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I have no problems opening contacts, but when I use the search tool in Outlook 2003 it will find the contact and then tell me "cannot open this item". Any ideas.

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If you can open a contact from its folder but not when double‑clicking it from Outlook 2003 Search/Advanced Find, the issue is usually with the view or forms cache, not the installation. That is why @iamthwee’s reinstall did not help and why still sees the error. Try these targeted fixes (in this order):

  • Clear the Outlook forms cache. In Outlook: Tools > Options > Other > Advanced Options > Custom Forms > Manage Forms > Clear Cache. This fixes corrupted form definitions that block items from opening from search results. Steps and background: .

  • Reset views. Close Outlook, then run:

    outlook.exe /cleanviews

    This rebuilds all folder views that Advanced Find relies on. Note: it resets your custom views. Details: .

  • Test in Safe Mode. Close Outlook and run:

    outlook.exe /safe

    If contacts open from search in Safe Mode, disable add‑ins and re‑enable one by one to find the culprit. Switch reference: .

  • Repair the data file. Close Outlook and run the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) against your PST/OST. Corruption can surface only when items are opened via search. How‑to: Repair Outlook data files (scanpst.exe).

  • Sanity check: if you use archives, make sure every PST that could contain contacts is actually attached (File > Data File Management). Search can list items from detached archives, which then cannot be opened.

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Member Avatar for Member #46692

Quick solution, do a partial system restore, or try reinstalling.

Member Avatar for sparkis

already did

Member Avatar for sparkis

Quick solution, do a partial system restore, or try reinstalling.

that was the first thing I tried. No GO

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