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Categories vs. Multiple Contacts folders
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You'll find some debate over which method is better for managing different types of contacts -- have more than one Contacts folder (Personal, Business, etc.) or use one Contacts folder with categories. There are pluses and minuses for both.

Personally, I use a combination. I have a couple of separate Contacts folders that use special forms, plus I make extensive use of categories in my main Contacts folder.

Multiple Contacts Folders
Pluses Minuses
  • Group different types of contacts separately in the Outlook Address Book
  • Use different forms for different types of contacts, each form specific to its folder
  • Easily export a set of contacts for use on another machine
    •
  • Automatic journaling takes place only for the main Contacts folder
  • If a contact fits into two types (such as both Business and Personal), you may need to create duplicate entries.
    •
    One Contacts Folder, Multiple Categories
    Pluses Minuses
  • Combine multiple categories into custom views for innumerable ways of looking at your Contacts
  • Automatic journaling for all Contacts
    •
  • Cannot use Categories to select items for a Word mail merge, except in Outlook 2000
  • Cannot directly export a particular category; must copy to a separate folder first
  • Cannot use Categories to filter when using the Outlook Address Book
    •
    Back to Top

    More Information
  • Enabling the Outlook Address Book and Contacts folder
  • Public Folder and other mailbox Contacts folders
  • Microsoft Outlook Categories
    •
    Updated Dec 28 2009
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