Microsoft Outlook / PHP

jroeck

Hi all,

I'm working on a solution where I have to open Outlook from the web-site and post a message as an email into Microft Outlook Email editor.

Is there any way that I can do this ?

I know PHP is server-site executed and Microsoft Outlook is client-site executed. I thought of a combination with for example Java-Applet etc. - but maybe one of you had already came across similar issues.

Thanks
Juergen

Roger_Ramjet

If Outlook works like most email clients then the solution is a link with mailto:


$addr = "me@home";
$subject = "test";
$body = rawurlencode("email text goes here");
echo '<a href="mailto:' . $addr . '?Subject=' . $subject . '?body=' . $body . '">Click to email</a>';

This should pop open the email client with the address, subject and message already filled in.

TheDefender

The only trick is that it will open the default email client. There is no way to specify the client within the code. So, if the user uses Outlook Express or Eudora or whatever, then that's the client that will open.

jroeck

with the mailto: is there not the limitation of ~700 Characters ?

If this would be the case than, the execution with Mailto: wouldn't work - further, how do you append attachments into the mailto string - is there also a parameter ?

Thx.

Roger_Ramjet

Well, yes. If they are using Outlook though, then I assume a company network and Outlook as the default, and only, email client. Can't think of a way to force the issue: except some sort of winders activex thingy.

TheDefender

You can't append attachments into the mailto: string, and yes there is a limitation (although not certain how many characters). Why not just script something in PHP to mail a form... Afterall, that's basically what it sounds like you are trying to do anyhow. Why bother with the middle man of the email client software?

Roger_Ramjet

The limit with outlook express is just over 1300 chars and I assume that is the same for other clients. Have not get the facilities to test with many other email clients, so I truncate to 1000 chars.

Why bother with the middle man of the email client software?

Depends on the application. My system allows our clients to monitor our work for them, online-reporting. If they want to email us about a case then the link pops up their client and inserts the ref and the paticular point in question. Using their email client to send us emails means that we get the correct reply to address and they get a record of the email in their sent items.

Forgot the main other thing, it allows them to add whatever they want to to the mesage, including attachments.

Roger_Ramjet

how do you append attachments into the mailto string

Once the client is open the user can add any attachments they want to in the normal manner. Your application will not be able to do it for you.

So. all in all. If your needs are for them to send an email to you then use their email client. If you want to send them an email then use php mail() function.