Issue/Question
- In Outlook for Mac, when I try to view some people's calendars, I get the message "Outlook cannot open the folder. You do not have permission to open this folder. Contact <user_name> for permission."
Environment
- Oregon State University
- Exchange Email
- Outlook for Mac
Explanation
This is a known limitation of the Outlook for Mac client: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-US/outlook/troubleshoot/calendars/cannot-open-another-calendar-with-freebusy-permission
In Outlook for Windows, if you open a calendar that you don't have any explicit permissions to, Outlook will show you the free/busy information for that person. In Outlook for Mac, an error is displayed instead. To see free/busy information in Outlook for Mac, the mailbox owner must grant at least "Reviewer" rights.
Resolution
Method 1: Use the Scheduling Assistant
Create an appointment and add the person as an attendee. Outlook for Mac will then show their free/busy information.
Method 2: Use Outlook on the Web
Access Outlook on the Web at exchange.oregonstate.edu. The web client will display free/busy information for other users' calendars.
Method 3: Request "Reviewer" Access
To view the other user's calendar in Outlook for Mac, ask the calendar owner to grant at least "Reviewer" access.
Assistance
For assistance, contact the Service Desk.