How to Set an Outlook Calendar to Busy

By Leigh Thompson

Microsoft Outlook has a calendar to keep track of meetings and appointments.
i calendar with bow image by Photoeyes from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Microsoft Outlook contains a customizable calendar for keeping track of your meetings and appointments. A popular feature of Outlook is the ability to view other users' calendars or create an office calendar to show an employee's availability. One way to customize your calendar is the option to set your status to busy for a designated time.

Open Microsoft Outlook and select the "Calendar." The option to open the Calendar is available under the "Go" menu on the top toolbar. You can also click the "Calendar" button in the Navigation Pane on the left side of the screen or use the shortcut key "Ctrl" and "2."

Create a "New Appointment" by clicking the "File" option on the top toolbar. Select "New" from the list. The other options are to click the "New" button on the ribbon, double-click a time slot on the calendar or right-click a time spot on the Calendar and select "New Appointment."

Select "Busy" from the drop-down box in the Options menu on the ribbon. This drop-down box is next to the title "Show As." This option sets your status as busy for that appointment. For Microsoft Outlook 2003 users, this option is located below the start and end dates. Input the start and end times in the fields provided.

Click "Save & Close" when your appointment information is filled out.

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