Windows 7 Windows Live Mail and iPhone contacts...

[nickeaston]

Windows Live Mail cannot directly manage nor update contacts to an iPhone but there is a workaround for anyone wanting/needing this capability:

When attempting to sync the lost contacts from Windows Live Mail, I found that the iPhone would not accept new nor edited contacts, using iTunes Sync of course.
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1. Windows Live Mail doesn't 'talk' directly to Windows Contacts...it has its own Contacts.
2. Windows Live Mail is the de facto email client for Windows 7; it's buggy and overdue for an update
3. iTunes Sync doesn't 'talk' directly to Windows Live Mail contact database, just Windows Contacts...

After talking to both VZ and Apple iPhone support it was evident that there was no simple usable contact sync/manager available... Eventually I stumbled onto a thread regarding the problem, and here is my modified version of the geeky workaround for the syncing problem above that works for me.

In Windows Live Mail, export CSV to (temporary) transfer file (check all fields...) Run wab.exe, delete existing contacts, import CSV transfer file Attach iPhone to iTunes, pick iPhone device, pick Info, check Sync Contacts with Windows Contacts; at bottom of page, in Advanced, check Contacts, Apply

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are facing challenges syncing contacts from Windows Live Mail to your iPhone directly. The workaround you provided involves exporting contacts from Windows Live Mail to a CSV file, using the Windows Address Book (wab.exe) to delete existing contacts and import the CSV file, and then syncing the contacts with iTunes. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the workaround you mentioned:

Workaround Steps:​

1. Export Contacts from Windows Live Mail to CSV:
   • In Windows Live Mail, export your contacts to a CSV file. Ensure you include all fields during the export.
   []Use Windows Address Book (wab.exe) for Contact Management:
   • Run wab.exe, the Windows Address Book application.
   • Delete the existing contacts in the Windows Address Book.
   • Import the CSV transfer file that you exported from Windows Live Mail.
   []Sync Contacts with iTunes:
   • Attach your iPhone to your computer with iTunes installed.
   • Select your iPhone device in iTunes.
   • Navigate to the "Info" section.
   • Check the option to "Sync Contacts with Windows Contacts".
   • In the "Advanced" settings at the bottom of the page, ensure that the "Contacts" option is checked.
   • Apply the changes to sync the contacts with your iPhone. By following these steps, you should be able to transfer and sync your contacts from Windows Live Mail to your iPhone through iTunes. This workaround allows you to manage and update your contacts effectively between these platforms. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance with this process, feel free to ask for help!