Hi, I'm having this problem as well but I'm still using 2007. I had to reinstall Outlook when computer was restored to factory settings. I've had problems with it ever since whereas I didn't the first time I installed, at least nothing like this. My mailbox folder is just the name "personal folder." I get the calendar/task reminders and tasks do show up on Today screen. I'm wondering if the problem is with the fact that the original calendar is screwed up as instead of it just being a blank calendar, master, it shows my appointments, grayed out of course. Like I said, I've not ever had this much difficulty with Outlook before and it's been on the computer for over 2 years as well as a second computer. I'm at a lost, so I'm hoping you can help. 

What type of email account do you use? Where do you see the grayed out appointments?