Hey folks, I'm a noob at programming Outlook.  I am interested in modifying the default contact form in Outlook 2000.  I use Outlook to keep track of clients as well as personal contacts. I would like to create a custom field for clients in which to assign a matter number (e.g. "M001, T012", etc.).  However, I would like prevent the entry of duplicates (no two contacts may have the same matter number).  I would like Outlook to tell me when I have tried to assign a matter number to a contact that is already in use (similar to the default error message that pops up when I have created two contacts with the same names).  I have reviwed a number of manuals and looked around but have not found a solution to my problem.  I assume that I will have to script a solution that checks for duplicates on entry.  Does anyone have any suggestion for how I might go about this? Is there a simpler solution

Thanks in advanc

brad