In Microsoft Outlook 2002 and later, how do I make sure my Contacts are used to verify addresses?

You can customize the location Outlook uses to verify the names or addresses you enter in the "To...", "CC...", or "BCC..." fields of an email message. Then, when you enter the recipient's name or username in the appropriate field, Outlook will find the email address for you by searching the designated list or lists. For Indiana University, Outlook searches the Global Address List (GAL) by default. (The GAL contains the email addresses of users on seven IU campuses. Fort Wayne users are not included because they are not on the IU Exchange servers.)

If you use the Contacts feature of Outlook to keep track of those you correspond with, you can set up Outlook to search your Contacts when verifying names and addresses. To do so:

Outlook 2010 and 2007

When you install Outlook 2010 or 2007, the program does all the necessary steps as part of the installation, so you don't need to take any further action.

Outlook 2003 and 2002

Outlook 2003 will automatically add your Contacts to the Address Book and place it above the GAL entry. You may have to scroll to the top of the list to see it. However, if you don't see your Contacts, follow the steps below to add Contacts as a service:

1. From the Tools menu, select Email Accounts... .
   
   
2. Select Add a new directory or address book, and click Next.
   
   
3. Select Additional Address Books, and click Next.
   
   
4. Select Outlook Address Book, and click Next. A message will inform you that "The email account you have just added will not start until you choose Exit from the File menu, and then restart MS Office Outlook." Click OK.
   
   
5. From the File menu, select Exit, and then restart Outlook.

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