Need cheap or free software like MS Outlook
 

I've been using MS Outlook 97 at the office. It was perfect for keeping track of obligations, appointments, etc. My home machine running Vista won't run it and I don't want to spend over $100 for a newer version. Any suggestions. I need something that will run in the background and pop-up appointments at a set time. Windows Calendar will do it but it is too limited. Anyone know of a $20 software or freeware? Someone got a legal copy of Outlook then don't need?

Have you tried to run Outlook '97 in "compatibility" mode?

We use Google calendar.

There are many software places that sell older versions of office for under $100. I have kept our machines on Office 2003, since it does what we need.

Thanks for some good ideas. I've been searching for old software but no joy. Don't want anything online. I've tried several different compatabilities but it won't install. I was warned that old MS Office (of all things) doesn't work with Vista.

To be clear, you have right clicked on the installer executable, gone to properties and then the compatibility tab and enabled some version of XP and it won't even install?

Yes. It starts to install but somewhere close to the end when you're hopes are high I get an error message. Tried running istallation executable in Admin mode also. It ran in ME and XP but it doesn't like Vista 64

Ok, you are correct. Outlook 97 isn't compatible with Vista. And from the quick research I just did, there aren't any tricks to get it working. Your best bet is eBay and pick up a newer version of Outlook/Office. For example, I saw Outlook 2007 for $117. That is pretty darn cheap.

Office 2003 is running on this machine under Windows 7.

I've been looking for a copy of Office or Outlook 2003 but not found one. That is why I was hoping that someone knew of an Outlook look-a-like that I could pick up for $29.99...
Halm: Do you know if 2003 work with Vista 64 or do I have to go to 2007?

Mozilla Thunderbird with Calendar (lightning) interface, then get the Google calendar plugin.

I've got it all wired together with a Motorola Droid and now everything including updating my contacts list all automatically..

It's perfect.

You can also get office 2010 beta..

I am using 2003 with Windows 7 64, so it should work with Vista 64.

I do not know how long you can wait, but it is rumored that Office will soon be available for free to the home (delivered through the cloud SAAS).

Have you looked at Evolution? I use the linux version and am amazed how much it's like outlook.

I don't know about the window version (or if it's compatible with Vista64) though, just saw it was available?
Evolution for Windows