Vista - Outlook read messages font size change

After I read a msg in the Inbox of Outlook (Vista Ultimate 64) the "From" "Message" and "Received" information in that line gets very small and turns red. How can I increase the font size so that it isn't so hard to read?

I just realized that this happens when I have flagged the message. If it isn't flagged, it doesn't turn red and get very small. Still would like to have the font bigger, even if it is red.

Re the font size. If you are using Outlook 2007 try this.

Let us know how you go.

1. In Outlook Mail, on the View menu, point to Current View, and then click Customize Current View.
2. Click Other Settings.
3. Under Column Headers and Rows, click Row Font.
4. Click a font, font style, and size that you want to use.
5. On the Font, Other Settings, and Customize View: Messages dialog boxes, click OK.

I did what you suggested, but it doesn't change the size of the "red"s, even if I up the regular font size. If the msg is flagged & I click on the flag, a check mark shows up where the red flag was & the row changes back to the usual black font and size that I have chosen. The msg in that row is only small & red when it is flagged.

See if either of these will help -


In Outlook 2007 Open the message in its own window.
Click Other Actions.
Select Zoom... from the menu.
Choose the desired zoom level.
Click OK.
Outlook unfortunately will not remember the zoom level.


These next instructions will only change font style and size within e-mail messages that are in plain text format.


To change the font size and style in e-mail messages, do the following:

1. From the Tools menu, select Options.
2. Select the Mail Format tab.
3. click the Stationary and Fonts... button.
4. under Composing and reading plain text messages, click the Font... button.
5. Select the font, font style, and font size you want to use.
6. In the Font window, click OK.
7. Click OK.
8. In the Options window, click OK.

Post back to let us know if it helps.

First of all, thank you very much for your efforts to help solve my Outlook dilemma...

I tried your first suggestion, which allowed me to read the msg in a larger font, but it did not change the size of the font in the listing...

I had worked your second suggestion prior to posting and have the font, color, and size the way I want them. However, if I flag the msg in the listing, it still changes to red and goes to a tiny font.

At this stage I would recommend that you contact support / help on the link below.
I have used the phone service on two occassions & found the techs to be very helpful. My problem was solved quickly by allowing remote access to my laptop. [Was also an interesting experience watching what was going on.]

Outlook 2007 Solution Center

Post back when ready. Good luck.