Outlook, Microsoft’s multifunctional email and personal information management program, is widely used across the globe by professionals and individuals alike. One of its most useful features is the contact list, which allows users to store and manage their important business and personal contacts. If you are looking to export your Outlook contacts for backup or transfer purposes, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.
Step 1: Launch Outlook
Open Outlook on your computer to begin the exporting process. Make sure you are signed in to the account that contains the contact list you want to export.
Step 2: Access the File tab
Find the “File” tab located at the top left corner of the Outlook window. Click on it to open the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Choose “Options”
In the drop-down menu, select “Options” to access the Outlook options screen.
Step 4: Select “Advanced”
On the left side of the Outlook options screen, you will see a list of categories. Choose “Advanced” to view advanced settings.
Step 5: Scroll down to “Export”
Scroll down until you find the “Export” section. Here, you will see various export options related to Outlook data management.
Step 6: Click on “Export”
Under the “Export” section, click on the “Export” button to start the export wizard.
Step 7: Choose “Export to a file”
In the “Import and Export Wizard” window, select “Export to a file” and click on the “Next” button.
Step 8: Select “Comma Separated Values”
In the next window, choose “Comma Separated Values” as the export file type and then click “Next.”
Step 9: Select the desired contact folder
You will see a list of available folders. Scroll down and select the contact folder that you want to export. Click on “Next” to proceed.
Step 10: Choose a file location
At this point, you need to specify the location where you want to save the exported file. Click on the “Browse” button and navigate to the desired folder or directory. Give the exported file a name and click “OK.”
Step 11: Map your fields
If you want to customize the exported contact fields, click on the “Map Custom Fields” button. This will allow you to select which particular contact fields you want to export. Click “OK” when you are done.
Step 12: Complete the export process
Review your selections and click on the “Finish” button to start the export process. During this process, Outlook will create a copy of your contacts and save them in the specified file location.
Step 13: Verify the exported file
Once the export process is complete, navigate to the file location you specified earlier. Check to ensure that the exported file contains your contacts and that the information is accurate.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can successfully export your contacts from Outlook for backup, transfer, or sharing purposes. Having a backup of your contacts can provide peace of mind in case of accidental deletion or system failure. Furthermore, exporting your contacts can also simplify the process of migrating to a new email client or device.
Remember, regular backups are essential to protect your vital contact information. Therefore, it is recommended to export your contacts periodically or whenever significant changes occur in your contact list. With Outlook’s user-friendly interface and the straightforward export process, maintaining, managing, and exporting your contacts has never been easier.