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Import Contacts - From a text file

This section shows you step by step how you can create a file for import into the FASTSMS Sender. These instructions are based on using a Windows XP operating system and Office XP applications. If you have a special requirement outside these guidelines please email as much detail as possible to support@fastsms.co.uk to receive further assistance.

1) Formatting your contact details

The first step is to format the contact details you wish to import. The guides in this section apply to both newly created data files and existing ones. For this example I will use Excel to structure the data file correctly but any equivalent application will do.

You are able to record information on each of your contacts in the Sender address book facility. These fields must be in the following order for the import to work correctly (shown below).

Display name = the visible label for this contact

First name = the first name of this contact

Last name = the last name of this contact

Number = the mobile number for the contact. This must be in international format (eg +447788112233)

WWW = this is the website associated with this contact

E-mail = the email address associated with this contact

About = a brief description of the contact

2) Creating the correct file format

Now you need to save the file in the correct format. Firstly save the file you have just arranged as a comma separated file (csv). This is a standard data file format in Excel and is available in most other spreadsheet or database applications under the “Save As” file option.

Once you have saved the file to your computer close Excel and open a text editor. This can be one of any number of applications such as; Notepad, WordPad, Word or any other text editor you may be using. Now open the csv file you just created in the text editor. The data should look as shown below:

Display name,First name,Last name,Number,WWW,E-mail,About

You can see that the fields are separated with a comma. Now you need to replace the comma with a semi-colon, ie. ; This can be done by using the text editor's “Find and Replace” feature, usually located in the “Edit” file menu. See image below.

This will format the data in the format needed for import. See example below.

Display name;First name;Last name;Number;WWW;E-mail;About

Now save the file as an ASCII text file (asc). Some text editors will not automatically support this format so you may need to type the file extension in manually. Your file should be named with a .asc file extension (example: examplename.asc).

3) Importing your contact list

Now for the import itself! Firstly open the sender and access the “Manage Contacts” section. Now you need to create the group you wish to import your contact list into and highlight it in the address book tree to the right, see the image below.

Now click the “Import list” button situated at the base of the contact details. Choose “From text file” from the list of options and locate your contacts file (i.e. examplename.asc), then click “Open” to start the import.

You should see your contacts appear in the selected group.

For further assistance with the FASTSMS Sender please email support@fastsms.co.uk including your username in the subject field giving as much detail as possible of your query.

FASTSMS | tel: 01386 791880 | email: info@fastsms.co.uk