Two Inconsistent Display Names

[MIG]

We are using NT 4.0, Exchange Server and Outlook 2000.

It is possible to set an email Display Name in Contacts.

However, when you are composing a new message and click on the "To"
button, you get a list of contacts' emails sorted by an email display
name which is completely different from the one stored in the actual
Contact.

Where is this display name stored and how on Earth can it be edited?

This is driving me up the paddle without the bathwater.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Me, too. I've found no way to configure that Display Name. I suspect there
isn't one since almost nothing about the Outlook Address Book is
configurable by the user.

 

[MIG]

I finally cottoned on that the display name that appears when you get
a list from the "To" button for a new message is generated by the full
name of the Contact, not the email display name*, but names will
display in a different order depending on how it's stored when you
click on the "Full Name" button.

We had the problem that, eg "Smith, John" would appear under J, but
"Smith, Mary" would appear under S.

It turns out that "Smith, Mary" was all in the first name field,
whereas "John" was the first name, while "Smith" was in the surname
field.

For some reason, by default, the "To" button lists everyone by what's
in the first name field, which is perhaps a default that can be
changed. Bloimey.


*So what on Earth is that for then?

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

The Outlook Address Book can be sorted either by FN/LN or by the File As...
field, depending on what you select here:
Tools menu > Services > Highlight the Outlook Address Book service > Click
Properties > Set sort order