I have created an offline folder so I can work remotely where no network drop is available. This .ost file has been created. When I do work offline, I am able to see all my folders that are on the server ( I assume I am looking at the .OST file, correct?) The confusing part, is that I do not see any mention of "Offline" folder on my folder list, so I am assuming what I am looking at is my .ost file. also..since I created this file, and I use the "synchronizing of file", whenever I am logged back onto the network, and I get a new mail message, the "new mail envelope" shows up on my task bar, just like it should. However, when i read the new message, the envelope does not go away, and if i try to exit out of Outlook, it hangs and never completely shuts down. I have a "Please wait while Microsoft Outlook exits" box. If I try to click on the envelope, it says "The operation failed"... Is there a patch for this, or has anyone seen this before? Mark