In outlook I can see and can add to my contacts quite happily, thru the folders list. But when I go to send a new message the address book that shows there is empty. I followed an old post that suggested to: "In order to add names to the address book you have to edit the properties of each group of contacts that you have. If the only contacts folder you have is 'Contacts' then this will be a snap. Right click it and open properties. There is a tab for address book. In that tab select the option that says show this folder in the address book." But options is greyed out on my computer? Anyone have any thoughts on this one? McGibb

I don't know what post that was, and it's certainly not accurate, but this question has been asked many times. So many in fact, that I asked Justin to post my fix in the "Howtos" section of this site, and he agreed. Life's more painless for the brainless.

this is how I do it, First of all Export your contacts to a CSV so if it goes wrong we are ok. Right Click on your contacts, properties, Outlook Address bool tab and make sure "show this folder as an email address book is ticked". If yes and still the same problem, close Outlook, Start, Settings, Control panel, click on the mail icon, Email Accounts, View change existing address books, REMOVE ALL entries, Finish. Re open Mail Icon, Email Accounts, Add new directory or address book, Additional Address books, Outlook Address Book, Finish....... Open Outlook and try, you might have to right click as at the start of this message, and import your contacts if they have gone.

If you follow my instructions, (which are step-by-step), you will not lose your Contacts. Life is more painless for those who are brainless.