WLM Backup

WLM v 14.0.8089.0726 Win 7 / 64

I use MS SyncToy as my backup software and have always synced the data file
location as well as the contact file in previous versions of Windows Mail
Software.

I can locate the data file folder , however , I can't find the contacts file
location ? Is it contained in the data file by any chance ?

I know Windows Mail ( Vista ) has a separate CONTACTS folder with individual
files for each contact but the current WLM doesn't seem to use the same
configuration ?

I can't even seem to find a method to export the contact list , either from
the CONTACTS screen or from WLM > TOOLS > ACCOUNTS > EXPORT ?

Any advice greatly appreciated

"Don" <> wrote in message
news: ...
>
> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
> news:6z1ro.2406$...
>> WLM v 14.0.8089.0726 Win 7 / 64
>>
>> I use MS SyncToy as my backup software and have always synced the data
>> file location as well as the contact file in previous versions of Windows
>> Mail Software.
>>
>> I can locate the data file folder , however , I can't find the contacts
>> file location ? Is it contained in the data file by any chance ?
>>
>> I know Windows Mail ( Vista ) has a separate CONTACTS folder with
>> individual files for each contact but the current WLM doesn't seem to use
>> the same configuration ?
>>
>> I can't even seem to find a method to export the contact list , either
>> from the CONTACTS screen or from WLM > TOOLS > ACCOUNTS > EXPORT ?
>>
>> Any advice greatly appreciated
>
> Have a read here:
>
> http://liveunplugged.spaces.live.com...90CA!174.entry
>
> --
> Don
>Hi Don
Thankyou for your reply. I have read that article , however for Contact
export it suggests

Contacts:

Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values

Enter a filename e.g. Cont_080315.csv, then click Browse to navigate to the
Contacts folder(created above)

- Modify the filename if more than one Live ID is in use

- - If multiple Live ID's are in use, it is necessary to sign-on with each
Live ID in Windows Live Mail to have access to and export that accounts
contact. If Live ID's are not in use, all pop3 accounts use the default and
common Contact list.

- Contacts will be saved as a *.csv file

I am unable to locate Tools >CONTACTS etc , either from the main WLM screen
OR the Contacts screen.

It also involved exporting each file...a little messy for novice users

This method obviously isn't compatible with SyncToy ( which works by syncing
desired folders ) and is the method I'd like to use

"Don" <> wrote in message
news: ...
>
> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
> news:X23ro.23185$...
>>
>>
>> "Don" <> wrote in message
>> news: ...
>>>
>>> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
>>> news:6z1ro.2406$...
>>>> WLM v 14.0.8089.0726 Win 7 / 64
>>>>
>>>> I use MS SyncToy as my backup software and have always synced the data
>>>> file location as well as the contact file in previous versions of
>>>> Windows Mail Software.
>>>>
>>>> I can locate the data file folder , however , I can't find the contacts
>>>> file location ? Is it contained in the data file by any chance ?
>>>>
>>>> I know Windows Mail ( Vista ) has a separate CONTACTS folder with
>>>> individual files for each contact but the current WLM doesn't seem to
>>>> use the same configuration ?
>>>>
>>>> I can't even seem to find a method to export the contact list , either
>>>> from the CONTACTS screen or from WLM > TOOLS > ACCOUNTS > EXPORT ?
>>>>
>>>> Any advice greatly appreciated
>>>
>>> Have a read here:
>>>
>>> http://liveunplugged.spaces.live.com...90CA!174.entry
>>>
>>> --
>>> Don
>>>Hi Don
>> Thankyou for your reply. I have read that article , however for Contact
>> export it suggests
>>
>> Contacts:
>>
>> Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values
>>
>> Enter a filename e.g. Cont_080315.csv, then click Browse to navigate to
>> the Contacts folder(created above)
>>
>> - Modify the filename if more than one Live ID is in use
>>
>> - - If multiple Live ID's are in use, it is necessary to sign-on with
>> each Live ID in Windows Live Mail to have access to and export that
>> accounts contact. If Live ID's are not in use, all pop3 accounts use the
>> default and common Contact list.
>>
>> - Contacts will be saved as a *.csv file
>>
>> I am unable to locate Tools >CONTACTS etc , either from the main WLM
>> screen OR the Contacts screen.
>>
>> It also involved exporting each file...a little messy for novice users
>>
>> This method obviously isn't compatible with SyncToy ( which works by
>> syncing desired folders ) and is the method I'd like to use
>
> Hmm, perhaps something has changed along the way since that article.
> If I open contacts, I can click on File - Export - CSV.
> However if you don't want to work with CSV file, then that may not be best
> option for you.
> I used this method back when I built my new win 7 64 bit system - I
> exported my contacts this way from WLM in Vista, then imported them back
> in , in WLM on my new Win7 build at the time.
>
>
> --
> Don
I have since found that option , but not the
Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values described in the article.
While the exporting method is " OK " for average to above average users , I
think it's more than less competent users can deal with .

Previously , I located the *wab file and the data store , along with
Favorites and My Docs and synced them to an external drive using SyncToy. I
prefer that to other backup solutions because there is no proprietary
software involved. Just Sync the folders and everything is copied over ' as
is ' . All I'm really trying to find this time is the WLM contact list
file...it shouldn't be THIS difficult !

"Sparky" <> wrote in message
news:Pu8ro.17293$...
>
>
> "Don" <> wrote in message
> news: ...
>>
>> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
>> news:X23ro.23185$...
>>>
>>>
>>> "Don" <> wrote in message
>>> news: ...
>>>>
>>>> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
>>>> news:6z1ro.2406$...
>>>>> WLM v 14.0.8089.0726 Win 7 / 64
>>>>>
>>>>> I use MS SyncToy as my backup software and have always synced the data
>>>>> file location as well as the contact file in previous versions of
>>>>> Windows Mail Software.
>>>>>
>>>>> I can locate the data file folder , however , I can't find the
>>>>> contacts file location ? Is it contained in the data file by any
>>>>> chance ?
>>>>>
>>>>> I know Windows Mail ( Vista ) has a separate CONTACTS folder with
>>>>> individual files for each contact but the current WLM doesn't seem to
>>>>> use the same configuration ?
>>>>>
>>>>> I can't even seem to find a method to export the contact list , either
>>>>> from the CONTACTS screen or from WLM > TOOLS > ACCOUNTS > EXPORT ?
>>>>>
>>>>> Any advice greatly appreciated
>>>>
>>>> Have a read here:
>>>>
>>>> http://liveunplugged.spaces.live.com...90CA!174.entry
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Don
>>>>Hi Don
>>> Thankyou for your reply. I have read that article , however for Contact
>>> export it suggests
>>>
>>> Contacts:
>>>
>>> Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values
>>>
>>> Enter a filename e.g. Cont_080315.csv, then click Browse to navigate to
>>> the Contacts folder(created above)
>>>
>>> - Modify the filename if more than one Live ID is in use
>>>
>>> - - If multiple Live ID's are in use, it is necessary to sign-on with
>>> each Live ID in Windows Live Mail to have access to and export that
>>> accounts contact. If Live ID's are not in use, all pop3 accounts use
>>> the default and common Contact list.
>>>
>>> - Contacts will be saved as a *.csv file
>>>
>>> I am unable to locate Tools >CONTACTS etc , either from the main WLM
>>> screen OR the Contacts screen.
>>>
>>> It also involved exporting each file...a little messy for novice users
>>>
>>> This method obviously isn't compatible with SyncToy ( which works by
>>> syncing desired folders ) and is the method I'd like to use
>>
>> Hmm, perhaps something has changed along the way since that article.
>> If I open contacts, I can click on File - Export - CSV.
>> However if you don't want to work with CSV file, then that may not be
>> best option for you.
>> I used this method back when I built my new win 7 64 bit system - I
>> exported my contacts this way from WLM in Vista, then imported them back
>> in , in WLM on my new Win7 build at the time.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Don
> I have since found that option , but not the
> Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values described in the article.
> While the exporting method is " OK " for average to above average users ,
> I think it's more than less competent users can deal with .
>
> Previously , I located the *wab file and the data store , along with
> Favorites and My Docs and synced them to an external drive using SyncToy.
> I prefer that to other backup solutions because there is no proprietary
> software involved. Just Sync the folders and everything is copied over '
> as is ' . All I'm really trying to find this time is the WLM contact list
> file...it shouldn't be THIS difficult !

Coming in late here... but if you have a LiveID, your WLM contacts reside in
Microsoft's Windows Live "cloud". They are not held locally unless you are
using WLM w/o LiveID sign-in. So basically Microsoft does the "syncing" for
you. If you want to store a copy of your contacts elsewhere, "export" is
your only option.

The local contact.edb file can be backed up, but you cannot extract the
contact info AFAIK. It's can be used in place of the working contact.edb
file if that copy becomes corrupted, and corrupts the copy stored in the
"cloud", or if you are using WLM without signing-in with a LiveID. (I hope I
said that vaguely clearly)

"Magnus" <> wrote in message
news:CM9ro.9602$...
> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
> news:Pu8ro.17293$...
>>
>>
>> "Don" <> wrote in message
>> news: ...
>>>
>>> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
>>> news:X23ro.23185$...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Don" <> wrote in message
>>>> news: ...
>>>>>
>>>>> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
>>>>> news:6z1ro.2406$...
>>>>>> WLM v 14.0.8089.0726 Win 7 / 64
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I use MS SyncToy as my backup software and have always synced the
>>>>>> data
>>>>>> file location as well as the contact file in previous versions of
>>>>>> Windows Mail Software.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I can locate the data file folder , however , I can't find the
>>>>>> contacts file location ? Is it contained in the data file by any
>>>>>> chance ?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I know Windows Mail ( Vista ) has a separate CONTACTS folder with
>>>>>> individual files for each contact but the current WLM doesn't seem to
>>>>>> use the same configuration ?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I can't even seem to find a method to export the contact list ,
>>>>>> either
>>>>>> from the CONTACTS screen or from WLM > TOOLS > ACCOUNTS > EXPORT ?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Any advice greatly appreciated
>>>>>
>>>>> Have a read here:
>>>>>
>>>>> http://liveunplugged.spaces.live.com...90CA!174.entry
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Don
>>>>>Hi Don
>>>> Thankyou for your reply. I have read that article , however for Contact
>>>> export it suggests
>>>>
>>>> Contacts:
>>>>
>>>> Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values
>>>>
>>>> Enter a filename e.g. Cont_080315.csv, then click Browse to navigate to
>>>> the Contacts folder(created above)
>>>>
>>>> - Modify the filename if more than one Live ID is in use
>>>>
>>>> - - If multiple Live ID's are in use, it is necessary to sign-on with
>>>> each Live ID in Windows Live Mail to have access to and export that
>>>> accounts contact. If Live ID's are not in use, all pop3 accounts use
>>>> the default and common Contact list.
>>>>
>>>> - Contacts will be saved as a *.csv file
>>>>
>>>> I am unable to locate Tools >CONTACTS etc , either from the main WLM
>>>> screen OR the Contacts screen.
>>>>
>>>> It also involved exporting each file...a little messy for novice users
>>>>
>>>> This method obviously isn't compatible with SyncToy ( which works by
>>>> syncing desired folders ) and is the method I'd like to use
>>>
>>> Hmm, perhaps something has changed along the way since that article.
>>> If I open contacts, I can click on File - Export - CSV.
>>> However if you don't want to work with CSV file, then that may not be
>>> best option for you.
>>> I used this method back when I built my new win 7 64 bit system - I
>>> exported my contacts this way from WLM in Vista, then imported them back
>>> in , in WLM on my new Win7 build at the time.
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Don
>> I have since found that option , but not the
>> Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values described in the
>> article.
>> While the exporting method is " OK " for average to above average users ,
>> I think it's more than less competent users can deal with .
>>
>> Previously , I located the *wab file and the data store , along with
>> Favorites and My Docs and synced them to an external drive using SyncToy.
>> I prefer that to other backup solutions because there is no proprietary
>> software involved. Just Sync the folders and everything is copied over '
>> as is ' . All I'm really trying to find this time is the WLM contact list
>> file...it shouldn't be THIS difficult !
>
> Coming in late here... but if you have a LiveID, your WLM contacts reside
> in
> Microsoft's Windows Live "cloud". They are not held locally unless you are
> using WLM w/o LiveID sign-in. So basically Microsoft does the "syncing"
> for
> you. If you want to store a copy of your contacts elsewhere, "export" is
> your only option.
>
> The local contact.edb file can be backed up, but you cannot extract the
> contact info AFAIK. It's can be used in place of the working contact.edb
> file if that copy becomes corrupted, and corrupts the copy stored in the
> "cloud", or if you are using WLM without signing-in with a LiveID. (I hope
> I said that vaguely clearly)
>
>
>Many thanks .That's what I was looking for...( Note to MS...why so
>complicated ?? AHHHH!!!!!!!)

Sparky,
That article(mine) was written for Windows Live Mail Version 2008. For
later versions.
- Click Contacts in the lower left hand pane(the icon or text[if shown])
- Click File/Export/Comma Separated values/.../<follow the rest of the
instructions)


Copying the hidden contacts.edb file in WLM, as you've found can be
archived elsewhere.
To ensure the integrity of the data(since other pointers are stored in
subfolders and files and the registry)it may be necessary for two folders
in their entirety to be copied(archived) since WLM(and WLMsgr) use both(a
primary and a shadow).

Background.
WLM has two modes of operation
1. With a Live ID used to sign on to Windows Live
2. Without a Live ID used to sign on to Windows Live (called the 'Default'
mode')

Mode 1 has creates two numerically named folders. The names of those
folders corresponds to one Live ID. The names of those folders adn the Live
ID to which they correspond is stored in registry.
Mode 2 only has one numerically named folder since no synchronization is
necessary with WLMsgr or the web. Like above, the name of that folder
pointing to the 'Default' contacts is also stored in the registry.

The numerals in the numerical named folders are randomly created by WLM.
Thus the folders for the 'Default' or 'Live ID' (mode 1 or 2) will be
different on different machines and/or on the same machine if the drive is
wiped and Windows and WLM reinstalled.

Restoring the contacts.edb from an archive will get one back up and
running..but WLM may bark sometimes until it is capable of updating the
database(and its inherent backup database) and related files(stored in
those numerical folders). One of the more common issues that occurs after
restoring a contact.edb file which replaces an existing contacts.edb file
will be duplicate 'Categories'(formerly called Groups in Outlook Express or
Windows Mail that contain a group of email addresses used as a
distribution list). WLM also has a predesigned Category called Favorites
which also may be duplicated upon restoring an earlier archived
contacts.edb file.
- Thus if you do restore using a contacts.edb file and decide to clean up
the duplicates..ensure clean up is done on the correct duplicate otherwise
corruption may occur further.

I.e. The above is a reason why using a csv file(export/import) or using a
Live ID(contacts stored on the web and sync down to WLM)may yield less
problems if restoring data is necessary.

Good luck!
....winston
msft mvp mail

p.s. Fyi...In WLM 2011...the contacts.edb is still present but only one
single folder(no shadow) and no longer numerically named(it is called as
one should expect 'default' or 'the Live ID email address'.




--
....winston
ms-mvp mail

"Sparky" wrote in message news:Pu8ro.17293$...



"Don" <> wrote in message
news: ...
>
> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
> news:X23ro.23185$...
>>
>>
>> "Don" <> wrote in message
>> news: ...
>>>
>>> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
>>> news:6z1ro.2406$...
>>>> WLM v 14.0.8089.0726 Win 7 / 64
>>>>
>>>> I use MS SyncToy as my backup software and have always synced the data
>>>> file location as well as the contact file in previous versions of
>>>> Windows Mail Software.
>>>>
>>>> I can locate the data file folder , however , I can't find the
>>>> contacts file location ? Is it contained in the data file by any
>>>> chance ?
>>>>
>>>> I know Windows Mail ( Vista ) has a separate CONTACTS folder with
>>>> individual files for each contact but the current WLM doesn't seem to
>>>> use the same configuration ?
>>>>
>>>> I can't even seem to find a method to export the contact list , either
>>>> from the CONTACTS screen or from WLM > TOOLS > ACCOUNTS > EXPORT ?
>>>>
>>>> Any advice greatly appreciated
>>>
>>> Have a read here:
>>>
>>> http://liveunplugged.spaces.live.com...90CA!174.entry
>>>
>>> --
>>> Don
>>>Hi Don
>> Thankyou for your reply. I have read that article , however for Contact
>> export it suggests
>>
>> Contacts:
>>
>> Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values
>>
>> Enter a filename e.g. Cont_080315.csv, then click Browse to navigate to
>> the Contacts folder(created above)
>>
>> - Modify the filename if more than one Live ID is in use
>>
>> - - If multiple Live ID's are in use, it is necessary to sign-on with
>> each Live ID in Windows Live Mail to have access to and export that
>> accounts contact. If Live ID's are not in use, all pop3 accounts use
>> the default and common Contact list.
>>
>> - Contacts will be saved as a *.csv file
>>
>> I am unable to locate Tools >CONTACTS etc , either from the main WLM
>> screen OR the Contacts screen.
>>
>> It also involved exporting each file...a little messy for novice users
>>
>> This method obviously isn't compatible with SyncToy ( which works by
>> syncing desired folders ) and is the method I'd like to use
>
> Hmm, perhaps something has changed along the way since that article.
> If I open contacts, I can click on File - Export - CSV.
> However if you don't want to work with CSV file, then that may not be
> best option for you.
> I used this method back when I built my new win 7 64 bit system - I
> exported my contacts this way from WLM in Vista, then imported them back
> in , in WLM on my new Win7 build at the time.
>
>
> --
> Don
I have since found that option , but not the
Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values described in the article.
While the exporting method is " OK " for average to above average users , I
think it's more than less competent users can deal with .

Previously , I located the *wab file and the data store , along with
Favorites and My Docs and synced them to an external drive using SyncToy. I
prefer that to other backup solutions because there is no proprietary
software involved. Just Sync the folders and everything is copied over ' as
is ' . All I'm really trying to find this time is the WLM contact list
file...it shouldn't be THIS difficult !

"...if you have a LiveID, your WLM contacts reside in
Microsoft's Windows Live "cloud". They are not held locally unless you are
using WLM w/o LiveID sign-in. So basically Microsoft does the "syncing" for
you. If you want to store a copy of your contacts elsewhere, "export" is
your only option.

The local contact.edb file can be backed up, but you cannot extract the
contact info AFAIK. It's can be used in place of the working contact.edb
file if that copy becomes corrupted, and corrupts the copy stored in the
"cloud", or if you are using WLM without signing-in with a LiveID. (I hope I
said that vaguely clearly)"

Now there is a prime example of the "*befuddlement" I mentioned in the "WLM and Mesh thread
regarding the *confusion coupled with befuddlement caused by the very flawed integration of Live
products = which equals one helluva 'mesh' IMO.

Art [artfudd] Folden
I'm a PC and Windows 7 sucks less!
): !tol a skcus llits liaMLW tub..
----------------------------------------------
"Magnus" wrote in message news:CM9ro.9602$...

"Sparky" <> wrote in message
news:Pu8ro.17293$...
>
>
> "Don" <> wrote in message
> news: ...
>>
>> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
>> news:X23ro.23185$...
>>>
>>>
>>> "Don" <> wrote in message
>>> news: ...
>>>>
>>>> "Sparky" <> wrote in message
>>>> news:6z1ro.2406$...
>>>>> WLM v 14.0.8089.0726 Win 7 / 64
>>>>>
>>>>> I use MS SyncToy as my backup software and have always synced the data
>>>>> file location as well as the contact file in previous versions of
>>>>> Windows Mail Software.
>>>>>
>>>>> I can locate the data file folder , however , I can't find the
>>>>> contacts file location ? Is it contained in the data file by any
>>>>> chance ?
>>>>>
>>>>> I know Windows Mail ( Vista ) has a separate CONTACTS folder with
>>>>> individual files for each contact but the current WLM doesn't seem to
>>>>> use the same configuration ?
>>>>>
>>>>> I can't even seem to find a method to export the contact list , either
>>>>> from the CONTACTS screen or from WLM > TOOLS > ACCOUNTS > EXPORT ?
>>>>>
>>>>> Any advice greatly appreciated
>>>>
>>>> Have a read here:
>>>>
>>>> http://liveunplugged.spaces.live.com...90CA!174.entry
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Don
>>>>Hi Don
>>> Thankyou for your reply. I have read that article , however for Contact
>>> export it suggests
>>>
>>> Contacts:
>>>
>>> Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values
>>>
>>> Enter a filename e.g. Cont_080315.csv, then click Browse to navigate to
>>> the Contacts folder(created above)
>>>
>>> - Modify the filename if more than one Live ID is in use
>>>
>>> - - If multiple Live ID's are in use, it is necessary to sign-on with
>>> each Live ID in Windows Live Mail to have access to and export that
>>> accounts contact. If Live ID's are not in use, all pop3 accounts use
>>> the default and common Contact list.
>>>
>>> - Contacts will be saved as a *.csv file
>>>
>>> I am unable to locate Tools >CONTACTS etc , either from the main WLM
>>> screen OR the Contacts screen.
>>>
>>> It also involved exporting each file...a little messy for novice users
>>>
>>> This method obviously isn't compatible with SyncToy ( which works by
>>> syncing desired folders ) and is the method I'd like to use
>>
>> Hmm, perhaps something has changed along the way since that article.
>> If I open contacts, I can click on File - Export - CSV.
>> However if you don't want to work with CSV file, then that may not be
>> best option for you.
>> I used this method back when I built my new win 7 64 bit system - I
>> exported my contacts this way from WLM in Vista, then imported them back
>> in , in WLM on my new Win7 build at the time.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Don
> I have since found that option , but not the
> Tools/Contacts/File/Export/Comma Separate Values described in the article.
> While the exporting method is " OK " for average to above average users ,
> I think it's more than less competent users can deal with .
>
> Previously , I located the *wab file and the data store , along with
> Favorites and My Docs and synced them to an external drive using SyncToy.
> I prefer that to other backup solutions because there is no proprietary
> software involved. Just Sync the folders and everything is copied over '
> as is ' . All I'm really trying to find this time is the WLM contact list
> file...it shouldn't be THIS difficult !

Coming in late here... but if you have a LiveID, your WLM contacts reside in
Microsoft's Windows Live "cloud". They are not held locally unless you are
using WLM w/o LiveID sign-in. So basically Microsoft does the "syncing" for
you. If you want to store a copy of your contacts elsewhere, "export" is
your only option.

The local contact.edb file can be backed up, but you cannot extract the
contact info AFAIK. It's can be used in place of the working contact.edb
file if that copy becomes corrupted, and corrupts the copy stored in the
"cloud", or if you are using WLM without signing-in with a LiveID. (I hope I
said that vaguely clearly)

Magnus wrote...
> ... if you have a LiveID, your WLM contacts reside in Microsoft's Windows Live "cloud". They are not held locally unless you are
using WLM w/o LiveID sign-in. So basically Microsoft does the "syncing" for you. If you want to store a copy of your contacts
elsewhere, "export" is your only option.
This is misleading. All your contacts lists are stored locally. If you have no Internet connection, your contacts are still present
and available for looking up information or addressing messages, in precisely the same way as the contacts stored in an Outlook PST
or a Windows Address Book used by Outlook Express are.

Signing in in WLMail adds an extra dimension to this functionality. The contacts associated with the Live ID you sign in with will
now be synchronized with those available at contacts.live.com (this does not mean that you have to have a Hotmail account - almost
any e-mail address can be registered as a Live ID). These contacts will also be available to other Windows Live programs and
services, like PhotoGallery, SkyDrive and any other that can use contacts, and categories remain intact.

It also means that the contacts list is available to you on any computer with an Internet connection. If the computer has WLMail
installed, those contacts will be automatically downloaded and kept in sync, thus avoiding all the hassle and frustration of
export/import. But if you do need to export - to transfer contacts to another Live ID, for example, or for backup purposes - then
export from contacts.live.com will retain all the contacts data fields and not just a subset, as export from WLMail will do.

Having your contacts stored 'in the cloud' is a boon, not a bother.
--
Noel

"Art [artfudd] Folden" <> wrote in message
news:i8li5f$4b5$...
> "Having your contacts stored 'in the cloud' is a boon, not a bother."
>
> It may be a boon to some, but a bother and confusing to others. If it was
> not confusing then a lengthy explanation like you just (very clearly)
> gave, would not be necessary.
>
> Art [artfudd] Folden
> I'm a PC and Windows 7 sucks less!
> ): !tol a skcus llits liaMLW tub..
> ----------------------------------------------
> "Ildhund" wrote in message
> news:i8lh0e$6hv$...
>
>
> Magnus wrote...
>
>> ... if you have a LiveID, your WLM contacts reside in Microsoft's Windows
>> Live "cloud". They are not held locally unless you are using WLM w/o
>> LiveID sign-in. So basically Microsoft does the "syncing" for you. If you
>> want to store a copy of your contacts elsewhere, "export" is your only
>> option.
>
> This is misleading. All your contacts lists are stored locally. If you
> have no Internet connection, your contacts are still present and available
> for looking up information or addressing messages, in precisely the same
> way as the contacts stored in an Outlook PST or a Windows Address Book
> used by Outlook Express are.
>
> Signing in in WLMail adds an extra dimension to this functionality. The
> contacts associated with the Live ID you sign in with will now be
> synchronized with those available at contacts.live.com (this does not mean
> that you have to have a Hotmail account - almost any e-mail address can be
> registered as a Live ID). These contacts will also be available to other
> Windows Live programs and services, like PhotoGallery, SkyDrive and any
> other that can use contacts, and categories remain intact.
>
> It also means that the contacts list is available to you on any computer
> with an Internet connection. If the computer has WLMail installed, those
> contacts will be automatically downloaded and kept in sync, thus avoiding
> all the hassle and frustration of export/import. But if you do need to
> export - to transfer contacts to another Live ID, for example, or for
> backup purposes - then export from contacts.live.com will retain all the
> contacts data fields and not just a subset, as export from WLMail will do.
>
> Having your contacts stored 'in the cloud' is a boon, not a bother.
> --
> Noel
>Thankyou to all who replied. My SyncToy method has worked well for several
>years , using previous versions of MS Mail programs. Once setup , it's very
>easy for novice users to operate.

I understand the cloud principle , however , that would require a Windows
Live account , and not everyone has , or needs one , or even wants one. From
this perspective , it seems Windows Mail ( Vista ) was more 'user friendly'
( with it's own Contacts folder ).

Given these revelations , I'm considering recommending Windows Backup
which , I assume , should allow 1 click backup and get all the 'important'
stuff ? I'm only interested in Data , not a System backup. Hassling with
outdated and buggy backup software on external drives , having to export
constantly makes it challenging to find a user friendly solution for less
capable operators

Sparky wrote...
> that would require a Windows Live account, and not everyone has or needs one, or even wants one.
An awful lot of people have a Facebook account, or a Sears account, or eBay, or Amazon or any number of other accounts, many of
which have sensitive information stored in them, like full mailing addresses and credit card numbers. Windows Live only stores what
you want it to, but it does insist on a birthdate (for legal reasons) and a valid e-mail address. If it solves your contacts backup
problem, I can't see why registering an e-mail address as a Live ID should be so much more odious than, say, baring your soul to
eBay.
> From this perspective , it seems Windows Mail ( Vista ) was more 'user friendly' ( with it's own Contacts folder ).
WLMail has its own Contacts folder. It's even called Contacts in the latest version. The difference is that WM saved each contact
as a separate .contact file, while WLMail now uses a database just like Outlook and Outlook Express do.
--
Noel