I believe I have a problem with my Outlook 2003 database and it is becoming very annoying.

The Favourite Folder in the top left is as I expect it - however in the space below ALL MAIL FOLDERS their are 3 Personal Folders - all of which contain the same emails. So when a new email comes in it is reflected in the other 2. I would like to remove 2 of them - but simply closing them does not work - the option is greyed out as not available to do.

Compounding this is the Contacts Database which has many contacts in it - but if i create an email, and want to select a contact I get a message -"The address list couldn't be displayed. The contacts folder associated with this address list could not be opened. it may have been moved or deleted, or you do not have permissions. For information on how to remove this folder from Outlook Address Book see Microsoft Office Help."

I don't want to remove my contacts I want to USE them. If possible I want to avoid starting all over again - I tried exporting and importing - but it seemed to come import incorrectly.

Hi centaur, welcome to the PC Help Forum.

FYI it's called a Outlook folder, not database...but that's neither here nor there.

Can I please get you to close outlook completely, and goto Control Panel -> Mail -> Email Accounts -> View or change existing e-mail accounts -> How many items are in here?

If 1 -> select it and click on Change -> More Settings -> Advanced

Make sure there is only 1 mailbox in here...if there isn't, remove 2

Thank you - it's a great find - I very much appreciate what you do.
There is one item
That got me to the Port and Server Time out settings - I couldn't see anything for a mailbox - I don't mean to be a pain - I didn't see any mail boxes.

At the list of email accounts there is a drop down box and "personal folders is in it three times - and no option to delete any.





These 3 folders are all identical at all times - I can't rightclick any one of them to close 2 of them (at this stage)


You have pointed me in the right direction and I have sorted the contacts - there were 3 listed and I deleted 2 - and that part of the problem is sortad - very greatful for that - thank you. I'd just like to delete 2 of the personal folders, because it just seems messy to keep them showing.

Thank you

No problems I'm used to Exchange (which has different properties)

If you go back to Control Panel and Mail

Select Data Files isntead...I can't remember from here unfortunately (i'm at home now and only have Thunderbeard).

If you check in here you should see 3 different 'Personal Folder' data files...