Windows 7: Address Book problems still zzzzz

I've been trying to import my WAB file from XP into WLM

This doesn't seem possible on WIN 7 as it is scrambling the infomation from each file and heading them all up by phone number. (What was wrong with Alphabetical I wonder?)

This means rewriting the 600 entries simply because windows can't be bothered to write a transferable address book program from XP to Windows 7

(we all know its about data harvesting as I find my unused primary accounts now compromised by spammers after 12 years - after MSN decided to upload them all to the cloud without permission)

Is there a third party address book that will import the WAB file from XP in the same format it is written?

I have tried EZ Contact Book - but it won't import a WAB file format

Appreciate any help or tips. Cheers

Hi Mike, you must use .csv file format to export / import your contacts.

Hi Roderunner - thanks for the response

Yeah, this is the problem I have, I don't have any control over the WAB file/folder and WIN 7 just likes screwing around with it and making it unuseable - I can't import or export as anything but a WAB file.

If I touch it, WLM asserts its authority and starts uploading it to the cloud.

this is why I'm asking if there's a program anyone knows of, that won't do this, or spread my data across the internet

(although I'm probably locking the stable door after the horse has bolted? cos they already have it and I'm already being spammed for the first time in 15 years on previously confidential addresses)

But I am keen to limit taking of any new data, that MSN rip at the first opportunity, slip up, or mis-setting of preferences. Hiding data-harvesting policy in the Windows 7 small print, and getting spammed within hours, is not the way to inspire brand loyalty.

Any suggestions greatly received. Cheers

Hi Mike, what do you use to access your mail in XP & what is it's name after @ i.e. @gmail.com ?

Hi RR

I'm lumbered with the WAB file, as Windows couldn't transfer the files from XP to 7 using the transfer cables.

The only way I could export was via the WAB file which is what I'm left with.

Was using Outlook Express on XP which did exactly what I wanted it to do. WLM by comparison IMHO is a fudge, poorly thought through and NOT user friendly, unless you have a degree from NASA What's with hidden menus etc? what's the point?

I use a variety of email addresses, so my inbox etc has gone from 5 in OE to over 40 in WLM. Do MSN really believe this is a step forward? that I now have to monitor and collate another 35 locations?? When they could revert to one? (but won't)

OE was so straightforward and organised. What I have now is all my contacts completeley scrambled.

wait a sec lets back up a bit, If you install Windows Live Mail Essentials on the xp machine it will ask you to import your emails and contacts into Windows live mail.
Once you have done this follow the tutorial in here on how to backup and import the backup from Windows Live Mail onto your new machine, once you have installed Windows Live Essentials (pick Windows Live Mail on installation) you can import your emails and contacts.

Windows Live Mail will not accept the Wab file that comes from OE

Thanks for the response Robin

but I don't want to use WLM again, for the reasons outlined above - namely the unauthorised collection of my data by MSN... (and the spamming that followed) and naturally the XP is long gone.

So I'm back to the original question: anyone know of a reliable third party address book?

Cheers