How to set Outlook to use the Contacts folder to autofill addresses

09 Feb 2010

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	How to set Outlook to use the Contacts folder to autofill addresses

Solution This seemingly simple task is actually rather difficult to implement. Here's how it's done:

(This is a slight modification of a different article. The original article where this tip came from is here: http://domino.lancs.ac.uk/pub/usghelpdesk.nsf/0/3B6C253167300BB980256F9E003B2222?OpenDocument)

Print this out and follow the directions **CAREFULLY**. If you find yourself lost, go back a few steps and try again.

The Contacts Database in Outlook has replaced the Personal Address Book as the preferred place to store custom email addresses. But sometimes it is not enabled and doesn't work as an email address book.

Enabling Contacts Database As An Email Address Book in Outlook 2003

1. click on 'Tools' menu then 'Email Accounts' option - see dialog.
2. click on the 'View or change existing directories or address books' option (the bottom two options out of the four on this page).
3. click 'Next'.
4. click on the 'Add' button then 'Additional Address Books' option.
5. click 'Next'.
6. click on the 'Outlook Address Book' option.
7. click 'Next'.
8. click on 'Finish' button.
9. Close Outlook and start it up again
10. click on the 'Contacts' tab - see contacts database.
11. right-click on the 'Contacts' option on the left-hand side (extreme top left, under 'My Contacts').
12. click on the 'Properties' option - see multi-tabbed dialog.
13. click on the 'Outlook Address Book' tab.
14. ensure that the 'Show this folder as an e-mail address book' option is selected.
15. click OK.

Your Contacts database should now be active as an e-mail address book.

To test it:
1. click on thr 'Mail' tab.
2. start a new email.
3. click on the 'To:' button - see the 'Global Address List' dialog.
4. drop the 'Show names from the:' list.
5. scroll up the list and pick 'Contacts' option (under 'Outlook Address Book').
6. click on an email address from the list.
7. click on the 'To->' button.
8. click OK - see new email addressed to someone from your Contacts database.
9. proceed or abandon the email.

Article Details

Article ID:

241

Created On:

12 Dec 2006 10:05 AM