Classic Outlook Upload

Question

I can upload csv file but the Name does not upload?

Answer 1

Dear NoraMurphy-3965

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum. I understand you are having problem with Classic Outlook for Windows where you can import/upload a CSV, but the Name field is blank after import. I am happy to assist you. Are you importing from Classic Outlook desktop Import/Export wizard (File > Open & Export > Import/Export) or from Outlook.com People > Import contacts? 

Meanwhile, please follow these steps:  

• Use Map Custom Fields and map your “name” columns explicitly  
  • In Classic Outlook: File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Import from another program or file > Comma Separated Values and select your CSV.  
  • On the last step do not click Finish yet. Select Map Custom Fields.  
  • In the mapping window, Outlook shows standard contact fields including Name, First Name, Last Name. If your CSV has name columns, map them to these fields (drag from left to right).  
  • If your CSV has First Name / Last Name, map them to Outlook First Name / Last Name.  
  • If your CSV has only Full Name, map it to Outlook Name (or map to First/Last if you split the column).  
• Ensure the CSV header names match what Outlook expects  
  • Outlook requires column headings in the first row, and the heading language must match Outlook’s default language. Copy your data into that template’s columns and re-import.
  • See: Create or edit .csv files to import into Outlook - Microsoft Support 
• If your region uses semicolons (;) as the separator, convert to commas before import 
  • Some locales default to semicolons, but Outlook expects commas for CSV field separation; replace semicolons with commas and re-import.  

Please tell me how it goes. If the problem persists, please don’t hesitate to reply to this thread and I will be happy to help. Have a lovely day!   

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Answer 2

Hi NoraMurphy-3965

I hope you are doing well ! I just want to check if you have had a chance to check my reply earlier? Please let me know.

Look forward to hearing from you. Have a lovely day!

Answer 3

When a CSV imports into Classic Outlook but the Name field is blank or missing, the issue is almost always with the CSV content or its column setup rather than Outlook itself.

Use these steps to fix it:

1. Confirm the CSV actually contains name data
   1. Find the CSV file that was imported (for example, contacts.csv).
   2. Open it in Excel.
   3. Check that there is data in the columns that should hold names (for example, First Name, Last Name, or Full Name).
   4. If those columns are empty, the export from the original system failed. Delete this CSV and export the contacts again from the source, making sure all contacts and the correct fields are included.
2. Verify the CSV structure and headings
   1. Ensure the first row contains column headings only (for example, First Name, Last Name, Email Address) and that these headings have not been removed or overwritten.
   2. Make sure each contact row has values in the name-related columns.
   3. Save the file as CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv). When Excel asks whether to keep CSV format, always select Yes. Choosing No can corrupt the file for Outlook and require starting over.
3. Re-import and map fields correctly in Outlook
   1. Start the import process again in Outlook and select the corrected CSV.
   2. In the import wizard, use the field mapping step to map the CSV columns that contain names (for example, First Name, Last Name) to the corresponding Outlook contact fields.
   3. Complete the import and check that the Name field now shows correctly in Contacts.
4. If only some names are missing If most contacts import correctly but some still show no Name, there may be a formatting problem in specific rows of the CSV (for example, a malformed line around a certain row). Open the CSV in Excel, locate the affected rows, correct or remove them, save again as CSV (choosing Yes when prompted), and re-import.

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References:

• No contacts appear in Outlook after import
• Fix problems importing contacts to Outlook
• Create or edit .csv files to import into Outlook