Excel Column Headings Compatible with Outlook to import.

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  • Start date Start date
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Guest

When I try to import an excel file into Outlook - I get the message to go
back into excel and name the ranges. I understand highlighting the area -
going to insert/name/define/add/ok. Here's where I'm having difficulty. I
receive a contact file with names and phone numbers. At the top of column A
it says Name and below in the same column is the list of names. I right
click on the first cell in the column and choose "pick from list" - then a
drop down window apprears with a list of the names in the column. When I go
through the same process with column B which has the "phone" numbers - the
drop down window does not display the list of phone numbers in that column.

When I try to import the file into outlook it only takes column A. (the
names)

I noticed that if both columns don't display the list when I right click and
choose "pick from list" the column that does not display the list will not
import.

Having said all of that - how do I set up or change that first cell or
heading (name or phone) so that they will display properly so I can import
them to Outlook?
 
The basics........Your layout may differ. Instructions here are for Name and
Email address only, but adjust to suit for more columns.

In your case, change email address to phone number.

First have the names and email addresses in Excel in two columns.

I set up also a third column with the names duplicated so when you Import to
Outlook you have a name for the Contact and a Display Name instead of the
email address in the To: box.

File>Save As>File Type CSV(comma delimited)(*.csv)

Now open Outlook and File>Import>Export>Import from another file>Comma
Separated Values(Windows)>Next>File to Import(you can browse to your saved
*.csv file). Next you will be asked where to import them to. I bring mine to
"Contacts".

Follow the instructions and you will get a Map. Drag your names and addresses
to the appropriate spots on the Map

1. Name of Contact
2. Email address1
3. Display Name(if you have one by making the duplicate column mentioned
earlier). If not, the email address wil be displayed in the To: box.

Continue with the OK's until Outlook pulls all from the *.csv file(should take
only a few seconds).

Now they are in the Contacts folder, you can group them as you wish.

Gord Dibben Excel MVP
 
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