Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 10:22 am
Select "Contacts": In the folder tree, expand the .pst file you're importing from and select the "Contacts" folder.
Choose "Include subfolders" (if applicable): If your .pst file has contacts organized in subfolders, check this box.
Choose where to import items: Select "Import items into the same folder in:" and then choose your main "Contacts" folder in your current Outlook profile.
Click "Finish."
Even with the clearest instructions, importing contacts germany phone number list can sometimes throw a curveball. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Missing Data or Incorrect Fields: This is almost always due to improper CSV formatting or incorrect field mapping.
Solution: Re-open your CSV file, ensure column headers are clear, and meticulously review the "Map Custom Fields" step in Outlook.
Character Encoding Issues (Garbled Text): If you see strange characters or question marks, your CSV file might not be saved with the correct UTF-8 encoding.
Solution: When saving your CSV file in Excel or another spreadsheet program, explicitly choose "CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited)" as the save type.
Duplicate Contacts: While Outlook offers options to handle duplicates during import, you might still end up with them.
Solution: Outlook has built-in tools to manage duplicates. Go to the "People" (Contacts) view, and often Outlook will automatically suggest merging duplicates. Alternatively, you can manually review and delete redundant entries. Third-party add-ins are also available for advanced duplicate removal.
"The required file is not a valid Outlook data file" Error: This occurs when importing a PST file that is corrupted or not a genuine Outlook data file.
Solution: Try repairing the PST file using Microsoft's Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe), usually located in your Outlook installation directory.
Large CSV Files Causing Crashes/Slowness: Very large CSV files can sometimes strain Outlook.
Solution: Break the large CSV file into smaller chunks and import them incrementally.
Outlook Not Responding: If Outlook freezes during the import, it might be due to a corrupted data file or a conflicting add-in.
Solution: Try opening Outlook in safe mode (hold Ctrl while opening Outlook) and then attempt the import. Disable any recently installed add-ins.
Choose "Include subfolders" (if applicable): If your .pst file has contacts organized in subfolders, check this box.
Choose where to import items: Select "Import items into the same folder in:" and then choose your main "Contacts" folder in your current Outlook profile.
Click "Finish."
Even with the clearest instructions, importing contacts germany phone number list can sometimes throw a curveball. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Missing Data or Incorrect Fields: This is almost always due to improper CSV formatting or incorrect field mapping.
Solution: Re-open your CSV file, ensure column headers are clear, and meticulously review the "Map Custom Fields" step in Outlook.
Character Encoding Issues (Garbled Text): If you see strange characters or question marks, your CSV file might not be saved with the correct UTF-8 encoding.
Solution: When saving your CSV file in Excel or another spreadsheet program, explicitly choose "CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited)" as the save type.
Duplicate Contacts: While Outlook offers options to handle duplicates during import, you might still end up with them.
Solution: Outlook has built-in tools to manage duplicates. Go to the "People" (Contacts) view, and often Outlook will automatically suggest merging duplicates. Alternatively, you can manually review and delete redundant entries. Third-party add-ins are also available for advanced duplicate removal.
"The required file is not a valid Outlook data file" Error: This occurs when importing a PST file that is corrupted or not a genuine Outlook data file.
Solution: Try repairing the PST file using Microsoft's Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe), usually located in your Outlook installation directory.
Large CSV Files Causing Crashes/Slowness: Very large CSV files can sometimes strain Outlook.
Solution: Break the large CSV file into smaller chunks and import them incrementally.
Outlook Not Responding: If Outlook freezes during the import, it might be due to a corrupted data file or a conflicting add-in.
Solution: Try opening Outlook in safe mode (hold Ctrl while opening Outlook) and then attempt the import. Disable any recently installed add-ins.