OL2000: Cannot Import a Vcard File

ID: Q212993

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Outlook 2000

SYMPTOMS

If you attempt to import a vCard file using the Import and Export Wizard you may receive the following error message:

The specified file "C:\vcard.vcf" is not valid for this operation.

If you double-click the vCard file in a mail message or double-click the file from Windows Explorer, it opens without error as a contact item.

CAUSE

The Import and Export Wizard uses very strict parsing instructions when determining the correct vCard file format. You can encounter the error above when the vCard file does not strictly adhere to the correct format.

You can demonstrate this problem by inserting white space after the colon in the "BEGIN:VCARD" text string on the first line of the vCard file. Since this is an invalid format, the Import and Export Wizard does not import the file.

RESOLUTION

Use the following workarounds to save the information as a contact item:

Double-click the vCard file to open it as a contact item, and save it as a contact.

Drag the file onto your Contacts folder in the Folder list.

Drag the file onto your Contacts shortcut on the Outlook Bar.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Outlook 2000.

MORE INFORMATION

Additional query words: OL2K

Keywords : kbdta IntpImEx
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug