how to convert contacts.dbx to .wab ?

[bomberb]

I really messed up when I built a new PC (XP PRO) and tried to upload my wife's contacts from a backup I made of contacts.dbx (OE5). I've now got OE6 and it needs a *.WAB !!!

She's lost without them and I'm in the dog house!
If anyone can help, I'd be most grateful.

 

[coakerb]

Where is the backup..Floppy/CD?.....what happens when you try to IMPORT Dbx etc ?

 

[bomberb]

I have a cd with a contacts.dbx file which I thought was a backup file for the addresses for outlook express.

I realise now that I should have originally exported the address book. However the old computer hard disk somehow became corrupt and wouldnt start so I had to reinstall Windows ME over the top. Then I found that the original data wasn't there to export. Hence I am trying to get the address book back from an earlier copy of the identities.

When I open OE and go to file, import, address book the window that opens has a box for the file name and a box for the file type. The file type is preloaded with 'Address Book Files (*.wab)' and can't be changed.

I have also tried to import using 'other address books' but they are not suitable as they too require fixed file types (i.e. .txt)

The only option that can find any data is the 'text file '(comma separated value) option and that tries to import gobblygook characters and wants me to match them with a data field i.e. name. So I can see that there is some data there but it is in the wrong format to use.

 

[coakerb]

OK this might be worth a try....do a search on your PC for Dbx.....I did this and they were all in...Local disk C..Documents and settings/Barry mail.......all my dbx files were there, so if you do a similar thing you will know where they are kept......then copy and paste the dbx files you have on the CD into this folder...if it says it already exists replace it ...reboot and see if they come back.

You might have to show hidden files and folders to find them, to do this...open My computer....Tools/Folder options/View......check " Show hidden files and folders"
Good luck

 

[bomberb]

That didn't work because, I think, the .dbx files are empty.

Searched the old pc for *.wab and found one there. Imported it and it filled my address book with rubbish. Here's an example of one of the entries:

ážïZoPì‰7n×،ĮÜC/ï<]]·näþðÕiFEêÑiþlS4ÏÌ$¾‰ZòºyV5ÿk†ÿYvï”+R·ÿ# Â&àþJsFEÎÁ1A.ãS(Q”ؘò]æ ~šRÐC™–ÉÄNAK¾½ýÌP!VKT=n£ù ªÎ“š™&w2ÿÛéy%ò÷R;ƒõصíÊÇžaçlPn


Finally managed to get the old pc OE up and exported the contacts to a CSV file, imported back into the new computer and hey presto !!!

Thanks for your time, everyone who has taken any time thinking this one over.