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General discussion

Can't import my address book from Mac to PC

Mar 14, 2004 12:43PM PST

I am using Outlook Express ( Mac version 5.0.6) on both my old iMac (9.2.2) and my "new " old Toshiba laptop with Win 98. I have been trying to export/ my address book from my Mac so I can import it on the PC.

Although I am given the option of exporting contacts from my Mac, it gives me no options for how it is saved or sent. A straight text file is being exported to my desktop. When I try to attach it to an email so I can open it on the PC, I am stymied. What is the secret to success?

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Re:Can't import my address book from Mac to PC
Mar 14, 2004 1:36PM PST

Trudy,

It should work by "Exporting", then "Importing" the "Comma Separated Value" text file like this. (I'm currently using Outlook Express 6 on a Windows computer, but they should be similar.):

Open Outlook Express on the MAC, then click on the "Addresses" link in the toolbar to open the Address book. Click on "File" in the upper left, choose "Export", then choose "Other Address Book". When the next window opens, select "Text File (Comma Separated Value") then follow the prompts to export the file with a .CSV file extension. Once it's there, you should be able to transfer it to a floppy, or some type of removable media and move it to the Windows computer.

When you're ready to "Import" the information to the Windows computer, open Outlook Express, click on "File" in the upper left, choose "Import", choose "Other Address" book, select "Text File (Comma Separated Values), then browse to the location of the saved file (maybe on a floppy).

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re:Re:Can't import my address book from Mac to PC
Mar 14, 2004 2:33PM PST

Grif,

Well you have relieved my anxiety. I was afraid it was impossible. I have been trying to email it to myself but that didn't work.

As you know the iMac has no floppy attachment, but I do have a Zip drive, with both Mac and PC disks. Shall I save it from the Mac to a PC formatted disk and then connect the Zip drive to the PC? is that enough of a question or is there more to it than that?

Thanks so much, Trudy

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Trudy, Why Couldn't You E-mail It To Yourself?
Mar 15, 2004 2:53AM PST

It should work fine. Remember, in many cases, you'll need to rename the file with the correct file extension once it's transfered to the PC. MAC doesn't use file extensions like PC's do, so you may need to add the .csv file extension.

Another method, and maybe the easiest way, if both computers have ethernet cards, is to set up a simple network and transfer them through the network.

In regards to your Zipdisk suggestion, here is a good link:

Using Zip