get rid of the Outlook Bar in Outlook Express go to View | Layout and uncheck the ‘Outlook Bar’ box and make sure the ‘Folder List’ is selected.
In Outlook 2002 (XP) and before, remove the Outlook Bar by going to the View menu and toggling the Outlook Bar and Folder List options
