News

Microsoft Finds Bug in Google's Sync for Outlook

Google's sync plug-in will disable Windows Desktop Search for Outlook

• By Kurt Mackie
• 06/17/2009

Microsoft found a problem with Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook, a new data synchronization plug-in launched by Google last week.

Installing Google's sync plug-in will disable Windows Desktop Search for Outlook. As a consequence, users won't be able to search for data in the e-mail and calendar application using Windows Desktop Search, Microsoft announced on Wednesday. However, a Google spokesperson said today that Outlook's search will still continue to work.

Those who want to restore Windows Desktop Search functionality can do so by uninstalling Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook. However, those using an early version of it, "version 1.0.22.1945 or lower," must first upgrade the sync app and then uninstall it. Google describes this removal process in its FAQ here.

Google's sync plug-in alters a registry setting, which is the reason for the incompatibility with Windows Desktop Search. Microsoft describes instructions on how to use the registry editor to restore that setting here.

The registry setting change made by Google's sync plug-in also will affect the Microsoft Office Outlook Connector, Microsoft explained. This connector app is used to synchronize Windows Live Hotmail with Outlook.

Users will know they have a potential problem with the Microsoft Office Outlook Connector because they will get an error message after installing Google's plug-in. The error message pops up after restarting Outlook and states that "some functionality will be disabled." Microsoft recommends that users click "Yes to enable functionality" when the prompt appears. Clicking "Yes" will reset the registry and enable normal functioning for this connector.

Microsoft and Google are collaborating on fixing the problems. In addition, Google explained on Tuesday that a few other plug-ins currently don't work with its sync app.

Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook lets users continue to use the familiar Outlook user interface as part of the Google Apps Premiere and Education subscription services, which provide e-mail, calendar and document sharing applications. The synchronization application lets IT shops bypass using Microsoft Exchange for e-mail and connect directly to Google's servers.