Updating Contacts without duplicates

[Marc Bessler]

I am trying to determine if there is a way to keep dulicate records
from being created when importing contacts into a Outlook 2003 from a
csv file.

Currently, it seems that unless there is an exact match across every
field, Outlook will create a new contact. This happens regardless of
which option to allow, replace or create dulicates I choose.

Example:

Sarah Smith is in my contacts along with 50 other people. Currently,
in my Contacts listing, Sarah works for Company A.

My latest download from our database shows that Sarah is now at
Company B. All other information is the same.

When I import, a second Sarah Smith record is created, simply because
the Company field has changed.

Is there a way, using the import via .csv file for Outlook to
determine that this is the same record and to either update or prompt
to update? Are there a minimum number of fields that Outlook needs to
make a comparison? (I am currently only using 4 fields in my testing).

Working on Xp Pro, Outlook 2003 in Exchange environment. The purpose
of this would be to allow individuals within the organization to
import updated innformation for their contacts on an as needed basis.

 

[Brian Tillman]

I am trying to determine if there is a way to keep dulicate records
from being created when importing contacts into a Outlook 2003 from a
csv file.

Nope. But you might want to visit this:
http://www.slipstick.com/contacts/dupes.htm

 

[Marc Bessler]

Nope. But you might want to visit this:http://www.slipstick.com/contacts/dupes.htm

Thank you for the quick reply. Looks like Outlook 2007 might do this -
not ready for that yet.