Fix The Name Cannot be Matched To A Name In The Address List

Understanding the Name Cannot Be Matched Error

When you try to send an email in Outlook, you might receive the error “The Name Cannot Be Resolved.” This message appears when Outlook is unable to find a match for the recipient’s email address in the address list. It’s a connectivity or configuration issue that disrupts the process of delivering an email. The issue can arise for a variety of reasons, but it typically involves problems with your address book, Outlook profile, or server settings.

Some Possible Causes of the Error

There are several potential causes behind the “The Name Cannot Be Resolved” error in Outlook. Some of the most common ones include:

• If the recipient’s email address is incorrect or incomplete, Outlook won’t be able to find it in the address book.
• Corrupted profiles or data files can prevent Outlook from properly connecting to your contacts.
• A poor connection with your email server, such as Microsoft Exchange or Office 365, can lead to an “Outlook the name cannot be matched in the address list” error.
• The Offline Address Book, which stores cached contact data, can become outdated, leading to mismatches in the email addresses.

Quick Fixes to Try First to Fix” Outlook the Name cannot be matched” Error

Before diving into more complicated solutions, try these simple fixes:

• Restart Outlook: Sometimes, simply closing and reopening Outlook can resolve minor glitches and reset any temporary issues with the address list.
• Check for Typos: Double-check the recipient’s email address to ensure it is typed correctly. Small mistakes like a missing character or an extra space can trigger this error.
• Select the Correct Contact: Make sure the correct contact is selected from the Global Address List (GAL) while composing the email.

01: Update the Outlook Address Book

One of the most common reasons for this error is an outdated address book. If you are using an Offline Address Book (OAB), the information may not be up to date, causing mismatches when trying to send emails. To resolve “Outlook the name cannot be matched in the address list windows”:

• Update the OAB Manually: In Outlook, go to File >> Account Settings >> Download Address Book. Ensure you download the most recent version.
• Refresh the Address Book: In Outlook, you can also refresh the address book.
• Go to the Home tab and click on Address Book. 
• This will force Outlook to retrieve the latest contact information from the server.

02: Repair Your Outlook Profile

If your Outlook profile is corrupt, you may encounter various issues, including this error. Repairing your profile might fix the problem:

• Repair Outlook Profile: Go to Control Panel >> Mail >> Show Profiles. Select your profile and click Repair. Follow the prompts to repair the profile.
• Create a New Profile: If repairing doesn’t work, try creating a new Outlook profile. Go to Control Panel >> Mail >> Show Profiles, click Add and follow the steps to set up a new profile.

03: Check DNS and Network Settings

If there is a DNS or network issue between your computer and the email server, Outlook may be unable to resolve email addresses. To troubleshoot and fix” Outlook the name cannot be matched in the address list”:

• Check DNS Configuration: Ensure your DNS settings are correctly configured. Incorrect DNS entries may prevent Outlook from resolving email addresses.
• Test Server Connectivity: Try running the Ping or Telnet command to test the connection between your computer and the mail server.
• Verify Autodiscover Settings: The Autodiscover service in Outlook is responsible for automatically configuring the email settings. Make sure it is correctly set up to avoid connection issues.

04: Clear Cached Names and Auto-Complete List

Outlook’s Auto-Complete feature remembers previously used email addresses and stores them in a cache. If these cached names become corrupted, they can trigger the “Name Cannot Be Resolved” error. Here’s how to fix it:

• Clear Cached Names: Go to File >> Options >> Mail, and under Send Messages, click Empty Auto-Complete List.
• Delete Auto-Complete Entries: Start typing the recipient’s email address, and when the incorrect name appears in the drop-down, select it and press Delete.

05: Update or Reinstall Outlook

If the error persists despite trying the previous methods, it may be due to an outdated version of Outlook or a corrupted installation. To fix “outlook the name cannot be matched”:

• Check for Updates: Make sure your Outlook is up-to-date by going to File > Office Account >> Update Options >> Update Now.
• Reinstall Outlook: If updating doesn’t help, you might need to uninstall and reinstall Outlook. This ensures a clean installation, resolving any underlying software issues.

This step is often effective in resolving the “Name Not Matching Error,” as it helps ensure the account is properly synchronized. However, if you don’t have the desired outcome, don’t worry. You can turn to an automatic solution. The OST Converter Tool is a reliable choice for tackling corruption issues associated with the OST file. If none of the above solutions work, it may be time to use the OST Recovery Tool. This powerful tool is trusted by users for its efficiency and effectiveness in overcoming complex Outlook-related issues.

Also Read: Fix Outlook Unknown error 0x80040119

Conclusion

This blog provides a comprehensive and clear guide to fixing the “Outlook the name cannot be matched” error in Outlook. The given approaches will help users to troubleshoot and resolve the issue on their own. By updating your address book, repairing your Outlook profile, checking your network settings, and clearing cached names, you can ensure smooth email communication without disruptions. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to our tech support team for further assistance. With these tips, you’ll be back to sending emails with ease in no time!