How do I programmatically show or hide the Outlook envelope icon?

Question

For example, how do I show or hide the Outlook envelope icon from an Outlook Rule?

The envelope icon option is set by going to:

• Tools -> Options...
• E-mail Options
• Advanced E-mail Options
• Show an envelope icon in the notification area

The reason why I say programmatically is because none of the standard Rule actions apply. (The "Clear the message flag" action doesn't seem to work. Also, there's no "Set the message flag" action.)

This means that the solution will probably be in the form of a VBA script, Add-in or custom action. As a last resort, I'll write my own task bar notification.

In the documentation, I found IMsoEnvelope, but that is only for sending email from other Office applications.

Answer 1

I think more information is needed.

Are you writing an Outlook plugin for example.
If you are talking about usage of Outlook than this is not a programming question - please close it.

Answer 2

The action is "Clear the message flag"

Answer 3

The title says programmatically, so I am guessing some sort of plugin will be involved here.

A quick look through the interop documentation in MSDN doesn't show anything hugely obvious, but if it is possible that is the place to look.

Alternatively, find a similar icon and create your own notification icon.