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[Resolved]: The Address List Cannot Be Displayed in Outlook

Ritu Roy | File Repair fix How to's Outlook Software Technology | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 21-05-2025
The Address List cannot be displayed in Outlook

If you’re encountering the error “The Address List cannot be displayed in Outlook”, you’re not alone. This error typically appears when trying to open the address book or select recipients while composing a message. It can be frustrating, especially if you need to access your contacts urgently. Fortunately, this issue can usually be resolved by following a few troubleshooting steps.

In this article, we will discuss the common causes of the “Address List Cannot Be Displayed in Outlook“ error and outline solutions that can help you resolve the issue.

Common Causes of the “Address List Cannot Be Displayed in Outlook” Error

  • Corrupted Outlook Profile: Sometimes, your Outlook profile might become corrupted, which can prevent Outlook from displaying the address list.
  • Offline Mode: Outlook may be set to “Offline” mode, causing it to fail when trying to access the address book.
  • Corrupt or Missing Address Book Service: If the address book service is missing or corrupted in Outlook, the address list will fail to display.
  • Damaged or Outdated OST/PST File: Issues with the Outlook data files, such as a corrupted PST or OST file, can also cause this error.
  • Connection Issues with Exchange Server: For users using Outlook with an Exchange account, server-side issues or connection problems can cause the address list to fail to load.

Solutions to Resolve the “Address List Cannot Be Displayed in Outlook” Error

Check the Outlook Profile

One of the most common reasons for this error is a corrupted Outlook profile. To resolve this, try creating a new profile.

Steps to Create a New Outlook Profile:

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Open Control Panel and select Mail.
  3. Click on Show Profiles.
  4. Click Add, and follow the prompts to create a new profile.
  5. Set the new profile as the default profile by selecting Prompt for a profile to be used or Always use this profile, then choose the newly created profile.
  6. Open Outlook with the new profile and check if the address list displays correctly.

Make Sure Outlook is Not in Offline Mode

If Outlook is in Offline Mode, it won’t be able to connect to the server or display the address list. Here’s how you can check and switch to Online Mode:

Steps to Disable Offline Mode:

  1. Open Outlook.
  2. Go to the Send/Receive tab.
  3. Look for the Work Offline option in the ribbon. If it’s highlighted, click it to turn Offline Mode off.

After switching to Online Mode, try accessing the address list again.

Repair the Outlook Address Book

If the Outlook Address Book service is missing or corrupted, you can attempt to repair it.

Steps to Repair the Address Book Service:

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Mail.
  2. Click Email Accounts.
  3. Under the Data Files tab, check if the Microsoft Exchange Address Book is listed. If it’s missing or corrupt, click Change or Repair to fix it.
  4. If the service is already listed, try removing and adding the Address Book again:
    • In the Email Accounts window, click New to add the service again, then select Microsoft Exchange and the appropriate settings.

Check for Issues with the OST/PST File

If your Outlook data file (OST or PST) is corrupted, it could cause problems with displaying the address list. One can utilise the built-in Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) to fix it.

Steps to Repair a Corrupted PST or OST File:

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the scanpst.exe file:
    • For Outlook 2016 or later: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\
    • Replace XX with your version number (e.g., Office16 for Outlook 2016).
  3. Run scanpst.exe.
  4. Click Browse and select your PST or OST file.
  5. Click Start to begin the scan. If errors are found, the tool will prompt you to repair the file.

Check for Exchange Server Connection Issues

For Outlook users connected to an Exchange server, network or server connection problems can cause the address list to fail. Try these steps to check if the server is reachable:

Steps to Check Exchange Server Connection:

  1. Open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  2. Under the Email tab, check the status of your Exchange account. It should show as Connected.
  3. If it says Disconnected, verify your internet connection and contact your Exchange administrator to ensure the server is operational.

Update Outlook

Sometimes, the issue may be caused by outdated software. Make sure your version of Outlook is up-to-date by installing the latest updates.

Steps to Update Outlook:

  1. Open Outlook.
  2. Go to File > Office Account > Update Options.
  3. Select Update Now to install the latest updates.

Instant Solution – Use CubexSoft Outlook Backup Tool for Outlook Data Conversion

If the error is due to corruption in the PST file and SCANPST.exe cannot resolve it, consider using CubexSoft Outlook Converter. This professional tool can convert Outlook PST files to various saving options like PDF, MBOX, EML, MSG, DOC, RTF, TXT, Office 365, Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo Mail, Mac Outlook, and many more with ease, ensuring your Outlook mailbox is converted with complete integrity.

Wrap Up!

The “Address List Cannot Be Displayed” error in Outlook can be caused by various issues, including corrupted profiles, offline mode, missing address book services, and issues with Outlook data files or Exchange server connections. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and regain access to your address list.