How to Import Outlook Express Address Books to Outlook

This article looks at the method for importing contact lists and address books from Outlook Express to the full Outlook program. Outlook Express is a web email program made by Microsoft. It can be used in conjunction with Outlook. Outlook Express is like a "lite" version of the fuller version known simply as Outlook. Files such as emails, contact information, addresses, and settings can be synced between the two programs or the information can be exported from one to the other. Exporting contacts from Outlook Express to Outlook can be done in a few simple steps.

Open "Microsoft Outlook" and click on "File" followed by "Import and Export." For most computers this is located on the upper right side of the Outlook main screen.

Click on "Import Internet Mail and Addresses" and click on "Next." Select "Outlook Express" from the list of options and click "Next."

Click on "Next." Select "Addresses" on the next screen; select "Mail" as well if you want to import all mail as well. "Addresses" will include the contacts list and all information you've filled out for each contact in the address book.

Click "Next" and select the destination folder for the imported contact files. Choose "Contacts," "Personal Address Book," or "Outlook contacts." Click on "Finish" and wait for the exporting status bar to disappear from the screen.

Click on Outlook on your desktop and select the "Address Book" or "Contacts" option. Verify that your contacts have been successfully copied over to the Outlook address book.

It is a good idea to create an additional folder on your desktop titled "Outlook Contacts Backup." After creating this additional folder you'll want to open "Outlook" and click on "Export files." Choose the folder you just created and check off the checkboxes next to all fields. If they are not, repeat the above steps ensuring you've followed the steps as directed.

After confirming the selection and clicking on "Export" a backup ".csv" file of your address book will be created and stored on your Windows desktop. This folder can be accessed by other email programs if needed and can be moved to other folder locations on the computer.

It is advisable to create this backup in case your Outlook account is compromised or if your computer experiences a data loss event. You can also create this folder on an external hard drive for extra back up protection.

Reference:

1. Microsoft Support: Importing files from Outlook Express [http://support.microsoft.com/kb/196215]