For example your data in Excel looks like this:



You can add more columns with information but I use three columns in my example.


Import data to Outlook contacts

Read this first:
In the example below I show you how to import from a Excel file but it is also possible to save
your file as CSV (comma delimited). There is no need to give the range a name if you do that.
Select "Comma Separated Values (Windows)" then in the second screenshot below.


How do I Import data ?

Outlook can only import data from an Excel file from a named range so we select A1:C5 in this example
(with the header row) and use the shortcut Ctrl F3 to open the Name dialog to give the range a name.
I use the name "ContactsData" . Then we save this file and close it.

Note: Outlook 2007 cannot import Excel 2007 files, save the file in 2007 as Excel 97-2003 file.


Open Outlook and go to File>Import and Export
(Screenshots are from Outlook 2007 but almost the same in Outlook 2003)



Select "Import from another program or file" and press "Next >"




Select "Microsoft Excel 97-2003" or "Microsoft Excel" and press "Next >"
Note: Outlook 2007 cannot import Excel 2007 files, save the file in 2007 as Excel 97-2003 file.




Browse to the file and press "Next >"




Select "Contacts" and press "Next >"




You see your named range now in this dialog. If there are more named ranges
you see them also in this dialog.When you mark the checkbox before your named
range the dialog below popup and you can map your fields.




After you are ready press OK in the "Map Custom Fields" dialog
and press Finish in the "Import file" dialog.