Hiding the Next and Previous buttons in the Reading pane

In Microsoft Outlook 2007 and 2010 there is a useful option that helps you to move between the messages when you have a longer conversation. In the Reading pane on the reply or forward message you have two buttons: Next and Previous that help you to move between the messages much faster (Fig.1.).

      
     Fig.1. Next and Previous buttons that help to move between the messages in a conversation.

For some users, however, this option is not welcomed because it uses additional space in the Reading pane window. You can easily disable it, and hide the Next, Previous buttons (Fig.2.).

        
     Fig.2. Conversation view without the Next and Previous buttons visible. 

To disable this option in Outlook 2007:

1. Go Tools, Options.
2. Click the E-mail Options button.
3. Find and uncheck the option called "Shade messages headers when reading mail."
4. Apply all changes with the OK button. 

To disable this option in Outlook 2010:

1. Go to Backstage View, File.
2. Click Options, Mail.
3. Find and uncheck the option called "Shade messages headers when reading messages."
4. Apply all changes with the OK button.