How to copy Autocomplete name list to new Outlook 2003/2007 installation

Outlook offers the Autocomplete function in address fields when a new message is created. Basically it shows the possible email addresses after typing first couple of letters (Fig.1.). This feature works automatically - after sending a message to completely new address it is being added to the Autocomplete list so next time the program suggests it in address field. Unfortunately because of the way the list is created, when the user moves to the new machine or new Outlook installation the whole list is created from scratch - after typing the whole email address in the TO field.

Fig.1. The Autocomplete feature in action

This can be avoided by copying a special file with the .NK2 extension which contains the list of autocomplete names and pasting it to the appropriate folder on the new computer or Outlook installation.

To access the file you have to make the system and hidden files/folders visible. To do this go to your Control Panel in Windows and open Folder Options. Click the View tab, and then, under Advanced settings, under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders.

After enabling the option above go to the following folder:

- On Windows XP go to drive:\Documents and Settings\user name\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook.
- On Windows Vista/7 go to drive:\Users\user name\AppData\Microsoft\Outlook.

Next locate the .NK2 file named just like the profile used in Outlook (Outlook.nk2 by default). Copy the file and paste it to the same folder on the new machine.
That's it - after starting the new Outlook you should see all your email suggestions while you type the email address in the TO field.