No Contacts Folder Visible

[Bob Simon]

I use Outlook 2003 and want to export my address book. I've read that
to do this I need to export my contact folder but I don't see one
under my Personal Folders. When I go into Tools/Email Accounts/View
or change existing directories or address books, I see that my Outlook
Address Book is type MAPI. Does this have anything to do with why I
can't see my contacts folder?

 

[Brian Tillman]

I use Outlook 2003 and want to export my address book. I've read that
to do this I need to export my contact folder but I don't see one
under my Personal Folders. When I go into Tools/Email Accounts/View
or change existing directories or address books, I see that my Outlook
Address Book is type MAPI. Does this have anything to do with why I
can't see my contacts folder?

First, make sure that exporting is what you want to do. If you intend to
transfer your contacts to another Outook instance, export is NOT the best
way.

Second, if your Navigation Pane shows the "Mail" view, you won't see the
Contacts folder (nor the Calendar, Tasks, Journal, nor any non-mail folder).
Switch to the Folder List view and you should see it.

 

[Bob Simon]

First, make sure that exporting is what you want to do. If you intend to
transfer your contacts to another Outook instance, export is NOT the best
way.

Second, if your Navigation Pane shows the "Mail" view, you won't see the
Contacts folder (nor the Calendar, Tasks, Journal, nor any non-mail folder).
Switch to the Folder List view and you should see it.

Brian,
Yes, I was in Mail view; switching to Folder List lets me see the
Contacts folder. Thanks.

I don't want to transfer my folder now but I want a backup copy in
case I need it later. Is a .csv file suitable for this purpose?
Bob

 

[Brian Tillman]

Yes, I was in Mail view; switching to Folder List lets me see the
Contacts folder. Thanks.

You're welcome.

I don't want to transfer my folder now but I want a backup copy in
case I need it later. Is a .csv file suitable for this purpose?

No. With Outlook closed, just make a copy of your PST. When you need it
later you can use FIle>Open>Outlook Data File to see it again.