Using Custom forms when Importing data

I am using Outlook 2003. I have an existing database in excel that I am trying to import into Outlook. In the end I want the contacts to use customized fields based on my database. I have been able to create a new customized form, however that form is only availble when I double click to manually add a new contact. I am unable to (i) import into my customized form, or (ii) import my data into the default format THEN converted all of the contacts to MY customized form.

One thought I had was to import my excel database into Outlook using the default fields, and then change the names later (ie- import something into "spouses name" knowing that later I will change it to "Industry SIC Code") However, again when I make that change it is only applied to NEW contacts that I double click to add.

Finally, the easiest thing for me to be able to do would be to (i) create a custom form, (ii) when Importing have Outlook recognize my customized field names, and (iii) then import [but when importing it will only look for the default names]
Thanks in advance!

Outlook doesn't support importing to a custom form or custom fields. You'd
have to write custom code or use a third-party application. See
http://www.outlookcode.com/d/customimport.htm.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers
http://www.outlookcode.com/jumpstart.aspx


"Brian" wrote in message
...
I am using Outlook 2003. I have an existing database in excel that I am
trying to import into Outlook. In the end I want the contacts to use
customized fields based on my database. I have been able to create a new
customized form, however that form is only availble when I double click to
manually add a new contact. I am unable to (i) import into my customized
form, or (ii) import my data into the default format THEN converted all of
the contacts to MY customized form.

One thought I had was to import my excel database into Outlook using the
default fields, and then change the names later (ie- import something into
"spouses name" knowing that later I will change it to "Industry SIC Code")
However, again when I make that change it is only applied to NEW contacts
that I double click to add.

Finally, the easiest thing for me to be able to do would be to (i) create
a custom form, (ii) when Importing have Outlook recognize my customized
field names, and (iii) then import [but when importing it will only look for
the default names]
Thanks in advance!