Tom O'Neill is evil (his April Fools joke)

About two months ago, we wrote about how Outlook can automatically expand acronyms <http://blogs.msdn.com/outlook/archive/2009/01/14/living-in-outlook-making-autocorrect-work-for-you.aspx>  using the AutoCorrect feature of Microsoft Word. Since it is April fool's day, we'd like to show you how to use that feature against your co-workers for a good laugh!

Traditionally, autocorrect fixes misspellings. You can, however, tell it to change correctly spelled words to misspelled versions or different words entirely! The next time a co-worker accidentally leaves his or her computer unlocked, follow the directions in this post <http://blogs.msdn.com/outlook/archive/2009/01/14/living-in-outlook-making-autocorrect-work-for-you.aspx>  and update a few of their AutoCorrect rules. Here are some ideas:

·         Names – tell autocorrect to misspell their name. For example, if her name is 'Ashley', have autocorrect change it to 'Ashlee' and watch how many mails she sends out signed with the wrong name before realizing the ruse

·         Greetings – many people start mails with 'Hello' or 'Hey' – set up autocorrect to change those greetings to 'Goodbye' or 'Greetings Earthlings'

*     Random words – you could also have autocorrect change normal words – 'the', 'this', 'today', 'Wednesday' – to other words/phrases that wouldn't make any sense – 'dog', 'Russia', 'the 4th ring of Saturn is blue!'

Keep in mind that not everyone will find this funny, and you should never make autocorrect changes that could get anyone in trouble. Also, be sure to keep a list of the changes you make, this way you can undo them tomorrow.

Let us know how your pranks go in the comments!

Tom O'Neill

Outlook Program Manager