ARCHIVED: In Google Chrome, when using OWA, why can't I attach files, insert pictures, open the address book, or check names?

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If you use Google Chrome to access the Outlook Web App (OWA), you will not be able to use some of the button functions at the top of the composition window, including Attach File, Insert Picture, Address Book, and Check Names.

The problem is caused by Google ending support for a function called "showModalDialog", which OWA uses to open dialog boxes for these tasks. The buttons in the message composition window appear unresponsive; they highlight when you click them, but nothing happens. This can be confusing, because other buttons next to them (e.g., Send, Save, and Importance) work properly.

You can find multiple Chrome configuration workarounds online, but all of them will stop working on April 30, 2015. UITS tested some of these workarounds and found them to be ineffective.

The button functions will work again once the Exchange service is fully upgraded to Exchange Server 2013.

As a workaround, use a different browser, or use Outlook or an IMAP mail program. If you have not installed Microsoft Office, you can launch Outlook through IUanyWare.

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