Manawatu Software Solutions Aladdins Add-ins for
Microsoft Outlook 97, 2000 and 2002

By Ray Wright 
September 19, 2003

Have you ever tried a utility or add-in program that just felt right the first time you used it?  I felt this way when I tried the add-in:  Software Solutions Aladdins Envelope & Labels for use with Microsoft Outlook (97 thru 2002).

Software Solutions Aladdins Envelope & Labels installs into the Microsoft Outlook program toolbar for easy access. It also uninstalls easily – but retains the information that you have used the trial version. For envelopes, the add-in provides up to ten styles for printing with three only clicks of the rodent.  Multiple return addresses, including logos, and delivery bar codes are available in different envelope sizes. You can select one, or multiple contacts for printing. Select the contact, select "Envelopes," select the style, and print. You are done!

Choose Computer Labels or Dispatch Labels

Icons for two types of labels are also on the toolbar: COMPUTER LABELS and DISPATCH LABELS. The only apparent difference is that for the DISPATCH LABELS, you can also specify a return address. Twenty custom labels can be defined. The COMPUTER LABELS portion is equally easy. The program has the full complement of Avery label templates to choose from, or you can custom-specify a labels size. Choose a contact or type in the label information. This is where the program is really neat. You specify the starting location on the sheet of labels with the mouse, specify the number of labels desired (or a whole sheet), and which labels to use. This provides the user with maximum flexibility in selecting the labels to print.

Some of the customization features are not readily evident. There is excellent Help and tutorials under the F1 button.

MS Word does have a Labels and Envelopes option under the Tools Menu. Avery also offers a downloadable add-in that integrates with MS Word. I have tried both, and still prefer the flexibility and ease of use offered by the Aladdin solution.

There are two additional Outlook add-ins for Word and Excel, which are available from the same developer. They both provide the same functionality of grabbing the contact’s name and address (business or home) and placing it in a Word/Excel document at a prescribed location/cell.

This provides great functionality when addressing a form letter, rather than having to start a Word document, then come over to Outlook and do the copy-and-paste into the Word document. This can also be used to initiate a mail merge directly from Outlook. Personally, I didn’t have a need for placing a contact name and address into an Excel spreadsheet.

This software only functions with Microsoft Outlook. It does not work with Outlook Express or other e-mail applications. As I mentioned, Software Solutions Aladdins offers a 30-day free trial for each of the add-ins, giving you the opportunity to “try before you buy.” After the trial is over, any printing is overlaid with an “UNREGISTERED” message, making the envelope/label unusable.

The Software Solutions Aladdin Web site can provide more details on the features and pricing options.

The list price for the Envelopes & Labels program is $34.95.  Please check the NTPCUG Web site for special member discounts.

-- Ray Wright    

Ray Wright is leader of the NTPCUG Beginning Access SIG..
He may be contacted by e-mail: Click here to e-mail Ray Wright.