Outlook 2003 Contacts don't link

[Guest]

When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the associated contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer are accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation. The command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway worked in the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular contact, it works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed between "this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There is a gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.

 

[Guest]

If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that issue. I simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to is that I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to reinstall all of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't know if the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under "Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with this issue or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is empty.

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed between "this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There is a gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation. The command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway worked in the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular contact, it works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Guest]

I just figured out how to remove the address book, however, it didn't solve
the error issue.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file incorrectly always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx only skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because you might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that issue. I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to is that I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to reinstall all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't know if the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under "Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with this issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is empty.

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed between "this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There is a gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway worked in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular contact, it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Guest]

Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation. The command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to be done.

Thanks again!

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file incorrectly always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx only skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because you might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that issue. I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to is that I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to reinstall all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't know if the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under "Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with this issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is empty.

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed between "this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There is a gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway worked in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular contact, it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Could you at least tell me how you created and migrated this PST file?
Have you checked it for errors with the Inbox repair Tool?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation. The command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to be done.

Thanks again!

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file incorrectly always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx only
skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because you
might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that issue. I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to is that I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to reinstall
all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't know if
the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under "Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with this
issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is empty.

:

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed between
"this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There is a
gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway worked in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular contact, it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Guest]

I saved my PST file to an external drive. When I purchased the new computer,
I copied the PST file to my new hard drive, into a data folder called,
"Outlook". I then pointed Outlook to this PST file.

I just ran the repair tool and it found and repaired errors in the file. I
still, however, am receving the error when I click on my contacts.

Could you at least tell me how you created and migrated this PST file?
Have you checked it for errors with the Inbox repair Tool?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation. The command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to be done.

Thanks again!

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file incorrectly always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx only
skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because you
might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that issue. I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to is that I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to reinstall
all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't know if
the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under "Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with this
issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is empty.

:

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed between
"this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There is a
gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway worked in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular contact, it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

How did you "save" this file?
How did you set this PST file as the default for your profile?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

I saved my PST file to an external drive. When I purchased the new
computer,
I copied the PST file to my new hard drive, into a data folder called,
"Outlook". I then pointed Outlook to this PST file.

I just ran the repair tool and it found and repaired errors in the file.
I
still, however, am receving the error when I click on my contacts.

Could you at least tell me how you created and migrated this PST file?
Have you checked it for errors with the Inbox repair Tool?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still
encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation. The command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to be done.

Thanks again!

:

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file incorrectly
always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx only
skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because you
might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that issue.
I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to is that
I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to
reinstall
all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't know
if
the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under
"Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with this
issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is empty.

:

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed between
"this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There is
a
gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the
associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway worked
in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular contact,
it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Guest]

The PST file is automatically saved as it is used. I then copied that file
to an external hard drive and back to the new computer.

I then went to "open" and opened that data file.

How did you "save" this file?
How did you set this PST file as the default for your profile?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

I saved my PST file to an external drive. When I purchased the new
computer,
I copied the PST file to my new hard drive, into a data folder called,
"Outlook". I then pointed Outlook to this PST file.

I just ran the repair tool and it found and repaired errors in the file.
I
still, however, am receving the error when I click on my contacts.

Could you at least tell me how you created and migrated this PST file?
Have you checked it for errors with the Inbox repair Tool?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still
encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation. The command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to be done.

Thanks again!

:

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file incorrectly
always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx only
skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because you
might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that issue.
I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to is that
I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to
reinstall
all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't know
if
the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under
"Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with this
issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is empty.

:

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed between
"this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There is
a
gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the
associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway worked
in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular contact,
it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

That would have preserved its links if done correctly.
Did you keep a backup?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

The PST file is automatically saved as it is used. I then copied that
file
to an external hard drive and back to the new computer.

I then went to "open" and opened that data file.

How did you "save" this file?
How did you set this PST file as the default for your profile?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

I saved my PST file to an external drive. When I purchased the new
computer,
I copied the PST file to my new hard drive, into a data folder called,
"Outlook". I then pointed Outlook to this PST file.

I just ran the repair tool and it found and repaired errors in the
file.
I
still, however, am receving the error when I click on my contacts.

:

Could you at least tell me how you created and migrated this PST file?
Have you checked it for errors with the Inbox repair Tool?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional
personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still
encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to be
done.

Thanks again!

:

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file incorrectly
always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx
only
skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because
you
might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that
issue.
I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to is
that
I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to
reinstall
all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't
know
if
the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under
"Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with
this
issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is
empty.

:

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed
between
"this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There
is
a
gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the
associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer
are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation.
The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway
worked
in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular
contact,
it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Guest]

I do still have the PST file, however, it is now 2 months old. Wont I
overwrite all of my present data? Is there no other way to reestablish the
links?

That would have preserved its links if done correctly.
Did you keep a backup?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

The PST file is automatically saved as it is used. I then copied that
file
to an external hard drive and back to the new computer.

I then went to "open" and opened that data file.

How did you "save" this file?
How did you set this PST file as the default for your profile?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I saved my PST file to an external drive. When I purchased the new
computer,
I copied the PST file to my new hard drive, into a data folder called,
"Outlook". I then pointed Outlook to this PST file.

I just ran the repair tool and it found and repaired errors in the
file.
I
still, however, am receving the error when I click on my contacts.

:

Could you at least tell me how you created and migrated this PST file?
Have you checked it for errors with the Inbox repair Tool?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional
personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still
encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to be
done.

Thanks again!

:

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file incorrectly
always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx
only
skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because
you
might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that
issue.
I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to is
that
I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to
reinstall
all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't
know
if
the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under
"Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with
this
issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is
empty.

:

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed
between
"this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?" There
is
a
gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the
associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer
are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested operation.
The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway
worked
in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular
contact,
it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working again?

Thank you!

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

No. Your statement that the "PST is automatcally saved as it is used"
troubles me. What does that mean? I also question how you migrated this PST
file to be your current default.
There is more to this story, and therein lies the answer.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

I do still have the PST file, however, it is now 2 months old. Wont I
overwrite all of my present data? Is there no other way to reestablish
the
links?

That would have preserved its links if done correctly.
Did you keep a backup?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

The PST file is automatically saved as it is used. I then copied that
file
to an external hard drive and back to the new computer.

I then went to "open" and opened that data file.

:

How did you "save" this file?
How did you set this PST file as the default for your profile?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I saved my PST file to an external drive. When I purchased the new
computer,
I copied the PST file to my new hard drive, into a data folder
called,
"Outlook". I then pointed Outlook to this PST file.

I just ran the repair tool and it found and repaired errors in the
file.
I
still, however, am receving the error when I click on my contacts.

:

Could you at least tell me how you created and migrated this PST
file?
Have you checked it for errors with the Inbox repair Tool?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional
personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still
encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to be
done.

Thanks again!

:

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file
incorrectly
always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx
only
skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because
you
might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that
issue.
I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to
is
that
I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to
reinstall
all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't
know
if
the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under
"Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with
this
issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is
empty.

:

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed
between
"this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?"
There
is
a
gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the
associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer
are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested
operation.
The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway
worked
in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular
contact,
it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working
again?

Thank you!

 

[Brian Tillman]

The PST file is automatically saved as it is used. I then copied
that file to an external hard drive and back to the new computer.

Was Outlook closed when you did this?

 

[Guest]

I assume it was since I hadn't started using it on the new computer since I
didn't yet have my data imported.

 

[Guest]

How does one "save" a PST file? I simply save data by saving contacts,
saving tasks, etc. as I am working in Outlook. I don't know of any other
process of then additionally saving the PST file. Regardless of what may
have happened 2 months ago when I migrated the PST file, is there any current
solution for re-linking my contacts?

No. Your statement that the "PST is automatcally saved as it is used"
troubles me. What does that mean? I also question how you migrated this PST
file to be your current default.
There is more to this story, and therein lies the answer.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

I do still have the PST file, however, it is now 2 months old. Wont I
overwrite all of my present data? Is there no other way to reestablish
the
links?

That would have preserved its links if done correctly.
Did you keep a backup?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
The PST file is automatically saved as it is used. I then copied that
file
to an external hard drive and back to the new computer.

I then went to "open" and opened that data file.

:

How did you "save" this file?
How did you set this PST file as the default for your profile?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I saved my PST file to an external drive. When I purchased the new
computer,
I copied the PST file to my new hard drive, into a data folder
called,
"Outlook". I then pointed Outlook to this PST file.

I just ran the repair tool and it found and repaired errors in the
file.
I
still, however, am receving the error when I click on my contacts.

:

Could you at least tell me how you created and migrated this PST
file?
Have you checked it for errors with the Inbox repair Tool?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional
personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still
encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation. The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to be
done.

Thanks again!

:

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file
incorrectly
always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx
only
skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory because
you
might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that
issue.
I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back to
is
that
I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had to
reinstall
all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I don't
know
if
the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed under
"Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do with
this
issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It is
empty.

:

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed
between
"this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?"
There
is
a
gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on the
associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no longer
are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested
operation.
The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has alway
worked
in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular
contact,
it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working
again?

Thank you!

 

[Brian Tillman]

I assume it was since I hadn't started using it on the new computer
since I didn't yet have my data imported.

I meant was it closed on the original PC when you copied the original PST?

 

[Brian Tillman]

How does one "save" a PST file?

Close Outlook and copy the PST top another folder or another disk. All
saved. Since the single PST contains all your mail, calendar, tasks,
contacts, etc., you don't have to save each folder individually.

 

[Guest]

I'm not 100% certain, however, in the past when I have tried to copy the PST
for backup while Outlook was open, it would not allow me to copy the file. I
would simply get an error and have to close Outlook. I assume that this is
what I did.

Kevin

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

None that I know of if the links are already broken. You can try to repair
the file, but that's a real long shot.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

How does one "save" a PST file? I simply save data by saving contacts,
saving tasks, etc. as I am working in Outlook. I don't know of any other
process of then additionally saving the PST file. Regardless of what may
have happened 2 months ago when I migrated the PST file, is there any
current
solution for re-linking my contacts?

No. Your statement that the "PST is automatcally saved as it is used"
troubles me. What does that mean? I also question how you migrated this
PST
file to be your current default.
There is more to this story, and therein lies the answer.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

I do still have the PST file, however, it is now 2 months old. Wont I
overwrite all of my present data? Is there no other way to reestablish
the
links?

:

That would have preserved its links if done correctly.
Did you keep a backup?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
The PST file is automatically saved as it is used. I then copied
that
file
to an external hard drive and back to the new computer.

I then went to "open" and opened that data file.

:

How did you "save" this file?
How did you set this PST file as the default for your profile?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
I saved my PST file to an external drive. When I purchased the
new
computer,
I copied the PST file to my new hard drive, into a data folder
called,
"Outlook". I then pointed Outlook to this PST file.

I just ran the repair tool and it found and repaired errors in
the
file.
I
still, however, am receving the error when I click on my
contacts.

:

Could you at least tell me how you created and migrated this PST
file?
Have you checked it for errors with the Inbox repair Tool?
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
Ok. I went through the whole process, deleted the additional
personal
folder, and again I am using my backed up folder. I am still
encountering
the same problem, "Cannot perform the requested operation.
The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". What else needs to
be
done.

Thanks again!

:

Well, we're getting a lot closer. Migrating a PST file
incorrectly
always
breaks links. How did you do it?
You need to follow the directions in the Help File:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx
only
skip
the part about copying the file to the default directory
because
you
might
end up overwriting another PST file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
message
If I knew what happened in that "gap", I would address that
issue.
I
simply
don't know what changed. The only thing I can trace back
to
is
that
I
purchased a new computer a couple of months ago and I had
to
reinstall
all
of
my software. Of course I am using the same PST file. I
don't
know
if
the
issue started at that point or not.

I have, however, noticed that I have 2 "Contacts" listed
under
"Outlook
Address Books". I don't know if this has anything to do
with
this
issue
or
not. BTW, how do I remove the 2nd "Contacts" listing. It
is
empty.

:

You were there. We weren't. How can we guess what changed
between
"this
always worked before" and "they are no longer accessible?"
There
is
a
gap
between "before" and "no longer" that you need to fill in.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
in
message
When I open up a contact in Outlook 2003 and click on
the
associated
contacts
on the bottom to the right of "Contacts...", they no
longer
are
accessible.
I receive an error, "cannot perform the requested
operation.
The
command
selected is not valid for this recipient". This has
alway
worked
in
the
past. If I reassoicate the contacts with the particular
contact,
it
works
fine. What caused this and how do I get them working
again?

Thank you!