Cleaning up the database

[JClinchard]

We've got over 100k contacts in Goldmine, and my boss guesses at close to 30k are now defunct. I sent out a test email to some addresses and got several back for 'failure to deliver'.

I've played with the Email Center rules, filters, etc... to try and find a way to speed up the process of grabbing these returned mails, checking for the email address, then checking that against Goldmine's database, and then finally deleting the contact.

Is there an automated process or is the manual route the only way?

 

[philhege]

Testing email addresses is not a core function of GM. You could write a procedure that a) sends test emails and b) periodically checks the sending account's inbox for undeliverables, or bite the bullet and slog through this manually.

Phil Hegedusich
Senior Programmer/Analyst
IIMAK

http://www.iimak.com

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I'll have the roast duck with the mango salsa.

 

[goner]

http://www.endusersoftware.com

has an excellent tool for handling those bounces and marking the records (or just plain deleting them, or whatever!) IT's called MAILBOX X. Check it out!

Doug Castell
Castell Computers
(310)601-4738

http://www.castellcomputers.com

 

[JClinchard]

I found Mailbox X a few days after doing my search. I found BounceLinker as well, but my boss is hesitant on the cost involved.

We are looking into Mailbox X right now. Goner, have you used it personally?

 

[goner]

Some, yes, and I am a personal friend of the developer who wrote it. I don't use it regularly, however, as I don't have a need to deal with that many bouncebacks.

I have, however, recommended it to quite a number of happy customers.

Doug Castell
Castell Computers
(310)601-4738

http://www.castellcomputers.com

 

[JClinchard]

Thanks goner! I hope we become another one of those happy customers!

 

[JClinchard]

I can't find it on the main page, but does Mailbox X work with GM 6.5?

 

[JClinchard]

Nevermind, I found it 10 secs after asking.