Import and Export contacts

[phyljack1]

I keep my address book in contacts on MS Outlook.I have two PCs and when
I change data on one contact on one PC, I export to a thumb drive and
then import the information into the 2nd PC.

This is what I do when I export contacts:
File-Import and Export-Export to a file-Comma Separated Values
(Windows)-Contacts-Save exported File-
then I indicate the drive and what to export.

The file exported is MS Outlook Contacts.

Here is the problem. When I import to the 2nd PC all the contacts are
duplicated and I have to delete the older contacts.
I must be doing something wrong. But what? Is it the "Comma Separated
Values (Windows) selection incorrect?

 

[John Mayson]

Here is the problem. When I import to the 2nd PC all the contacts are
duplicated and I have to delete the older contacts.
I must be doing something wrong. But what? Is it the "Comma Separated
Values (Windows) selection incorrect?

If the entries existed prior to your import they will be duplicated once
you import. Outlook makes no attempt to merge contacts. Synchronization
would be a better solution.

John

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

You are using a method for losing data, not transferring it. You never use
export and import to transfer Outlook data, especially using a non-Outlook
format.
Copy your Outlook data file and open it in the other installation if you
want to transfer Outlook data. The file you need is your Personal Folders
file (*.pst) It's where all the mail, calendar, contacts etc are stored.

Take a look at these pages for info on Outlook data backup or transfer:
http://www.slipstick.com/config/backup.htm
http://www.howto-outlook.com/Howto/backupandrestore.htm
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx