How to Import vCards (.vcf) Files in Vista

This Tutorial is for Vista Users that wish to import vCARDS to their Windows Mobile phones. This will work for all versions of Windows Mobile. There are 3 methods described here so be sure you read them all.

 

If you are making the transition from a system that uses .vcf files for contacts or just need to import some there are a few methods.  The sure fire method is to use Microsoft Outlook. A free trial is available for download (it also comes on the CD that comes with your Shadow). Once you have Outlook up and running simply go to File Menu > Import and Export > Select the option ‘Import a VCARD file (.vcf) and click Next

 

Select the .vcf you want to import and click Open. This only allows for one vCard to be imported at a time.

 

If you want to import several files at a time or can’t use Outlook for some reason these other methods should also work.

 

Copy all the vCards you want to import into one folder that is easy to locate

Open Windows Contacts: Start > All Programs > Windows Contacts

In Windows Contacts, click on ‘Import’

Select ‘vCard (VCF file)’ and click on ‘Import’

 

Select all the vCards you wish to import and click ‘Open’

 

All the files should be imported now. With your device synced, In Windows Mobile Device Center > Mobile Device Center > Change Content Sync Settings, you should see an option for Contacts. Check the box and then set the Sync Settings the way you want.

 

Okay let’s say those methods don’t work for you. There is a free over the air (OTA) method that will definitely work. For this you will need to have imported your vCards into Windows Contacts as described in the previous method. You will also need a Live ID (Hotmail or MSN will work as well) so if you don’t have one then go create it and come back here (www.live.com)

 

Once you have a Live ID sign into mail.live.com and click on the Contacts bar in the lower left hand side.

 

Click on Options in the top right corner, then ‘Import Contacts’

 

 

Select the button that says ‘Download and run Contacts Importer’ (select Run in the pop-up, and Run again if you have a security warning)

 

Enter your Live ID and Password then click Next

 

The next screen will have a checkbox for the applications you have installed. It may say Outlook Express but be assured it is reading from Windows Contacts. Click Next and select all the contacts you want to import and and select Next. The following screen will confirm how many contacts will be imported. Press Next and wait while your contacts are imported.

 

You are probably wondering how are these contacts going to get onto my phone? We will set this up in the next step.

 

On your phone go to Start > Windows Live. Once it loads select ‘Sign in to Windows Live’

 

 

Read through the license agreement, if you want, and choose Accept

 

 

Enter your log-in information and select Next.

 

 

If you don’t use the NEO home screen then select if you want the Live plug-ins to show on the home screen. Select Next.

 

 

Choose to Store the contacts on your phone, merge duplicates (and Sync Email if you wish) then Next. It will automatically go through some functions and begin synchronizing. Once finished you should be able to see your contacts in your phone’s Contacts application.

 

If you use your Live ID for email then you might want to setup a sync schedule. This can be done from the main Live screen > Menu > Options > Sync Options and Sync Schedule.

 

If you want to copy them to your SIM card go to Start > Accessories > SIM Manager > Menu > Contacts to SIM

 

Hope this Helps!