You receive a "Can't contact LDAP Directory server (81)" error message when you open the Address Book in Outlook (836205)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Outlook 2003
  • Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager
  • Microsoft Outlook 2002

SYMPTOMS

When you open the Address Book in Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 or in Microsoft Outlook 2002, you may receive the following error message:
Can't contact LDAP Directory server (81)

CAUSE

This issue may occur if an address book that uses Internet directory services (LDAP) is configured in Microsoft Outlook, and Outlook cannot contact the LDAP server that is configured for that LDAP address book.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods, depending on your situation:
  • If you are not using Internet directory services (LDAP), remove the LDAP address book. To do so:
    1. Start Outlook (if it is not already started).
    2. On the Tools menu, click E-mail Accounts.
    3. Under Directory, click View or change existing directories or address books, and then click Next.
    4. Under Directories and Address Books box, click the LDAP address book that you want to remove, and then click Remove.
    5. Click Finish.
    6. Quit, and then restart Outlook.
  • If you are using Internet directory services (LDAP), make sure that the settings for the LDAP address book are configured correctly. To do so:
    1. Start Outlook (if it is not already started).
    2. On the Tools menu, click E-mail Accounts.
    3. Under Directory, click View or change existing directories or address books, and then click Next.
    4. Under Directories and Address Books box, click the LDAP address book that you want to configure, and then click Change.
    5. Verify that the settings for the LDAP server are correct.
    6. Click Next, and then click Finish.

MORE INFORMATION

Internet directory services (LDAP) are used to find e-mail addresses that are not in a local address book or that are not in a corporate-wide directory such as the Global Address List. Unless the LDAP directory is part of your organization's network, an Internet connection is required to connect to an LDAP server and to view an LDAP address book.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/5/2004
Keywords:kbView kbaddressbook kberrmsg kbpending kbprb KB836205 kbAudEndUser
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