This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

How do I move my Outlook Express contacts, including groups, which I previously imported to Thunderbird, to Thunderbird on another computer?

  • 1 cavab
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

more options

I previously managed to import my Outlook Express contacts, including groups, into Thunderbird on one computer. I cannot figure out how to transfer those contacts to a new computer. Using MozBackup to export and import address books does not get the job done.

I previously managed to import my Outlook Express contacts, including groups, into Thunderbird on one computer. I cannot figure out how to transfer those contacts to a new computer. Using MozBackup to export and import address books does not get the job done.

All Replies (1)

more options

I can think of 2 methods.

One option: export the address book as LDIF or Comma separated .csv. click on 'Address book' select an address book (not 'All Address Books') Tools > Export choose where to save eg: desktop give suitable filename Save as type: LDIF or Comma separated .csv click on 'Save' repeat for additional address books.


Then in 'Address Book' on other computer Tools > Import select 'Address books' and click on 'next' select: Text file (LDIF, .tab, .csv, .txt) and click on Next.

You may need to map the Thunderbird fields, but they should map ok.

Option 2: download and install this addon: MoreFunctionsforAddressBook

How to Install Add-on Extension: After downloading addon extension *.xpi file to desktop or downloads folder.

In Thunderbird 'Tools' > 'Add-ons' or 'Menu icon' > 'Add-ons'

  • Click on gear wheel icon and select 'Install Add-on From File'.
  • Locate the *.xpi file you downloaded and click on 'Open'.
  • You many need to restart Thunderbird when prompted.

In 'Address Book' right click on an address book and select : MorefunctionsforAddressBook > Export use either: in native Thunderbird format ( .mab ) or csv(.csv)

You can also use the same addon to import a .mab file. In 'Address Book' Tools > MorefunctionsforAddressBook > Actions for address book select as appropriate : eg: 'import addressbook from mab file'