Autocomplete not working in Outlook 2003

Autocomplete is not working in Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007

If for some reason the autocomplete isn’t working on Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007 in the To: CC: or the BCC: fields, then you might want to make sure that the ‘Suggest names while completing to To, CC, BCC fields’ option is enabled. You can find this option in the ‘TOOLS->Options->Preferences -> E-mail Options -> Advanced Email Options

If even with this option checked and Outlook is still not autocompleting, then you might want to rename the *.nk2 file in your profile. You can find this in the ‘C:\Documents and Settings\yourUSERNAME\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook’ folder. Once you renamed them, restart Outlook and try again. This time it should autocomplete.

5 Comments on Autocomplete not working in Outlook 2003

  1. Christina // April 29, 2009 at 9:41 am //

    What if there is no *.nk2 file in the above folder?!

  2. Make sure you are have the ‘Show hidden files and folders’ enabled.

    Here are the steps to enable it:
    1. Open the Windows Explorer (START->All Programs->Accessories->Windows Explorer)
    2. At the top, choose the ‘Tools’ menu
    3. A windows should pops up, choose the ‘View’ tab
    4. Scroll down to where you see ‘Hidden files and folders’, and select the ‘Show hidden files and folders’
    5. Click on Apply and Exit out
    6. Now see if you can see the above folder

  3. @admin
    Also make sure “Hide extensions for known file types” is NOT checked. I couldn’t find the file either, until I unchecked this box.

  4. i cannot even get into the application data folder. i have vista business and it’s the worst ever.

  5. type in part of the name to the “To” block. Tab over to the “CC” block. Wait. when the partial name is underlined with red, right click over the partial name and select the correct name from the list, or click the “more” and pick from the larger list. Tab again, or click somewhere else so that the name becomes unhighlited and repeat the process. You can close without saving if you want, or send the email. Those names will now be available in any future email. if you type enough of the name that there is only one person that meets the criteria, then outlook may auto populate the name. If this happens, the name will not be stored for later. Try that name again with less of the actual name, until you are able to get the red underline. This worked for me as I am using a Global Adress List provided by my employer. You may have to add the name and email to you Contact List and then go through the above procedure to add the name to the autocomplete list.

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