How can I tell if Outlook is connected? Am I connected to my email?

Did someone say they sent you an email and you are not sure because it hasn't shown up yet?  Can you tell if your email is "connected?" 

It is very easy to see if Outlook on your desktop (PC or Mac) is connected to the internet and up-to-date, all you need to do is look below at the status bar in Outlook.  The status bar is the very bottom bar at the bottom of the program; it looks like this:

Can you see where it says, "All folders are up to date   Connected to Microsoft Exchange?":

This means you are all connected and are up-to-date.  (If it says something else, open a ticket with the HelpDesk!)

If you see this and yet, the email(s) you are expecting are not "in" yet remember there are three steps to every delivery:

1. The person who sends the mail (it may actually still be in their "outbox" or they sent it to the wrong address, etc.)
2. There are two servers that hand your mail off to deliver it while it is in "internet-land."  It could just be that waiting a few more minutes will get it to you!
3. Finally, if it was sent correctly, your are connected correctly but don't see it; it could be in your Junk Email.  Be sure to check!

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