I can tell you that I recovered the ability to open contacts by uninstalling
(using Add/Remove Programs) the updates you label as #2 and #4. I still have
#1 and #3 installed. I didn't try to narrow it down further.

"dsack3" wrote:

... My failure mode started a few days ago, just after loading the
following MS updates:
1. Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)
2. Security Update for Outlook 2003 (KB924085)
3. Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (KB890830)
4. Update for Outlook 2003 Junk Email Filter (KB925534)