Import Outlook contacts into Access 1

[Callreluctance]

I am trying to setup an new database (I am a novice user) with access, and want to set it up so the customers can import their contacts directly into the access table for contacts. The import Wizard is not very helpful and did not allow me to select which fields in Outlook matched to which field in the table. Thanks.

 

[Joshman]

You could export the Outlook Contacts from Outlook (as a text file or such). Then Import the text file into a new table in Access.

Then use an append query to take the imported text and copy them to an existing table. This query allows you to map field names if they are different.



joshuab@musician.org
joshuaweb.htmlplanet.com

 

[Callreluctance]

Thanks, I will give that a try. It should be easy to replicate for each user, since the outlook field are standard, as is the table I will be importing to in the end.

 

[sha76]

If that doesn't work for you then import to a new table & use an append query to put the data into your existing table.
Before you go too far, are you sure you want to import & not link? I would have thought most users are likely to add to their contacts occasionally, how are these going to be updated in your database?

Sharon

 

[Callreluctance]

I tried to link them, but only received 19 of the 56 contacts in the test Outlook address book. Once I create the new table, do I then run the query to populate the existing table? Also, does the link only work from Outlook to Access, or can I go in the other direction as well;; create a query that finds updated data in the access table, and can send it back to Outlook?

 

[sha76]

OK, it's Friday afternoon, so my brain's struggling a bit, but here goes.

I'm guessing the missing contacts don't have e-mail addresses or fax numbers? I had the same problem & found that it was because of this (insane, but up until this point I could follow the logic). I then messed around with folder permissions and things a bit & got all the details, I have absolutely no idea how or why, I tried to get it back to how it was but I couldn't do it. If anyone has the answer to this then I'd love to know! Sorry, I know that doesn't exactly help you!

Yes, just run your query & it will populate your existing table.

I don't know about exporting back to Outlook, I had a quick look & couldn't find a way to do it, it may be possible in code, but I've never seen anything. One thing you can do is use the Contacts directly from Access. Have a look at thread702-430421 (although as you describe yourself as a novice user, I hope you're not easily scared! You can always use it to scare your boss into sending you on a course though!). Using it exactly as I have will still give you some problems if you can't see all the Contacts in through the link, but we should be able to figure some way round it if you decide that's the way you want to go.

Sharon

 

[Callreluctance]

Thanks Sharon, you are correct the contacts that were not imported did not have email or fax #s. I will work on that. I am setting up the database as a start to fix lack of CRM software. I took the template from Access and have been refining it to work how the sales guys want. The main reason I want to be able to import back into Outlook (or preferrably link) is so they can sync their palms. I am going to do a separate post to see if anyone knows how to sync the palm directly to the database. I imagine I can create an export system that will create a file that can be easily imported into Outlook. Not pretty, but it will work for a while. I looked at the thread, a little deep for me, and I am not sure it is what I want to do (some sales uses outlook contacts some don't). I am tyring to have the CRM database replace outlook as far as contacts go. I am going to set up the database so it can populate the calendar in Outlook with any new contacts to be made.

Jim

 

[sha76]

Jim,

That sounds like it's going to be quite impressive when it all comes together! Keep us posted with how you get on, and if there's any chance of you sending me a copy of the finished product then let me know as I'd love to have a look at it.

Sharon

 

[Callreluctance]

I am still working on this process, but if anyone else is interested the Contacts sample database from MS Access, has scipt within it to download the contacts from Outlook. I haven't tried it yet, but it shows you how to link the field so you can populate the existing table directly from Outlook.