How to restore contacts in Windows Live Mail


Q:  I had some problems with this program.  I fixed the POP and SMTP server designations, and it works now.  However, I’ve lost my contacts – the folder is blank.  The funny thing is, when I type some letters in the “to” box, names come up.  Do you have any idea how I can restore my contacts list?

A:  From this web page, http://www.woanware.co.uk/?page_id=89, try this free tool, http://www.woanware.co.uk/downloads/EseDbViewer.v.1.0.5.zip.  After installing it, open it and point it to the following directory:

    "%UserProfile%\Local Settings\Windows Live Contacts"

You might have multiple randomly-named folders in there. 

  • Drill down into each one and open the "contacts.edb" file.
  • In there, find one that has items in the Email Address table
  • Highlight and export that table to a "CSV Current Table" file
  • Open up your Windows Live Mail program and go to the Contacts tab
  • Click File, Import, CSV
  • Assign the Address field to Live Contact's Email Address field.  The interface looks weird/clunky, but it works.
  • Click OK, Finish, etc. when ready.

That should do it.

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