Outlook 2003 'deactivates' when I attempt some actions

[Guest]

but no clear pattern to this EXCEPT one action that does it every time = if I
open an email, right click the senders email address, and choose "Add to
contacts" .
The 'deactivation' involves most active functions being disabled, just as in
pre-activation mode (when Outlook only functions like a 'reader'). The
problem temporarily disappears/fixes if I close and reopen Outlook.
I have tried repair and 2 clean reinstalls, including one on another PC
(where the problem doesn't occur). All updates for Windows XP and Office hvae
been applied.
I've searched net and asked OEM suplie but no help anywhere.
Please help!

 

[Guest]

Further clarification to the one action that does it every time = if I open
an email and click on any of the header items (sender etc) then it
'deactivates' ie greys out most of the menu buttons including send, until I
close/reopen outlook.