Many of our readers reported having problems with their Windows Contacts application. It seems that depending on how you configure Windows Explorer, it might happen that the traditional Windows Contacts buttons disappear. If you notice that you no longer have any of the following buttons: New Contact, New Contact Group, Import and Export, continue reading this tutorial and learn how to put them back on your toolbar.
First, launch Windows Contacts. Then, click on Organize and select Properties.

In the Contacts Properties window, go to the Customize tab. Here you can choose the folder type to be used for Windows Contacts. Most probably this is now changed to All Items, Documents or Music.

Beneath the text area that says 'Use this folder as a template', there is a selection box with items. Click on it, select Contacts and then click OK.

Your Windows Contacts toolbar will now return to normal.

Related articles:
Windows Contacts
How to create e-mail contact groups in Windows Vista
Comments
Contact Buttons
Wonderful! I have tried everything to no avail. Your solution fixed my problem instantly.
THANKS!!
Missing Buttons
After spending two hours with an HP Technician, he directed me to this website. I followed your instructions to restore my missing New Contact Group button, and it worked. Thanks.
Missing buttons on toolbar for Windows Mail.
Easily explained to a 70 Year young, computer user who had spent hours trying to fix this problem.
Many many thank you's
Thank You so much--I could
Thank You so much--I could not figure out what happened! I was searching for another problem and came across this!
Lost buttons
Great fix - thanks a million!
Adding the buttons removed when changing to Windows Mail.
This did the trick and with a pictorial guide I felt confident that I would be able to do it without messing everything up, which sometimes happens at my age ;o)
It worked for me - can't thank you enough. Excellent advice.
activate new contact and new contact group buttons on toolbar
The buttons new contact and new contract group are on my tolbar but they are not functioning. Import and export are not working either, but I do not need them. any help appreciated.
missing buttons for emails
Thank God, how simple was this? TU TU TU
I was about to "scream", until I found this site....definitely a bookmark
Sassy
contact groups
This fixed my problem...thank you so much. your directions were easy and clear.
Windows Mail in Vista
Thanks for your help! I have used Computers since 1987 and love them. Why did Microsoft hide this feature 99 layers deep into MS Mail??????? Even their "HELP" description is useless. Vista was done by a group of "ignorant" people!
Gene
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