Export Instant Messaging info from Outlook 2007

[Eyal Shahar]

Export Instant Messaging info from Outlook 2007
When exporting all contact's information out of Outlook 2007 (I want to
import them into my Messenger's contact list) into a CSV file, the IM address
is not exported at all.
I also tried importing them directly into the Messenger but with no luck.
The IM address was not imported.
Any idea?
Thanks, Eyal

 

[Karl Timmermans]

The IM Address is not a field exported via the Outlook export wizard (for
any version of Outlook - not specific to O'2007).

Also - are you referring to Windows Live Messenger (WLM) ? If you are, WLM
does not export/import CSV files - it will export and import a .CTT (XML
based) file - export a contact from WLM and look at the format by opening
the file using any text editor (i.e. Notepad)

Quick way to get your IM Address info

a) Create a view showing IM Address and whatever else you wish to include
(WLM only imports one field)
b) Highlight all entries and "copy" (ctrl-c)
c) Open a text editor or Excel and paste this info (ctrl-v) - using Excel
lets you create properly formatted CSV file
d) you will now have your IM Address info which you can then use to create
whatever file required

CG Exporter does export the IM Address field but not remotely suggesting it
as an option since it would be total overkill just to get at the IM Address
and you'd have to create a .ctt file regardless.

Karl
___________________________________________________
Karl Timmermans - The Claxton Group
ContactGenie - Importer 1.3 / DataPorter 2.0 / Exporter
"Power contact importers/exporters for MS Outlook '2000/2007"
http://www.contactgenie.com

 

[Eyal Shahar]

I am constantly synchronizing my cell phone with my Outlook and then, with my
hotmail live account. Since the sync process from the Outlook to my Mail
Live is, to say the least, not perfect, I need to periodically delete al my
live contacts and import them again (loosing my IM addresses fields).
Therefore, I am looking for a process which will not required so much
"physical" labor
Any idea why wont the Outlook export all fields? I opened a service call
with Microsoft support team about the IM field issue but I can imagine what
their answer will be…"We regret to inform you that…"
Thanks,

 

[Karl Timmermans]

You asked: "Any idea why wont the Outlook export all fields?"

Every product is designed to do specific things and no matter what is or
isn't included as a feature there is always going to be a never-ending list
of things in any feature list for <any product> that people wish were added,
deleted or done differently. In this case, the Import/Export wizard is what
it is - hasn't changed at all since O'2000 (and possibly since O'97 - can't
remember) - the IM Address was a field added in O'XP (2002) and not
available in O'2000. So a very safe bet that your response from MS will
indeed be along the lines of "We regret to inform you that....."

For what this may be worth - if you require something that can export the IM
Address field (along with "almost" everything else) to a CSV file (and that
can optionally be run on an automated basis depending on version) - CG
Exporter does provide a solution
(http://www.contactgenie.com/cgxfeatures.htm) - the value of which only you
can determine for this particular requirement.

Alternative is to write a custom based solution yourself or get one
developed.

Karl
___________________________________________________
Karl Timmermans - The Claxton Group
ContactGenie - Importer 1.3 / DataPorter 2.0 / Exporter
"Power contact importers/exporters for MS Outlook '2000/2007"
http://www.contactgenie.com