Outlook Categories

[Paul van den Akker]

How can one select multiple contacts based on their category ?
What is the field "Category" for ?
And in general, why can't I select multiple adresses in "Contacts", right
click and select "New message for"
This outlook "Contacts" is a disaster !!!!
Microsoft, get down to earth and make us some programs wich are useful.

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

How can one select multiple contacts based on their category ?

Use the By Category view.

What is the field "Category" for ?

See my response to your other post in another group.

And in general, why can't I select multiple adresses in "Contacts", right
click and select "New message for"

Outlook version? Have you tried dragging the contacts Mail or Inbox?

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003

and Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

 

[Guest]

Your frustrations are loud, clear and not before unheard of...
Outlook will do all of what you require and more

Taking the time to read the extensive and informative Outlook Help, listen
to Sue's Knowledge and replies and getting some Outlook Training will make
you an Outlook Wizard.
--
____________________________
What could possibly go wrong?

Michaele BA MCSE
Systems Admin.
NorthCoastComputerServices.com

 

[Paul van den Akker]

Ok, found some answers by trial and error.
Translating from Dutch, so my descriptions may not be correct.

When clicking on "Categories " in the header bar: "Cannot sort on this
field". Have to right click and select "Sort by categories". Other fields
you can simply left click.

Having my contacts sorted by categories I want to select multiple to sent
them an e-mail.
When selecting one item in contacts you can right click and select "New
message for contact".
When selecting multiple contacts no more right click, have to go by the menu
"Actions".

Sigh.

Still think outlook is made by geeks for geeks.
Or Microsoft needs an ergonomics tester/supervisor.
I am using Windows since Version 1, the 8086 / 286 / 386 era, and always
found they have good idea's but never go to the bottom of things.
Been/still am programming in VB,C,C++,C# and always have to find
work-arounds for bugs in theyr library's.
Or use "Third party" software and library's.

#end of rant#

Thanks for the reply anyway.

Pol.

How can one select multiple contacts based on their category ?

Use the By Category view.

What is the field "Category" for ?

See my response to your other post in another group.

And in general, why can't I select multiple adresses in "Contacts", right
click and select "New message for"

Outlook version? Have you tried dragging the contacts Mail or Inbox?

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003

and Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

 

[Paul van den Akker]

Ok, found some answers by trial and error.
Translating from Dutch, so my descriptions may not be correct.

When clicking on "Categories " in the header bar: "Cannot sort on this
field". Have to right click and select "Sort by categories". Other fields
you can simply left click.

Having my contacts sorted by categories I want to select multiple to sent
them an e-mail.
When selecting one item in contacts you can right click and select "New
message for contact".
When selecting multiple contacts no more right click, have to go by the menu
"Actions".

Sigh.

Still think outlook is made by geeks for geeks.
Or Microsoft needs an ergonomics tester/supervisor.
I am using Windows since Version 1, the 8086 / 286 / 386 era, and always
found they have good idea's but never go to the bottom of things.
Been/still am programming in VB,C,C++,C# and always have to find
work-arounds for bugs in theyr library's.
Or use "Third party" software and library's.

#end of rant#

Thanks for the reply anyway.

Pol.

 

[DaShard]

Paul, although this might not be the most "elegant" solution, it works...

Create new Contact folders according to your categories
e.g. Contacts1
contacts2
contacts3 etc..

copy and paste your contacts from your main contacts folder to the relvant
new ones and then

you can send emails to one of your new folders or quickly make up a
distribution list...

Personally I find keeping all contacts in an edited and field precise Excel
spreadsheet the best - after a file export from Outlook of course
Then I use Word or Publisher (2007) for the Email merge

It's a bit of maintenance but the end results are - superb!

--
____________________________
What could possibly go wrong?

Michaele BA MCSE
Systems Admin.
North Coast Computer Services.com
----------------------------------------

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

Categories is a multi-valued field. Sorting would be meaningless on such a field. Group instead of sort.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003

and Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers