I am wondering if you simply removed and reinstalled Outlook in its entirety or if you removed and reinstalled the Outlook Address Book. If you have performed this task with the whole application, I would like to have you try it with the address book only. If that is what you tried, move on to the next section. In order to access your contacts section of Outlook 2003, you need to perform three separate tasks. All three of these tasks must be completed before you will be able to access your contacts.
Remove and Reinstall the Outlook Address Book
A problem with the address list within Office 2003 often indicates that the Microsoft Outlook Address Book has been damaged. Removing and re-installing it would be one of my first recommendations. Refer to the directions found on the Microsoft website here: Article: 319901.
Install the Outlook Address Book Service
In order to access your contacts section of Outlook 2003, you need to set up the Outlook Address Book Service. Follow these steps:
1) Click Tools from the menu and select email accounts.
2) Select view or change existing directories or address books.
3) Click next.
4) Click Cancel if your Outlook Address Book is listed and skip to the next section.
5) Click Add if your Outlook Address Book is not listed.
6) Click Additional Address Books and click next.
7) Click Outlook Address Book and click next.
8) Complete the prompts by clicking ok, finish, and exit.
9) Restart Outlook.
Mark the Contact Folder for Use with the Address Book
In order to access your contacts section of Outlook 2003, you need to set up your contact folder for use with the Outlook Address Book. Follow these steps:
1) Navigate to File on the menu.
2) Select Folder and click on “Properties” for your folder name.
3) Navigate to the Outlook Address Book tab and click the box in front of “Show this folder as an email address book.”
4) Type in a name for it.
5) Click ok.
Specify an email Address or Fax Number
In order to access your contacts section of Outlook 2003, you need to specify an email address or fax number for each item that you want to appear in your Outlook Address Book. Follow these steps:
1) Navigate to the folder list.
2) Select the Contacts folder.
3) Double click using the mouse on the contact to open up the item.
4) Fill in an email address or fax number if one is not showing for the item.
General Tips
To access the contacts folder, you must click on the folder name rather than on Outlook Address Book. You can also add a new folder of contacts to your Outlook Address Book, specifying a new name for it and completing the above-described tasks.
