The Business Contact Manager compatibility pack for Outlook 2013 is now available for download.
Please note: The full install file is BCM 2013. You'll need it if you don't have a previous version of BCM installed on your computer. The upgrade can be used to upgrade BCM 2010 to BCM 2013.
This compatibility pack will work with either Outlook 2010 or Outlook 2013 to upgrade either Outlook 2007 or 2010's BCM to work with Outlook 2010 or 2013. There are two downloads to choose from: if you have BCM 2010 installed, you can install an update (about 10 MB) or the full package (369 MB). If you are currently using BCM 2007 (or don't have BCM installed) you'll need to install the full package.
BCM is no longer available from download from Microsoft. Users can download the full 64-bit BCM installation file from BCM for Outlook 2010 or Outlook 2013 (368 MB).
Users can download the full 32-bit BCM installation file from BCM for Outlook 2010 or Outlook 2013 (368 MB).
Please note: you cannot use a shared database with Windows 8 if you use Microsoft account to log on.
Only one version of BCM can be installed at a time and users will need to uninstall the current version of BCM before installing the full BCM compatibility pack.
A plus for users trialing Outlook 2013, Business Contact Manager for Outlook (BCM) supports using Outlook 2010 and Outlook 2013 in a side-by-side installation.
Note that you cannot share a database between two versions of Outlook and BCM. You need to use the same version of Outlook (and BCM) on all machines accessing the BCM database. The compatibility pack copies the database and upgrades it to work with Outlook 2013, so you can continue to use the old database with older versions of Outlook. However, not only is the database restricted to one version of Outlook, the databases do not sync, so you'll end up with two different data sets. While this is fine when testing Outlook 2013, for long term use you'll want to upgrade all computers accessing the database to use the same version of Outlook.
More Information
For more information, see the Description of Business Contact Manager compatibility pack for Outlook KB article.
Business Contact Manager for Outlook Database Tool is not longer available. Use this to install the BCM database on a server.
Jakub Rokuszewski says
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Brad says
Hi Diane,
I have a PC running WIN10. Was loaded with Office 2010 which I then upgraded last week to Office 2013 so that I could take advantage of BCM 2013. I have downloaded BCM 2013 and have installed it, but every time I go to launch BCM, the initial start up screens appear giving options for either custom or express install appear, I choose Express and then choose either one: fake data or new, no data install, and I every time no matter which option I choose, I get the same message: Data Base Installation has failed. Any tip or direction you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Brad
Victor Zamora says
Hi Diane!
Is there a way to install BCM on a fresh install of Office 2013?
Seems like there is no way to do this...is it?
Diane Poremsky says
It should install ok - what happens when you try? Are you using this file? https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36513 (Ignore the upgrading part - it's the full file and works with new installs.)
Bob Weisbrodt says
I have W-10 and Outlook 2013 with the BCM upgrade. It was a major hassle but we have everything running fine - - FOR NOW! There is NO SUPPORT for BCM anymore and I am worried that one day soon, we will have a problem that cannot be solved with BCM.
Do you know of a similar program (with support) that might dove-tail with the current BCM so that we can effectively be done with BCM and the precarious position that Microsoft has left us 60,000 users in?
Thanks,
Bob
Diane Poremsky says
At this point in time, no, I don't have any good solutions. There are other CRM programs but I haven't tested any of the extensively.
Slawomir says
So its time to left Outlook in this way.
Slawomir says
Diane, it's strange, I understand that Microsoft not evaluate this Software, and not update but cant to use with Office 2016. In this way if Microsoft make this things, for better to me is place my notes on the paper and dont use Oulook at all, becasue now is not necessery for me....
Is same example that old Word file cant open in new 2016....
Diane Poremsky says
BCM 2013 won't work with Outlook 2016 and there is not going to be a BCM2016.
On Word files, in word's file, option, trust center, in block file setting, see if older file types are blocked.
Cory says
Has anyone heard from Microsoft if BCM will work with Office 2016 now?
Diane Poremsky says
No, it won't and there are no plans to update BCM. Sorry.
John says
I spent about 15 minutes a couple of months ago putting together a business plan for MS for a BCM-simplified version of Dynamics CRM... There are *way* more small businesses than large businesses, they could just advertise and deliver it via the web, it would help sell O365 + OneDrive (instead of Gmail and Google Drive) to small businesses, and they already have the s/w hooks for Outlook and the Winphone/IOS/Android mobile client. Maybe it is too much of a no-brainer. I really like BCM but it is not mobile or web-ified,..
John says
Thanks Diane.
What they should do is make a BCM-ish subset of Dynamics CRM and then sell it. Say $10/mo, plus $10/mo for a suitable O365 subscription. Then it would be "cloud first/mobile first" compatible with Winphone, IOS, Android..
$65/mo per seat is too much for a small business to swallow, IMHO. People end up with Google stuff and 3rd party stuff and anything else.
Diane Poremsky says
Yeah, $65/mo is too high for small businesses - I'd like to see a lower priced subscription and would hope it would have fewer features/be less complicated. I'm not sure we'll ever get it, but i made the suggestion at least once. I also suggested they put outlook.com accounts on office 365, so maybe they'll listen to me again. :-)
John says
Does anyone know if BCM will still work with Office 2016?
Diane Poremsky says
It's not working with the betas yet but I'm told they will be doing something to make it work. No ETA on when that will happen though.
G. Peters says
I get the BCM 'Install' wizard. Click 'Install'. The setup gets to "SQL 2008 is installing", then it says to complete installation you must restart. After restart, the same BCM wizard box says to 'Install' or 'manual Install'. When I do install again, it loops back to same... over and over.
GP
Diane Poremsky says
What OS? You might need a SQL update for it to work on your OS.
G. Peters says
OS at home is Windows 7. Same OS at office.
At office I have SQL Server 2005 and using BCM/Outlook 2007.
I've heard about SQL updates but they say don't go beyond SQL 2005 prior to upgrading to 2008 via BCM Compatibility Pack].
G. Peters says
Dianne,
I was able to install Outlook 2013 and also the full compatibility Pack [from 2007 to 2013] on three different computers. Database is on one, and I was able to gain access for the other two computers. Celebrated.... and THEN... one computer has now failed to reconnect to BCM database.
Now, I can only access the database by running it as 'administrator'.
I noticed that the Addins on this computer when not running as admin, are 'Inactive', but when I run as Admin, they are active.
When I try to add BCM Addins back when not in Admin, I get an error message saying "Cannot complete the selected action because an unknown external error occurred".
Any advice?
Diane Poremsky says
The only thing I can think of is did you change the UAC settings?
Todd. says
fwiw here is how I got it working ...
installed outlook on our app server
installed BCM
installed bcm configuration tool for BCM 2013
on old server launched bcm tools 2007 and backed up database
on new server restored database with bcm tools 2013
(I had to first create an empty database for this to work)
then I had to remove all the shares on the database from the bcm 2013 config tool and re-share. (was a good way to clean up old employees that were still there anyway)
then I was able to launch and connect with the outlook 2013 I had installed on the same server.
I was unable to connect from desktops until I disabled ipv6. I tried a bunch of things I found online to get it to see the shared database, but disabling Ipv6 worked instantly.
not sure how I feel about it being disabled, but I can deal with that another day.
Cheers,
Todd.
G Peters says
Thank God someone is out there who is still responding to late comers who are just now updating to 2013 BCM. Thank you Diane.
Although I do not have BCM on my home computer, I tried at home first (before I attempt at office where I DO have BCM on three computers).
Home trial got stuck in 'loop' saying 'reboot' 4 times. No success with that installation.
I did the following sequence:
1. Uninstalled Office 2007 business suite (word, outlook, excel) (no BCM was installed at home).
2. Rebooted.
3. Installed new Office 2013 Home & Buisness.
4. Downloaded 2013 BCM 'full' compatibility pack and saved to file.
5. Ran setup for BCM. It started initializing and then installing sql 2008 express - then I went into that looping. Still have no BCM.
(I'm thinking that it's because I did not have BCM originally on home computer).
I'm going to try same at office where I do have BCM.
Do you have any advice prior?
It's a leap of faith to uninstall Office 2007 (windows 7 OS) and then uninstall 2007 BCM (with access to all my business accounts, and working so well),.. to not knowing if I'll ever get BCM 2013 working.
GP
Diane Poremsky says
>> (I'm thinking that it's because I did not have BCM originally on home computer).
no, it's something else. The full install (all 360+MB of it) can be installed on a clean system. SQL install is looping or BCM?
I would definitely create a backup of the db before you begin the upgrade - backups make it easier to restore it.
Todd says
i have uninstalled outlook 2007, installed 2013 and installed bcm. when I try and connect to the database I want to migrate from it says (outlook 2007) it is greyed out and I cannot click continue.
I ran the full install of bcm 2013
Diane Poremsky says
That means it can't be upgraded - it's hard to say why, but it usually means something between the versions doesn't match (locale, language etc). Did you make a backup of the database? It might work to restore the database rather than upgrade a current database.
G. Peters says
I am finally having to update from Office 2007 to Office 2013. I want to migrate my BCM outlook 2007 to BCM outlook 2013. I know there is a Microsoft '2013 BCM full conversion download' , but I want to be sure i get the sequencing right.
1.Do I Uninstall all of office 2007 including BCM first [but leave SQL], and THEN download BCM full conversion and install?
2. Or.. do i Uninstall all 2007, then install Office 2013 business suite, and THEN download BCM 2013 Full conversion.
Or... can you give instructions on the correct sequence/steps I should take?
GP Atlanta
Diane Poremsky says
Yes, uninstall outlook 2007 and bcm but not sql. Then reboot and install 2013 then the new BCM.
Charlene says
Hi Diane,
Im trying to install the BCM 2010. Im using Outlook Professional 2010 running on Windows 7 Professional.
I started clicking the .exe file. The License Agreement will appear and after checking the checkbox and click continue it will say extracting files. And suddenly disappeared. I've waited for 5 - 15minutes. Nothing happened. It's like the process was stopped or disappeared. I tried to turn off firewall but that didnt help at all.
Pls help.
Thank you.
Diane Poremsky says
It sounds like it failed. Look in the temp folder (type %temp% in the address bar of windows explorer and press enter) - see if the extracted files are in there - they will be in a folder, but i forget if the folder has bcm in the name or is given a weird, unidentifiable name.
Are you using the new BCM update from Nov 2014 or an older build?
Charlene says
Yeah, Im using the new update from MS website. Im also looking into Microsoft Dynamics CRM, do you think it's worth it for a small company? Basically we want to install that on 5 users.
Diane Poremsky says
oops, replied to the wrong thread. :) Sorry about that.
To answer your question, it depends on how much CRM you need. Dynamics is powerful but it is also expensive.
rey says
Thanks a lot Diane!!! I will try; from Buenos Aires
rey says
could I migrate a Outlook/BCM 2010 32 bits to Outlook/BCM 2013 64 bits?
Diane Poremsky says
yes. If the same system, backup the database and then uninstall office and bcm (but not sql) then install the new version. If moving to a new computer, restore the backup.
Todd says
the link to the full download from MS doesnt seem to work. is there anyplace i can download the full version of 2013bcm? we are upgrading (finally) from bcm 2007
Diane Poremsky says
use this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36513 (it's working here)
Nu says
Thanks for your quick response. I'm using Office 2010 Professional Plus 64 bit, and installing the 64 bit edition of BCM as well. I thought it might have something to do with having multiple Outlook profiles, so I made one start automatically, but sadly no change
Diane Poremsky says
Multiple profiles shouldn't be a problem. You're the 3rd o 4th person whose reported this error in recent days but I don't know (yet) if the problem is something in the BCM installation or something else.
Nu Finis says
I keep getting a message the Outlook is not installed, it is really! Any thoughts?
Diane Poremsky says
Which version and suite of Office do you have installed? Are you using the same bit value (32 or 64) for both office and BCM?
Elizabeth says
I have been trying to download BCM on my laptop for Outlook 13. It keeps giving me the error message “This computer does not meet the minimum requirements necessary to run Business Contact Manager for Microsoft Outlook. Business Contact Manager for Microsoft Outlook requires at least a 1000MHz processor and 512 MB of RAM”. Do you have any advise on how to resolve this?
Diane Poremsky says
See https://www.slipstick.com/outlook-bcm/install-bcm-on-computers-that-dont-meet-the-requirements/ - after bcm install starts, find the files in %temp% and edit the ini file. If the install fails by this point, copy the extracted files to downloads and run it.
adrianpbrown says
I have a client that has 6 users on office/outlook 2010, we have the BCM database running off a sbs 2011 server. We want to add 2 new users onto the server - however, i can only get office 2013/365 now, it seems wrong that the entire office needs to upgrade to outlook 2013 just to allow bcm to work as we cannot purchase office 2010 anymore. Does anyone know if we can buy 2013 and get a downgrade license for 2010 (simmilar to windows 8 -> windows 7 pro)
Diane Poremsky says
As far as I know, no, you don't get downgrade rights, but if you have a volume license it might include it. You can still find places that have it-you need the pro or business suite, it doesn't need to include BCM.
paul@leapfrogbi says
Thanks Diane. No luck though. I do use visio, but not sure what the forward engineering install is doing. I extracted the contents of the exe, but did not find a setup app. I also search %temp% and found the extracted folder, but wasn't able to catch a setup file there either. I did notice that an Antimaleware process was popped up to the top of my task manager list just before the extraction finished. I have not installed any antimalware software, so I'm assuming this is something that comes with windows 8.1.
Diane Poremsky says
https://forwardengineer.codeplex.com/documentation antimalware is probably from Microsoft but it shouldn't come up with bcm. maybe it saw the visio thing. btw, this caused by a corrupt installer and the visio utility could have been uninstalled.
paul@leapfrogbi says
No luck here either. I download the full install exe and try to install. All I get is a visio forward engineering dialog. Weird. I tried several times.
Diane Poremsky says
let me guess - this visio thing was a program you previously installed? If you use winzip or similar zip utility that will extract the bcm download, do that then run setup from that folder. if not, run setup and grab the extracted files out of %temp% (type it in the address bar of windows explorer and press enter.) You might need to force the installer closed so it doesn't delete the setup files.
Michael Rowe says
Is anyone having trouble with the installation of BCM in Windows 8.1/Outlook 2013 environment? I have I upgraded to the latest software and hardware, meaning I am now on Windows 8.1 with Outlook 2013 on a fast computer. I want to start to use BCM and have not used it in the past. My understanding is that I need to install the full version of BCM as described above. The link above lets me download the following executable: BCM2010-BCMSetup-x64-en-US.exe. However when I attempt to install I get stuck in an endless loop in which I run the installation executable and get to the end where it then tells me it needs to reboot to complete the install. I do that and it brings up the installation wizard again which says: "Welcome to Business Contact Manager for Outlook
Please choose your preferred type of installation below: Install Now or Customize"! I have followed this loop through a couple of times now and it never seems to get installed. What am I missing? Do I have the wrong executable for a full install (and not an upgrade)? Michael
Brad Marlin says
Hi Diane,
I have installed BCM on my laptop that is running Office Professional 2013 but my office computer has Office Home Premium and every time i try to install it, it says that it has been installed but when i open outlook i can't find it in the file dropdown or the screen is gray and i can't do anything with it.I have tried everything i know including uninstalling and reinstalling but nothing seems to work. Please someone help, is there something i am missing?
Diane Poremsky says
Is it enabled as an addin? File, Options, Addins? What OS are you using?
John Brewster says
Hi again Diane
We ran repair for BCM and the outlook files. It did find some errors, but nothing has changed. It hasn't crashed yet, but we still can't get the follow up date to work. I guess this is our biggest issue really. I can cope with it crashing and re-starting, but this facility is extremely important for me. We have not changed the forms in any way and are using the basic form that came with the setup.
John Brewster says
Hi Diane. Please help. I have managed to get bcm working with office 2013 on a new laptop running windows 8 and after two weeks of frustration, still have two problems. MS have not managed to help and even suggested I should wait for an office 2013 update, so I think it is clear they know they have problems.
Whenever I change a record Outlook crashes. It re- starts ok, but is taking up so much of my time checking any client record has been amended, I am concerned I am not dealing with my clients efficiently. The other issue, is that I can't add a follow up date or reminder to the record. I click on the tab to set a date or reminder but nothing happens. It does work for an email, but not for my contacts.
Diane Poremsky says
Have you tried repairing the installation?
It sounds like the form might be corrupt - are you using custom forms?
AB says
I have just downloaded BCM 2013 with Outlook 2013 on two computers that can "see" each other through a homegroup network. I know that homegroup can be an issue with regards to sharing databases however it is the only server that I have. Could anyone please give me some advice on how I might be able to share databases between these computers.
Many Thanks,
AB
Diane Poremsky says
Have you tried sharing and if so, what is the error message? You may need to disable home groups, but i was available to share over a home group a few days ago. (On Windows 8)
Christine says
Thanks Diane - I've just tried the x86 and it installed - result. No its not very intuitive is it? Sorted in the end though - thanks so much for your help!!
Christine says
There is only two options to download - x64 and x86. No 32 as far as I can see? Thanks
Diane Poremsky says
Oh. You want the x86 version. Sorry about that. I sometimes forgot that not everyone is into technology enough to know 32bit = x86.
Christine says
HI - Thank you Diane for your reply. My Outlook is 32-bit and the download for the BCM seems only to be available in 64-bit? Is there another 32-bit download I could try?
Diane Poremsky says
When you click Download, you should be offered 32 or 64 bit. Try BCM Download - this is the link i was offered when i went to download it just now.
Christine says
I have Windows 8 and Outlook that came with the Microsoft 365 package - I assume is Outlook 2013. I have downloaded the full BCM several times now - it always fails. First it said it wouldn't run a 64-bit program on 32-bit computer (although system requirements state 32 0r 64-bit needed. Then I saved it and ran it - it comes up with a failed msg each time now. Very frustrating as I'm desperate to get some sort of contact management running for my new business. Can you help? Pleeeeaassse!
Diane Poremsky says
Do you have Win 8 32 or 64 bit?
If Windows 8 is 64bit, is Outlook also 64bit?
You need the same bitness in BCM as you have in Outlook.
Albert Robinson says
Hi there, I am not as tech as most people on this forum but here goes.
I have Office 2007 and Win7 on a new computer but the BCM will not install from the second disk , always come up with a compatability problem and points the finger at SQLserver I think.
Am pretty sure my version of SQLserver is quite recent and is version 2012, the . NET .Framework is V4.0 too, do you think my BCM is simply too old a version on the CD ?
I would like to use BCM with Office 2007 and the one I have is legit .... so can anyone advise me how to get around this please. Reading the documentation on the upgrade available, it assumes you have a functioning older version installed ? am I right ?
Because in my case I have a new clean Win7 but the BCM is not installed.
Perhaps I need to upgrade my Office version or look at another form of BCM ?
Diane Poremsky says
Is there a reason you need SQL 2012? BCM will install SQL express at the time of installation - it may not work with SQL 2012.
Also, regardless of the BCM version, make sure all updates are installed for SQL. I'm assuming you also have the older net frameworks installed too - i'm pretty sure the older BCM uses 3.5.
The compatibility pack will not work with Outlook 2007. It needs Outlook 2010 or 2013.
Adrienne says
I have just gotten a windows 8 computer and all my other pc's have Outlook 2013 and BCM has been updated to 2013 too and it is working fine. Do you mean that I won't be able to tap into the shared database because of windows 8? I keep following the usual steps to share and it says it can't find the database or a user with my name (keep in mind I am the administrator on all of the computers so I know I have shared correctly.) What can I do?
Diane Poremsky says
You can use Windows 8 and connect to shared BCM databases - as long as you use the traditional user account with a username and password, not a Microsoft account (aka liveid) to log into windows. When you use a Microsoft Account, the authentication is not passed to a shared database. For example, if you use a windows account named Adrienne to log into the computer(s), it will work as long as the host of the shared database has an account by that name, with the same password. If you use Adrienne@hotmail.com to log in with your microsoft account, it wont work.
Gerwin Schalk says
So now I can install BCM on everywith all Outlook/Office 2010-versions?
Diane Poremsky says
Yes, you can install bcm to use with office 2010.
carey vandenberg says
I downloaded BCM from that link you provided for my other PC and after a few error messages (it asked if I wanted to repair which I clicked on so it seems I already have BCM installed on that machine) however, error message saying that it couldn't repair and no "enable" bcm option. As you can see I am having a lot of problems...
Diane Poremsky says
I'll see if i can repro. My first attempt worked as expected - my guess is something is interfering. It could be antivirus or something else. One thing you can try is installing BCM as an administrator.
Diane Edwards says
I have just downloaded BCM on my Windows 8 computer with Office 2013 but don't know how to put it into my Outlook. Can anyone help?
Thanks
Diane
P.S. I have never used BCM before so this is all new to me.
Diane Poremsky says
close Outlook, install it, and when you open Outlook it should ask if you want to set it up. Once its set up, it's on the File menu.
carey vandenberg says
On the computer where the BCM database resides,I downloaded the update and I clicked "enable" but nothing happens. On the other computer in the office (that accesses this database), I believe I downloaded the same file and it comes up with BCM 2010 is needed to install this. BCM 2010 was installed prior to me installing Office 2013! I just need someone in MS tech to be able to help me get these up and running (which is what I always do with BCM problems) because I'm running a small business and I don't have the time or expertise to get this operating. This is one of those times I seriously question why I continue to use MS products particularly if no one knows what's going on at MS.... (and thanks by the way for helping thus far)
carey vandenberg says
I actually phoned a few different MS technical support numbers as I didn't believe anyone of them (I didn't think they knew what they were talking about) and I kept getting the same answer.
Diane Poremsky says
I told my contacts that the wrong information is being given out and they are making sure everyone in customer service knows the Compatibility pack is the BCM 2013.
If you have BCM 2010 you only need the small update, if you have BCM 2007 or nothing, you need the 300+MB download.
carey vandenberg says
Where can I find the download link? I can't seem to find it anywhere (other than the Compatibility pack") and a lot of people on the web are asking when it will be available including including on msdn.com
Diane Poremsky says
The 300+MB compatibility pack what is you need. They are not releasing a separate "BCM 2013".
Business Contact Manager for Microsoft Outlook 2013: Full Installation for Upgrading from Business Contact Manager 2007
https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=f48c1505-20c7-4bf6-9659-09f2e4732600
I recommend downloading the 368+MB file as a backup file, just in case they pull it from public availability. Use it if you need to install it on a new computer.
carey vandenberg says
So, if I understand correctly, BCM 2013 isn't yet available if I have upgraded to Outlook 2013 and have another computer on my network accessing the BCM database from my computer. Some say I can do it currently however I called Microsoft and they said BCM 2013 isn't yet available.
Diane Poremsky says
Whomever you spoke to is wrong. If you have BCM 2007 or 2010, you can use the upgrade file, otherwise get the full file - it's about 350MB and contains BCM 2013.
Carey Vandenberg (@CareyVandenberg) says
I don't know if your info. is completely correct. I talked to 3 different people at MS and they all said that BCM for 2013 isn't available yet. The same info. is stated on the MSDN blog for BCM. https://blogs.msdn.com/b/bcm/archive/2013/01/02/announcing-business-contact-manager-for-outlook-compatibility-update.aspx#10395676 I currently have BCM 2010 and they said the 2013 version should be coming out shortly (that was as of Feb. 20th).
Diane Poremsky says
Whomever you talked to is wrong - BCM for 2013 was released at the end of Jan 2013 - https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2793723 - or the other post on the MSDN blog made in Jan 2013
The database tool is now out too. Business Contact Manager for Outlook Database Tool