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

won't recognise csv

  • 1 reply
  • 1 has this problem
  • 5 views
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

more options

Hi all, I've exported my address book from windows live mail to a folder ( it appears to be an excel file) but when I try to import it to TB it doesn't see the file. I'm a novice and I'm looking for an easy way to transfer my contacts from one program to another. If it's not possible can anyone suggest a program that can do this. Thanks Dawn

Hi all, I've exported my address book from windows live mail to a folder ( it appears to be an excel file) but when I try to import it to TB it doesn't see the file. I'm a novice and I'm looking for an easy way to transfer my contacts from one program to another. If it's not possible can anyone suggest a program that can do this. Thanks Dawn

All Replies (1)

more options

I would start by opening the .csv file using excel and modify the column headers so they match the same fields as used in Thunderbird and save the file. For example: In Thunderbird, it has separate First Name and Last name fields.

This link will tell you the names of the column headers/fields.

How to import: In 'Address Book' Tools > Import select 'Address books' and click on 'Next Select: 'Text file' and click on Next

an explorer window opens. select the folder where the .csv file is stored. At the bottom, there should be drop down option to select type of file. eg: LDIF, you need to select either the 'comma separated .csv' or 'all files' option to reveal all the .csv files. Select the .csv file you want to use and click on 'Open'. You then will be asked to map all the fields to match the appropriate thunderbird fields - useful if you have already modified the .csv file. then click on OK

see image: