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How do I move my Outlook Express contacts, including groups, which I previously imported to Thunderbird, to Thunderbird on another computer?

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  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

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I previously managed to import my Outlook Express contacts, including groups, into Thunderbird on one computer. I cannot figure out how to transfer those contacts to a new computer. Using MozBackup to export and import address books does not get the job done.

I previously managed to import my Outlook Express contacts, including groups, into Thunderbird on one computer. I cannot figure out how to transfer those contacts to a new computer. Using MozBackup to export and import address books does not get the job done.

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more options

I can think of 2 methods.

One option: export the address book as LDIF or Comma separated .csv. click on 'Address book' select an address book (not 'All Address Books') Tools > Export choose where to save eg: desktop give suitable filename Save as type: LDIF or Comma separated .csv click on 'Save' repeat for additional address books.


Then in 'Address Book' on other computer Tools > Import select 'Address books' and click on 'next' select: Text file (LDIF, .tab, .csv, .txt) and click on Next.

You may need to map the Thunderbird fields, but they should map ok.

Option 2: download and install this addon: MoreFunctionsforAddressBook

How to Install Add-on Extension: After downloading addon extension *.xpi file to desktop or downloads folder.

In Thunderbird 'Tools' > 'Add-ons' or 'Menu icon' > 'Add-ons'

  • Click on gear wheel icon and select 'Install Add-on From File'.
  • Locate the *.xpi file you downloaded and click on 'Open'.
  • You many need to restart Thunderbird when prompted.

In 'Address Book' right click on an address book and select : MorefunctionsforAddressBook > Export use either: in native Thunderbird format ( .mab ) or csv(.csv)

You can also use the same addon to import a .mab file. In 'Address Book' Tools > MorefunctionsforAddressBook > Actions for address book select as appropriate : eg: 'import addressbook from mab file'