How to Import XLS file into Outlook Contacts in Outlook 2007 and 2010

Excel file is a wonderful invention that helps users store numeric and other data in a structured manner. Many people find it a convenient place to store their contacts too. The rows and columns of .xls file provide one of the best structure to store contacts. However, it is possible that your system faces virus attack or the files get corrupt due to some other reasons. To avoid the problem in such situations, it is better to have a backup of Excel XLS contacts in MS Outlook. This post will portray various methods to convert XLS to Outlook Contacts. Before moving to know the solution to Import XLS file into Outlook Contacts, have a look at two related queries, to make the topic and need more clarification.

Query 1: "I have always been using an Excel spreadsheet to store all my contacts along with their contact number, address, and birthday. Suddenly, that file got corrupt and I could not access those contacts for some days. Though the contacts have been recovered, I do not feel confident to keep my contacts saved in an XLS file anymore. For this reason, I want to convert Excel XLS data to Outlook 2010 Contacts. Kindly suggest me a good way to do that."

Query 2: "During my visit to my parents last week, I have found out that my father still saves all his contacts in Excel files. As hilarious as it sounds, this is the fact. Now I want to save Excel contacts in Outlook 2007. In that way, the contacts can be accessed easily and there will be no chance of losing the contacts during the virus attack. Does anyone know how to convert XLS to Outlook Contacts? If yes, then kindly inform me."

Different Methods to Import XLS file into Outlook Contacts

Users can try different methods to move contacts from Excel to Outlook. We will learn both manual and alternative technique in this section.

Method 1: Manual Technique to Migrate Excel Contacts to Outlook

If you want to transfer contacts from Excel files to Outlook manually, you have to choose your method depending on your Outlook version.

For Outlook 2010

  1. In case users are going to import the contacts into a Contacts folder that already exists, they may skip to step 3.
  2. Create a new Contacts folder in Outlook, right-click on Contacts folder. Then click New Folder option and give the folder a name. Finally click OK.
  3. Click on Outlook File tab and click Open option from the menu.
  4. Click on Import tab to open Import and Export Wizard.
  5. Select Import from another program or file option from the list and click Next.
  6. Choose Comma Separated Values (Windows) option and click Next to continue.
  7. Click Browse and to go to the folder mentioned in step iii and select the file by double-clicking.
  8. If you are importing to a new folder, there will be no question of duplicate contacts. If you are importing to an old folder, choose the selection you think as most logical. If unsure, click Allow duplicates >> Next.
  9. Choose the main Contacts folder or another folder you have just created. Click on Next.
  10. If you do not know whether spreadsheet column names will map correctly after migration, click Map custom fields to confirm.

For Outlook 2007

  1. To transfer data to a Contacts folder that is present already, go to step 3.
  2. If you want to create a new Outlook folder, right-click on Contacts folder >> New Folder. Enter a name for that folder and click OK.
  3. Now go to File menu and click on Import and Export.
  4. Choose Import from another program or file and then click on Next button.
  5. Click on Comma Separated Values (Windows)>> Next.
  6. Click on Browse button to locate the folder mentioned in step 3. Select that file.
  7. In case of importing to an existing folder, make the most logical selection. Click Allow Duplicates in you are not sure about the folder and click Next.
  8. Choose either the Contacts folder or the new folder you have created and click Next.
  9. Confirm column names by clicking on Map custom fields if you are not sure whether the Excel column names will map properly to Outlook fields.

Method 2: All-in-One Technique to Import XLS file into Outlook Contacts

As we have learned that there are some limitations of the manual method. Moreover, we need to apply different techniques for different Outlook versions. All these situations lead users to look for some other solution. In this section, we will discuss such a method that can be termed as the all-in-one solution and i.e. Excel to Outlook Converter. This software can easily convert Excel data to Outlook contacts, regardless of the versions of Outlook. There is no chance of having duplicate contacts and empty contacts if this tool is used since the application has been made using all the latest technology. Outlook installation is must to use his program.

Now take a look at the list of its features:

  • Converts contacts from an Excel file to Microsoft Outlook
  • Migrates multiple Excel files to Outlook contacts in a batch
  • Distribution list for Excel contacts can be created in Outlook
  • Field Mapping feature is also available during XLS migration
  • Excludes any duplicate error while exporting Excel contacts
  • Features loading and preview options for MS spreadsheet
  • Installation and configuration of Outlook email is obligatory

From this post, users came to know the solution for Excel file import to Outlook contacts in a hassle-free way. We have mentioned both manual and alternative methods for the benefit of the users. As there are some limitations of manual methods, so the experts and professionals recommend and use the all-in-one automated method to Import XLS file into Outlook Contacts. This program is designed to solve all problems to export XLS files to MS Outlook.