How to Create a PAB?

[msargent100]

I am trying to create a common address book for users who run MS
Outlook 2003 in a Unix environment using Citrix Metaframe.
Unfortunately running an Exchange server is not an option. The Outlook
clients are set up to connect (POP3) to the Unix hosted mail server to
retrieve/send mail.

What we were thinking of doing is to create a PAB in a shared directory
and have all users setup Outlook to lookup addresses in the centralized
PAB - we do not want to run around and update all the contacts folders
for the individual users.

We had one ambitious users who created a LARGE (1000+) address Contact
folder and we would like to export that into a form that could be
easily imported/used to create the PAB. Since it is so large it would
take too much time to hand jam in all the new addresses into the PAB.

Recommendations?

Suggestions?

How can we create a PAB with a CSV file?



Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

No good options, including creating a PAB. PAB's are an old ANSI store no
longer supported by Outlook.
On this site is an article on various ways to share Outlook data:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011477571033.aspx

You will also find a list of third-party sharing tools:
http://www.mapistore.com/Outlook/Groupware
http://www.slipstick.com/outlook/share.htm

 

[msargent100]

A PAB is an option with the version of Outlook I am using.

I went through the steps to add an addition data file and selected
address file. PAB is listed in the options. So I selected this and was
able to add a single entry to the PAB. I was also able to verify that
multiple users can access the PAB.

The problem I am facing is how to transfer the 1000+ entries transfered
from a contact folder into CSV file, into a PAB.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Incorrect. Multiple users cannot access a PAB. PAB's are obsolete. Access to
them has been preserved for legacy purposes only.

 

[msargent100]

??? Not sure what you mean by Incorrect. It DOES work as I stated.

Here is what I did with my version of MS Outlook - 2003 (11.5608.5606)

Tools -> Email Accounts ->
Selected under Directory -- Add new directory or address book
Next
Additional Address Book
Type -> PERSONAL ADDRESS BOOK

OK

Then when I click on the Address Book icon, I can select Show Names
From: -> my personal address book; and I see all the entries in the
test PAB I created.

----------------------------------

In my administrator role I go in on the file and under Properties ->
Security, I add new user -> Domain Users and
give them all but Full Control privileges.

-----------------------------------

Then as another user I can add access to the shared PAB and add,
delete, modify entries in the PAB, save it and then other users see the
changes.

So it does work.
Granted there are several potential snake pits - e.g., multiple users
saving changes concurrently... But these can be addressed procedurally
and have multiple daily backups of the file for when users do not
follow procedures.



My problem remains: How/can I get the CSV file (exported from the
Contacts folder) imported into the PAB? Or is there somewhat to
directly pass the contact information into the PAB?


Mike

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

PAB's are no longer supported and never had the ability to import other data
types.
You are the only one I've ever heard of who could get multi-user access to a
PAB. Their documentation indicated otherwise.
Good luck. I think you will eventually abandon PAB's like the rest of us.

 

[msargent100]

If there is an easy approach to offering our users a common address
book in our environment, I'm open to it.

But we are severely hamstrung with any modifications to the software
baseline (read - it just will not happen)

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

I understand.
I already posted the alternatives.