Weekly Computer Tip # 387
8 February 2013


Create a distribution list from a single e-mail
(Outlook 2010)

Somebody recently asked me whether it was possible to create a distribution list from a single e-mail, addressed to a whole group of people. Well, Outlook 2010 has a nifty little feature that can help.

Here's how:

  1. Open the e-mail message, as normal, and right-click on any of the recipients.
  2. Choose the Select All option from the drop-down menu.
  3. Copy the selected recipients (they should all be highlighted), as normal. (CTRL+C, anyone?)
  4. Press CTRL+SHIFT+L (or, if you really want, close the e-mail message, open your Contacts and create a new contact group, the Outlook 2010 name for distribution lists).
  5. Click on the Add Members button and select From Address Book. (I know that doesn't sound right, but bear with me.)
  6. Right-click in the field next to the Members button and select Paste.
  7. Press OK.
  8. Give your distribution list (aka Contact Group) a suitable name and click the Save & Close button.

This tip won't work in Outlook 2003 or 2007 as step 3 copies the names, not the e-mail addresses.

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