Address book crashes Outlook

[Bob]

Hi all,

I have a problem with Outlook 2003 on an XP machine. What happens is this:

When I am in Outlook and looking at the Inbox, I can click on the Address Book icon and it opens normally.

However, if I open a "New Mail" window and click on he "Address Book" icon next to the "To" field - outlook freezes.
The same thing happens if I click on the "Address Book" icon next to the "To" field in a Reply.

Here's what I have tried so far:

I ran scanpst.exe on the pst file, no problems found, same problem continues.
I uninstalled Outlook, then re-installed... same problem.
I uninstalled Outlook and Word, then re-installed... same problem.
I removed all .pst's from this computer and set up a brand new profile... same problem.

I can't imagine what in the world is causing this, and am at a loss as to what the cause could be.

All suggestions appreciated,
bob

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

This is a very common problem which Microsoft claims they cannot reproduce
and therefore cannot solve. Anecdotal reports claim the following may help:
1. Look for and correct a corrupt address in the Contacts displayed in the
Outlook Address Book (especially if the crash at the same place when
scrolling).
2. Remove then re-add the Outlook Address Book Service or, better yet,
create a new Outlook profile.
3. Update your video drivers.

Most people seem to find no solution.