One reason, among many, Act! doesn’t record history to Outlook is the address book connection doesn’t activate.  In Outlook 2013+, it doesn’t wait long for any plugins.  If Outlook senses a delay (even as low as 2 seconds), it will turn it off so the inbox appears no matter what.

One trick is force the add-in to always start.  Instructions below for Office 2016 and 2013.

If this doesn’t work, resort to this DIY checklist.  If you are on Act! subscription or current with their support contract, they can be reached at 866-578-7875 or we provide fee-based support.

For Outlook 2016, follow this:

Office 2016 Enable Plugin step 01
Click File in Outlook
Office 2016 Enable Plugin step 02
Click Manage COM Addins
Office 2016 Enable Plugin step 03
Enable the Act! Plugin.

Restart Outlook.  The add-ins tab will appear in Outlook.

Office 2016 Enable Plugin step 04
Click the Add-ins tab to see the Outlook integration.

For Outlook 2013, follow this:

Click "File" in Outlook
Click Manage COM Addins.
Click Manage COM Addins.
Click Always Enable this add-in.
Click Always Enable this add-in.

Restart Outlook.  The add-ins tab will appear in Outlook.

Office 2016 Enable Plugin step 04
Click the Add-ins tab to see the Outlook integration.