Parsons Technology Address Book 3.0

Bob, Not sure I understand. Are you saying that the Address Book back up may already contain a file ".mmf" that could be imported into another address book program to access the data? Right now, I put in his backup disk and my computer looks for a program. It finds the Address book program and then says it can't continue because it lacks those 2 files---so I can't press any export options because I can't get in. I need a few more details to proceed. Thanks.

Just offering there may be other ways. Not an offer for step by step instructions.

Bob

Here's a technique I fould:

The Parsons Address Book is part of the PRINTSHOP 22 program by Broderbund. They renamed it Ultimate Mail Manager. It is the Parsons Address Book. After one week of trial and error, I was finally able to retrieve the Address Book data using the following steps:

1 Opened the data files into Access.
2 Exported from Access into Excel format
3 Opened the new Excel file.
Had to revise the "notes" field. Removed all extra (tabs) and (returns)
and extra spaces in the note field. This took some time to figure out that this was preventing the file from being imported.
5 Deleted the last 3 columns - They referred to other files
6 Saved as Tab delimited text file.
7 Purchased and installed the new PrintShop 22 for $29.99 at Staples
(Ultimate Mail Manager included)
Installation of PrintShop puts Ultimate Mail Manager in the following directory:
C:/Program Files/Common Files/Broderbund/UMM/Adbook.exe
I created a shortcut on my desktop so I don?t have to load PrintShop to get to the Address Book.
8 Created a new Address Book File (ie. Friends.AB2)
9 Imported the Tab Delimited text file. It allowed me to select and "Match"
the headers from two columns, the New Address Book File and the text file
(ie. First Name - First Name etc)

Once I got through these steps successfully, I was able to repeat it
for the other 10 address books.

It was alot of work until I found the right keys. Once I found the right steps, the rest was a breeze.

Thank you for the step by step help.

Hi, I saw all the problems everyone was having with this program. I too have used Parsons Address Book for a long time, that I'm now using 7.0.
Those 2 dll files, PTSAAB32.DLL and PTSACX40.DLL have to be associated with ADBOOK.EXE. Right click each dll file and select properties, then select associations and browse to the address book directory and select adbook.exe.
After doing both files, try address book again. Worked perfectly for me.
Good luck,
Walter

I did associate the two dll's to the adbook.exe file, but the file I need is PTSAABDB.DLL and after doing a search of my computer I can not find the file. Address book 7.0 by Parsons says it can not find the file. I have reloaded the program numerous times and I can not get it to work. It tries to convert the data and then gives me the message about not finding the above file. Can you help me?

I have been using Address Book for many years and currently use 7.0.
I am looking for something even better to use for personal use or is Address Book 7.0 the best? Any suggestions on a good address book/mailer program.

Thank you for answering. I have solved my original problem but am wondering if anyone knows what has happened with "Address Book" I like it and have used it for many years but there have been no updates since 7.0 and I was once told it had been dropped. I have found a couple glitches in it but otherwise have not found another program to match it. Do you have any knowledge of the status of Address Book 7.0 or ? or do you know of anything better for home use?
Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to provide
Gary Pollard

I too am in search of Address Book >7.0. I have 7.0 on my computers. I have used it for years and never had any problems. Now one of my computers has crashed and I can't find my 7.0 disc to reinstall and I can't find a Parsons Technology to reorder from. Did their legal suit run them under? Does anyone have an old 7.0?

I had Address Book 6.a and have found 5.a. It seems to be working fine & I will share. Let me know if I can help you w/it.

Thank you --- I'd like to try that. What's the best way to transmit a copy?

Meanwhile, from a whole different angle........I am not wedded to Parsons; just happened to have it and use it and am now 1100 addresses into the process, making it a pain to copy manually. But if I were to bite that bullet, what is the most universal address book, likely to be obtainable, updatable, and backwards-compatible as the computer generations roll along?

Denno

Transmit? No attachments available here, that i can see. You have an idea?
If you "aren't married" to it, what did you use instead?
I just know how dissappointed I was before I found my cd.

Sorry, but Parsons Technology Address Book is a copyrighted program that's not freely distributable, even with regards to obsolete versions, so discussion regarding 'sharing' copies isn't permitted. You may be able to purchase a copy at a low cost on Ebay or through a similar service.

John

This program has not been made for years. no longer applies.

Just so I have this straight....it's not okay for someone to make me a copy of an obsolete program that I cannot properly purchase (in any way that benefits the copyright holder) but it's okay for someone to sell me a used copy (not to the benefit of the copyright holder) on eBay? Or do you feel that only someone with a years-old (not sure how many years!) remaindered NIB copy may re-sell it?

Not arguing with you about the general proprieties of respecting copyrights (I'm a songwriter --- don't let's get started!) but, really, what does Monsieur recommend? I've been abandoned by Parsons, stuck with 1100 entries in an address book I can't open or move to a new computer unless I can come up with a copy of the program that is compatible with both my old backup file AND with, say, XP. [Other than potential dodges as earlier in this thread --- and STILL have to get a copy of the program).

Flatcat47

BTW, I have searched ebay for the software. Lowest price was $175. for something I paid about $10 ten years ago. I don't think copywright applies in this case, due to its obsoleteness. But, that's just me. The Parsons company use to be close to me (geographically) & I don't think they would approve of any price gouging. They were into spiritual/religious software too. So, what do we do? Nothing? Sometimes, common sense must pervail.

The copyright is not automatically voided for "abondonware." The laws vary depend on the country and whether the programmer was an individual or a corporation, but for the most part the copyright doesn't expire until at least fifty years after the programmer's death. Thus, even though the program cannot be purchased from the programmer any longer and 'sharing' copies of the software does not cause any harm to any party it's still not permitted. The purchase of a used copy of the software, however, is permitted, provided it's a complete transfer of the license and all copies. It may not seem 'right,' but that's what's on the books.

Sorry.
John

These forums can't discuss sharing copyrighted software. If anyone can show where Bob Parsons released the copyright (this software was sold a few years ago but I will not duplicate history) then we can live with this.

But as it is, such discussions will be locked if anyone asks for a copy.
Bob