Our computer with Outlook 2003 recently crashed, and the disk was reformatted prior to reloading backed-up files from our external hard drive and reinstalling Outlook 2003. The data file "Outlook" is in the right folder within Documents and Settings, and I can look at the contacts by clicking the contacts icon in Outlook, but cannot search for a contact--shows nothing found--nor do the email addresses of those contacts come up when drafting a new email.



What do I need to do to restore the contacts in such a way that they interact properly with Outlook's search and autofill capabilities?

Thanks!
Wally

First, since you stated you had to re-install your Outlook 2003 client, this suggest that the auto name resolver cache file or NK2 file was most likely removed then re-installed. This would have removed any auto resolving email address. Compose a message and sen it to any contact. Once sent send a second and see if the TO field auto resolves.

For your second issue, this is not normal behavior for the search functions of Outlook. check when searching you are doing it in all Outlook contact folders. If not try this link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/831402

http://www.eggheadcafe.com/software/...look-2003.aspx

Hope this information was found helpful.