You can turn off default reminders for Tasks and use them only sometimes.
(Just as you can with meetings).

 You fail to mention your version - the setting is in different places
depending on your version.

 Judy Gleeson [MVP Outlook]
 Acorn Training and Consulting
 www.acorntraining.com.au

 Everyone - turn on your Advanced Toolbars and learn how to use the Field
Chooser and Group by Box!!

 > Is there a way to change the default when setting up a dated task? I
really
 > don't need reminders in normal conditions, since I check my task list
every
 > morning. I know I could turn off reminders all together, but there are a
few
 > occasions when I do want one, so what I need is a way for the checkmark
on
 > the task window to appear only when I actually check it.
 >
 > Is this possible?
 >
 > Charles
 >
 >