Microsoft KB Archive/105959

= PC MAPI: MAPI Common Questions and Answers =

ID: Q105959

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Mail for Windows, versions 3.0, 3.0b, and 3.2

Below is a list of common questions and answers about Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI) from versions 3.0, 3.0b, and 3.2 of Microsoft Mail for PC Networks. This information can help you understand what MAPI is and what it can do.

1. Q. What are common messaging calls (CMC), Simple MAPI, and Extended MAPI?

A. Simple MAPI and CMC include a set of functions for application developers to make applications mail-aware. Examples of mail-aware applications include spreadsheet programs and word processors. Both can also be used to build custom messaging applications.

The difference between CMC and Simple MAPI is that CMC is a cross platform API. CMC is independent of the operating system and underlying hardware used by the messaging service. However, both contain similar functionality, such as sending, addressing, receiving, and saving messages.

Extended MAPI provides more complex messaging capabilities. Extended MAPI allows applications to manage the generation and handling of      complex messages, large numbers of received messages, message store, and complex addressing information. Extended MAPI application functionality includes data collection, work flow, message management, unattended message filtering, and agent-based retrieval applications.

Extended MAPI is currently only accessible via C or C++. At this time, no Microsoft Visual Basic (VB) or Visual Basic for Applications interface is available.

2. Q. What are the current support options for CMC, Simple MAPI, and Extended MAPI?

A. CMC and Simple MAPI support is provided by Microsoft Product Support. Because Extended MAPI is not yet released,

there is currently no support. However, you can obtain the MAPI specification from either of three sources:

- Electronic mail: Send requests to mapi@microsoft.com; be sure to         include your mailing address - FTP server.../developr/mapi

NOTE: The MSWRKGRP forum no longer exists.

3. Q. What do I need to create a MAPI program?

A. A MAPI program (or client) can be created using either Microsoft C      or Microsoft Visual Basic. Simple MAPI functions are accessed from MAPI.DLL, which is included with versions 3.0 and 3.2 of Microsoft Mail for Windows.

The "Technical Reference Guide" and disk included with Mail for PC      Networks provide function descriptions, as well as sample source code. To run your MAPI application, you need version 3.0 or later of      Microsoft Windows, version 3.0 or later of a Mail for PC Networks postoffice, version 3.0 or later of Mail for Windows.

4. Q. Is Extended MAPI functionality available now?

A. No. However, if you are interested, you can ask to be considered for the MAPI 1.0 SDK beta by sending your name, phone number, fax number, address, and development interest by sending Internet mail to mapi@microsoft.com or by calling (206) 936-6956.

NOTE: Extended MAPI is currently only available via C or C++.

5. Q. What is a service provider?

A. A service provider is the backend that provides true messaging- system independence for applications. A service provider is like a      Windows printer driver. Just as a printer driver allows printing to      a specific printer, a service provider allows communication to any messaging service such as Mail for PC Networks, MHS, and PROFS.

Multiple providers can be available to the same mail client simultaneously. Address Book, Message store and Transport service providers can be developed with the MAPI 1.0 SDK beta.

6. Q. Does MAPI work with the Mail Remote for Windows?

A. MAPI works with version 3.2 of Microsoft Mail Remote for Windows in the same way it works with Mail for Windows, with respect to      functionality with the Mail Message File (MMF) and sending/receiving. When your application quits, Mail automatically tries to dial out if the Remote client is selected.

7. Q. Can I use MAPI to create an MS-DOS application?

A. No. MAPI can only be used to create Windows applications.

8. Q. Does Simple MAPI work with Windows NT?

A. Yes. NT includes a 32-bit MAPI.DLL and a 16-bit MAPI.DLL file. For more information on these files, please refer to article Q108842 in      the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

9. Q. Can I do administration with MAPI?

A. No. MAPI does not contain administrative functionality.

10. Q. What are custom commands and custom message types?

A. Custom commands allow you to add commands to menus in Mail for Windows. These commands can run a program or perform a task. Custom message types are messages that can be specific between sender and recipient and can be used to perform tasks based on a mail event such as delivery of mail, composing a message, and reading mail.

11. Q. Where can I get more information about MAPI?

A. You can access information on MAPI from a number of sources. The "Technical Reference Guide" and disk included with Microsoft Mail for PC Networks and version 3.1 of Microsoft Windows for Workgroups contain sample code and reference material.

Another good reference for actual implementation of MAPI calls from various Microsoft products is available in the Workgroup templates software package.

The Windows for Workgroups Resource Kit, the Microsoft Software Developer's Network (MSDN) CD, and Microsoft Visual Basic versions 2.0 and 3.0 for Windows are good references for MAPI information.

You can obtain the MAPI 1.0 specification by mailing mapi@microsoft.com. Additional reference words: 3.00 3.00b 3.20 KBCategory: kbref kbother kbtlc KBSubCategory: MailPCMAPI

Last Reviewed: April 22, 1996