Convert PAB to CSV

Understanding PAB and CSV file formats

PAB (Personal Address Book) files are used by older versions of Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express to store contact information such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers. These files are now considered legacy, as modern Outlook versions use PST or OST files for contact management.

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files are plain text files that store tabular data, with each line representing a row and each value separated by a comma. CSV files are widely supported and can be opened by spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and many contact management systems.

Why convert PAB to CSV?

Converting a PAB file to CSV format allows you to easily import your contacts into modern email clients, cloud services, or spreadsheet applications. CSV files are more versatile and compatible with a wide range of software.

How to convert PAB to CSV

Since PAB files are not natively supported by most modern applications, you will need to use Microsoft Outlook (2003 or earlier) to export your contacts. Here are the steps:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook (version 2003 or earlier).
2. Go to File → Import and Export.
3. Select Import from another program or file and click Next.
4. Choose Personal Address Book and click Next.
5. Select the PAB file you want to import and follow the prompts to import it into your Outlook Contacts.
6. Once imported, go to File → Import and Export again.
7. Select Export to a file and click Next.
8. Choose Comma Separated Values (Windows) and click Next.
9. Select the Contacts folder and choose a destination for your CSV file.
10. Click Finish to complete the export.

Best software for PAB to CSV conversion

The most reliable method is using Microsoft Outlook 2003 or earlier, as it natively supports PAB files. If you do not have access to an old version of Outlook, consider using a third-party tool like SysTools PAB Converter or RecoveryTools PAB Converter, which can directly convert PAB files to CSV format.

Summary

Converting PAB files to CSV ensures your contacts are accessible and compatible with modern applications. Using Microsoft Outlook or a dedicated PAB converter tool is the most effective way to perform this conversion.