How to Migrate my Outlook BCM Database to a New Laptop?

[Guest]

I have successfully installed Outlook BCM on my new laptop, but now don't
know how to move my BCM database with its years of contacts, accounts,
appointments, opportunities, etc. Help!!!

 

[Luther]

Export from your desktop BCM to a BCM file, then import that file from
your laptop BCM.

 

[Guest]

Here's how...

On the new laptop, I enabled BCM with Outlook by creating a new (temporary)
BCM database using New>Outlook Data File>Business Contact Manager Database.

Then I backed it up using Business Tools>Manage Database>Back up Database

I noted the backup went into C:\Documents and Settings\(my name)\My
Documents\Business Contact Manager\Backups on the new laptop.

So I went to the same place on the old laptop and moved the file into a
removable drive. I then renamed it BillBase and moved it from the removable
drive into the new laptop at C:\Documents and Settings\(my name)\My
Documents\Business Contact Manager\Backups. So it was there along with the
temporary database I first created.

Finally on the new laptop, I went to Business Tools>Manage Database>Restore
Database. There I selected BillBase and the job was done, with everything
like it used to be on the old laptop.

With PC upgrades so common, it would be great to have this process
documented in BCM Help.

 

[mrtimpeterson via OfficeKB.com]

To add to Leaping Dolphins comments above:

In addition to copying and restoring the BCM database as outlined above, you
can also do this "copy & move" process with the Outlook pst data file from
the old laptop to the new laptop. While this does basically an overwrite it
does provide you with an identical starting point on the new machine. The
new machine will now have all of your native Outlook record items in place
plus your BCM add-in items will be there and all linked together too. I done
this in the past many times and to me it is the only sure way to avoid the
export/import hassles. It works very well.

-THP

 

[mrtimpeterson via OfficeKB.com]

Additional thought:

It helps to always remember that with this process you are migrating 2
separate sets of interlinked data that share the same Outlook UI: 1) The
native Outlook pst data file, 2) The BCM add-in database.

-THP

To add to Leaping Dolphins comments above:

In addition to copying and restoring the BCM database as outlined above, you
can also do this "copy & move" process with the Outlook pst data file from
the old laptop to the new laptop. While this does basically an overwrite it
does provide you with an identical starting point on the new machine. The
new machine will now have all of your native Outlook record items in place
plus your BCM add-in items will be there and all linked together too. I done
this in the past many times and to me it is the only sure way to avoid the
export/import hassles. It works very well.

-THP

Here's how...

[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]

With PC upgrades so common, it would be great to have this process
documented in BCM Help.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all your help, however...

I now see three identical "Personal Folders" along with my "Business Contact
Manager" Folder on my Folder List. I don't know how the two extra dups
appeared, but I can't delete any of them.

Meanwhile, there is only one "Outlook Office Data File" in C:\Documents and
Settings\(my name)\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

How can I get ride of the two other instances?

 

[Leonid S. Knyshov]

Thanks for all your help, however...

I now see three identical "Personal Folders" along with my "Business
Contact
Manager" Folder on my Folder List. I don't know how the two extra dups
appeared, but I can't delete any of them.

Meanwhile, there is only one "Outlook Office Data File" in C:\Documents
and
Settings\(my name)\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

How can I get ride of the two other instances?

Couple of ways.

1. Right-click and choose close, but that didn't work, right?
2. Exit Outlook, go to Control Panel, Mail, data file and remove it there.
--
Leonid S. Knyshov, CEO
Crashproof Solutions, LLC - http://www.crashproofsolutions.com
MCP Exchange 2003/Small Business Server 2003
Microsoft Small Business Specialist Partner
See the tips and tricks section on my website for video tutorials on BCM
Send a smile to Microsoft (Office 2007 Beta feedback tool)!
http://tinyurl.com/m4omy

 

[Guest]

When I look there, I see only one "Personal Folder." However, when I go to
Outlook Folders on the tool bar I see three instances of the same one.

 

[Luther]

You may have better luck with your question on
microsoft.public.outlook. It's not really a bcm issue.