Everyone knows that the contacts (and address book) sort order can be changed from first name, last name order (which is the default) to last name, first name order - and if you didn't know, the instructions are below.
However, once the order is set, confusion sets in because it only works for new entries. All your existing entries must be converted by hand which can be time consuming, tedious, and error prone.
This add-in will allow you to specify the sort order you would like all your existing contacts to be listed in, whether it be last name, first name or first name, last name.
Features of the Contacts Sort Order add-in include:
Simple, easy to use interface makes updating the sort order of all your contacts a snap
Does both contacts and address book
Allows several predefined formats (e.g., "Last name, First name" or "Company Name (Last name, First name)")
Updates all your contacts in your specified folders at once
Optionally strips that annoying leading and trailing single quote from the File As and name fields
Optionally swaps the first name with the last name
Works with Microsoft Outlook 2007, Outlook 2003, Outlook 2002, or Outlook 2000
Integrates directly into Outlook and is invoked from within Outlook
Avoids the Outlook security prompts so you won't get those nagging security prompts
Works with Microsoft Exchange Server (and public folders) but does not require it
Fast. Easy. Productive. And the price is right too! It's free if you promise not to contact technical support except for installation troubles. You can download the free Contacts Sort Order add-in for Outlook 2000-2003 here, and for Outlook 2007 here.
Otherwise if you think you'll need help, you can add it to your cart by selecting the "Add To Cart" button above and ask any questions you need to by either phone or email.
Address Book Tips
Note: The add-in does not automatically change the order of new entry names in your address book, but it does contain instructions on how to do so. As mentioned above, we have them here for you to reference as well.
Outlook Tip: How to change the order of names in the address book
The Outlook Address Book sometimes displays first and last names in the wrong order. If you want to display "Last, First", but it persists in displaying names as "First Last" (or vice versa) then follow these steps. The steps are dependent on the version of Outlook that you are using and the mode. You can check the version and the mode by going to Help...About.
Outlook 2007:
Go to Tools...Account Settings...Address Books…Highlight the Outlook Address Book...Change...Set the sort order there
Outlook 2003 and
Outlook 2002:
Go to Tools...E-mail accounts...View or change existing directories or address books...Outlook Address Book... Change...Set your sort order there
Outlook 2000:
Corporate/Workgroup:
Tools menu...Services...Highlight the Outlook Address Book service...Click Properties...Set order Internet Mail Only:
Tools menu...Address Book...View menu...Sort by
Note: There are free solutions to this problem (we recommend this article from
SlipStick.com for example).
You may want to check that out first, particularly if you're handy at VBA coding. We make this
add-in available for those that are not, or those that need to save time and just get the job done.
There's also more information in the help file, including how to set the default File As order for all new contacts.
Support Info
Free! 2 years of phone and email support
Free! 2 years of upgrades
Community Forum
Sperry Software is dedicated to providing first class support. Two years of upgrades and support are provided with every add-in purchase. There is also a community website set up for users to help other users.