OLEXP: Error When You Import an Address Book to Outlook Express (278599)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows 2000
This article was previously published under Q278599

SYMPTOMS

When you try to import a Windows Address Book (WAB) to Outlook Express, you may receive the following error message:
An error occurred during the import process. The import process could not be completed.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the files that you are tying to import have the read-only attribute set.

NOTE: Copy the Windows Address Book (.wab) files to a CD-ROM by using a CDR or CDR/W device to set the read-only attribute.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, copy the files to a writable disk (for example, a floppy disk or hard disk), and remove the read-only attribute from the file's properties. You should be able to use the Outlook Express import feature to import the files. Use the following steps to remove the read-only attribute from your .wab file:
  1. Right-click the .wab file, and then click Properties.
  2. Click to clear the Read-only attribute check box.
  3. Click OK.
  4. Import the .wab file to Outlook Express. To do this:
    1. Start Outlook Express.
    2. On the File menu, click Import, and then click Address Book.
    3. In the Select Address Book File to Import from dialog box, locate your .wab file, and then click Open.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/30/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB278599
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