Microsoft Outlook Help

Error: Address List Could Not Be Displayed

The following error message may be displayed on your screen, when you try to create a new message by addressing it from your Microsoft Outlook Contacts:

The address list could not be displayed. The Contacts folder associated with this address list could not be opened; it may have been moved or deleted, or you do not have permissions. For information on how to remove this folder from the Outlook Address Book, see Microsoft Outlook Help.

Cause of the Error

This error message is usually displayed when the Microsoft Outlook Address Book is damaged.

Resolution Steps

To resolve this error, you need to first uninstall and then reinstall the Outlook Address Book, by performing the following steps:

1. Launch the Microsoft Outlook program.
2. Open the Tools menu, and then select the E-mail Accounts command.
3. Select the View or change existing directories or address books option, and then click on the Next button.
4. On the Directories and Address Books page, select the Outlook Address Book option, and then click on the Remove button.
5. Select Yes to confirm your decision to remove the address book.
6. Now, click on the Add button.
7. On the Directories and Address Book Type page, select the Additional Address Books option, and then click on the Next button.
8. Select the Outlook Address Book option and then click on the Next button.
9. Click OK when prompted to restart Outlook and then click on the Finish button.
10. Restart the Outlook program.
11. Display the Contacts folder, right-click on it, and then select Properties.

On the Outlook Address Book tab, ensure that the Show this folder as an e-mail Address Book check box is selected, and then click on the OK button.