Automatically Add All Exchange Users to Contacts?

[life036]

Hello All,

In the Outlook web interface that is included in MS Exchange 2003, is there a way to automatically add all of the addresses on your domain to your contacts list (or global directory, whatever that is)? It would seem logical to me that this would be easy to do, but maybe I overestimate Microsoft...

Anyone have any info on this?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[WhoKilledKenny]

What is your requirement? Why would you want to do this? Is it so tht you can address email when offline, like a laptop user?

There is an offline address book that is used for laptop users who are on the road and would like to use Outlook without being connected to your network. When installing the outlook client, you would create a profile using 'cached mode.' Which is the default when installing Outlook 2003. I do not recommend cached mode for desktop clients that are always connected to your network as the offline address book, usually only replicates once a day.

 

[WhoKilledKenny]

Sorry... OWA. You should still be able to access the Global Address List (Global Directory). From OWA (Outlook Web Access) create an new email. Click the "To.." button. Find names in: should be a dropdown list where you can choose the Global Address List or your own contacts. In OWA you have to search for receipients.

Hope that makes better sense regarding your question...

 

[WhoKilledKenny]

Sorry again... hit post too quick. I still would have to ask why you would want to copy all the users in the GAL to your local Contacts?

 

[life036]

Well, I don't need them in my contacts if I could find them in the Global Address List... But when I search using a "*" in the GAL, I can't seem to find anything... only when I search for a specific name.

My purpose is to add averyone in the organization onto a distribution list. I'll be damned if I'm gonna do it by manually searching or typing each persons name. Where can I just view EVERYONE in the GAL?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Topkapi]

Not sure if this is exactly what you want but.....

If you put a space in the "Display Name " box and click the find button then the complete list of GAL entries is displayed.

Hope this helps

 

[markdmac]

Why don't you just create an AD distribution group that pulls everyone in?

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

Work SMARTER not HARDER. The Spider's Parlor's Admin Script Pack is a collection of Administrative scripts designed to make IT Administration easier! Save time, get more work done, get the Admin Script Pack.

 

[life036]

Aha! So a space is the wildcard character for this search... God forbid Microsoft could ever be consistent. Thanks Topkapi!

Markdmac: I actually already have all of the users in a group in active directory. Does this mean that I can just email that group and it will go to everybody? How can I email the group?

Thanks again for the replies.

 

[markdmac]

Yes, if the group is mail enabled then click the To button and type the group name. It should resolve against your OAB.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

Work SMARTER not HARDER. The Spider's Parlor's Admin Script Pack is a collection of Administrative scripts designed to make IT Administration easier! Save time, get more work done, get the Admin Script Pack.