A user wanted to know how to move their auto-complete list in Outlook 2010:
We're switching from Google Apps to Office 365. Can we migrate auto-complete addresses to the new accounts? We don't have an NK2 to import.
The auto-complete list for Outlook 2010 and above is stored in .dat files in the RoamCache folder under the Local AppData folders. You can access this folder by typing or pasting the following command into the address bar of Windows Explorer and pressing enter.
%localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache
You can use a utility to extract the addresses from the auto-complete stream and insert them into the new auto-complete stream. Or you could rename the .dat file with the name of the new .dat file, however, because the auto-complete tends to corrupt easily, make sure you export the addresses to a CSV file first, otherwise you might lose the addresses.
In Outlook 2007, the autocomplete list is stored in a file with the extension NK2. If you are moving from Outlook 2003 or 2007, you'll need to import the NK2. When you upgrade in place, the NK2 should be imported automatically. If you get a new computer, copy it to the same location on the new computer and start Outlook using the /importnk2 switch.
Auto-Complete Cache Editing Tools
Open source project to read MS Outlook autocomplete (NK2) files and extract email addresses. Beta version 0.5 |
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Use Ingresssor (formerly OwtLook) to edit the NK2 file |
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Use NK2Edit to edit or delete information stored in the NK2 file or Outlook 2010/2013's Autocomplete Stream, including the display name, the email address, the exchange string, the Drop-Down display name, and the search string. Free for home use; Commercial license available. |
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Use NK2View to view, edit or delete entries in Outlook's .NK2 AutoComplete file. Export the records to text, html, or xml files. Freeware. Version 1.37 |
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11 Comments on "Moving Outlook's auto-complete address list to a new account"
how do you do for apple, girl?
Moving the autocomplete list from Apple? I don't think you can - the list is at /Users/YOU/Documents/Microsoft User Data/Office 2011 Identities/Main Identity/Data Records/Recent Addresses/0T/0B/0M/0K/x19_nnn.olk14Recent for Outlook 2011, not sure where it is for 2016.
Hi Phil,
I have a similar issue but with a twist. My outlook 2013 died a sudden and inexplicable death and MS were not able to help without advanced support ($$$) so I just upgraded to 2016. All went fine but my auto complete files did not come over. I have found the old cache files and I tried to copy the current one with the old one by switching names. But no luck. Any advice you can give on this?
I would try opening those files in nk2edit, it now supports the stream files so first make sure the files you are working with have the data you desire, once you confirm that make 2 or 3 copies so you don't have outlook overwriting your good files. I usually do the rename trick but nk2edit has merge features that you can use to try to force the entries into your current stream files. Good Luck
That *should* work (you'll also need to do it while outlook is closed) - if not, nk2edit can add the names to the new list. (i just added the utilities list to this page)
How do you export the addresses to a CSV file?
The below mentioned only applies to suggested contacts.
Which is really a contacts folder, not autocomplete cache. :)
In MS Outlook go to FILE > OPEN & Export > Import / Export > Export To a File > comma separated values.
You'll need to use a utility to export the autocomplete cache to a CSV file.
https://www.slipstick.com/outlook/email/understanding-outlooks-autocomplete-cache-nk2/#tools - KN2Edit is the one use.