Vista - OE large contact list to WLM

I got a new laptop with Vista about 3 weeks ago. I started out using the Windows Mail that came with Vista - imported my address book from OE with no problem.

Then I decided to "upgrade" to Windows Live Mail - and I lost most of my contacts.

I went back to the old laptop and tried to directly upload my OE address book to WLM but was told there was a limit of 1500 contacts. I have over 5000.

So - I exported in csv file and am trying to import but it has been running for over 12 hours and isn't even half done.

I am afraid that even after it does complete - as soon as is syncs with Live - I will lose those contacts again - does anyone know if I will?

Also - I know there are a lot of duplicate entries in my address book and addresses I am sure I don't need - is there any utility out there that will help clean it out? I found some for Outlook but didn't know if they would apply to OE.

Thanks

Christine

Hi cmrooney,
The link below may provide you with some info.
Post back with results.
Import contacts in Windows Live Mail

Thanks - I actually did try that also - but WAY too slow. I did some cleaning (and accidental deleting) in OE and got it the size down. But I am still worried about losing contacts again. I haven't taken a lot of time to figure out WLM but it sounds like it stores my contacts and emails online so I can access them from any computer. If I have more than 1500 contacts is that going to be an issue?

Christine

Originally 5000+ contacts is a huge number. After "spring cleaning" down to 1500 - still a heck of a lot. Are they all active contacts?
You will have to do some research re WLM storing your 1500 contacts online. [ I don't use WLM.] Personally I wouldn't trust an online storage / program with anything I thought was personal & important.