Exel is opening my file

[Linda H]

Hello! I am new and reaching out for help! I have a file saved on my desktop (the properties says "C:\Documents and Settings\Linda\My Documents\Administrator.WAB) and when I try to open it, it opens with excel (I have 2003) but t looks like a foreign language...or symbols. I believe this file is a back-up of my Outlook Express address book. It is very valuable to me because I lot my entire address book in Outlook....it is over 1000 (probably much more) email address of my customers email address from the last year and half! I really need them!

Bottom line is I need the file to upload (need CSV file) into my new business gmail account. I did try as is, gmail cannot read it.

My computer guy that came to switch my old laptop to my new laptop was the one who saved it to begin with. I emailed him the file and he said "I'm not sure what is the best way or even how. I would need to experiment on your computer to see if i could get it to work." Of course while he is sitting here it will cost me money, I wouldn't mind but I don't think he is Excel savvy to figure it out anyway.

Can any one offer my help???

Thank you very much,

Linda

[starguy]

If that was Excel file then try changing its extension to .xls

[Paul]

Hi Linda,

As you surmised, the .WAB file is a backup/export of your Outlook address book. Why it is opening in Excel is odd, but somehow your computer must have linked the file type to Excel. You can change this setting by going to Windows Explorer, clicking Tools -> Folder Options -> File Types tab, select WAB and change the program used to open it.

It is not an Excel file, and it probably won't be any more readable if you change the file's extension to .xls.

It is meant to be imported into Outlook as an address book file, and I don't believe you can export from Outlook into csv or any other delimited format. You may want to search online for 'export outlook address book to gmail' or 'export outlook address book to delimited file'.. etc.

[Linda H]

Thank you Starguy and Pjoaquin for your fast reply! I really appreiate it!

Paul, I will follow your detailed instructions and see what happens. Thanks for letting me know that it is not an Excel file. That keeps me from moving down the wrong road!

I did import some files from Outlook to Gmail before my computer frooze and I lost the rest....so I know it is possible.....I just can't do it that way anymore.

Again, I can't tell you much I appreciate it.

This is great place to come fo help!

Happy Holidays,

Linda H.