Details

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ACtoCDF FAQs:

Do I have to pay for ACtoCDF?  The demonstration version is free to download. Download the program and test it out.  It will convert 5 contacts each time you run the program in the demonstration version. You can purchase the license for ACtoCDF before you download or after.  When you purchase the license, a serial number will be e-mailed to you that will authorize the demonstration version of ACtoCDF and remove the 5 contacts restriction. Purchase of the license can be made on the Download page. It is easy, and secure!

How do I download and install ACtoCDF?   Click Here -->  Install Instructions

What Operating System does ACtoCDF require:  Windows XP, 98, 98SE, 2000

What versions of AOL does ACtoCDF support?  AOL 8 and AOL 9 have been tested. It is possible that the printed file from earlier versions will work but.. I am not going to load up old versions of AOL to test it out.  Feel free to download ACtoCDF and try it.  If it does not work - no need to pay - or load up AOL 8 or AOL 9, use ACtoCDF and then pay :)   Is that a good deal or what?

Does ACtoCDF work with the file printed from my aol Web Mail? No,  The print format from the web mail for AOL or any other web based mail reader (AIM etc) is not the same as from the PC based AOL applications. You must run AOL 8 or 9 on your PC, then do the print.

What is the most common problem users have with ACtoCDF?  If you are a total newbie to PCs, you may have trouble getting through the process. If that is the case have your PC nerd friend help you. Also, several users (two so far) have found that the comma separated file created by ACtoCDF is empty - but no errors were indicated during the conversion.  This problem is most likely caused by missing some detail in adding and using the Generic / Text Only Printer. In order for ACtoCDF to process the printed file, it must be in a text format. (Look at the 'printed' file using windows' Notepad program. It should look just like a printed page of paper from a printer. If not - i.e. it looks like a bunch of unformatted gobbley gook - you probably printed the file using your default system printer driver.) If you have this problem, carefully check the steps you used to print address book. Be sure you are using the AOL application on your PC, not AOL web mail. Be sure you are printing to the Generic / Text only printer.  If you still have problems, send me an email - I would like help you and others to eliminate this in-frequent problem.

Are there free AOL address book converters?  I found a few, but am not sure they support AOL 9. Many were developed for older versions of AOL.  One seems to require a lot of Java downloads and working in a DOS window -  Well feel free to try out the free stuff. Then when ACtoCDF really helps you out - please take a few minutes to purchase your license.

Will ACtoCDF export my Favorite Places or my Personal Folders (saved e-mail):  Sorry, No. ACtoCDF simply does one thing - creates a csv file from your AOL address book. See the Links page for more complete solutions.

Do you hack AOL files?  Of course not. The program does not modify or use your AOL programs or files nor does it export AOL data. You do the export by simply printing the address book to a file - using the AOL program. If you choose to use that 'printed' file with ACtoCDF - then I suspect you have the right to do so - after all, you entered the data and, in my humble opinion, you own the data. But hurry, AOL will probably change their print format as soon as they find out ACtoCDF is available. (just kidding - well - not just kidding)

What is a Generic / Text Only Printer?  This printer driver is included in all versions of Windows and all you have to do is add a printer to your system using this driver.  The printer you will set up will actually be just a file. No hardware to break. When you print to this printer, you will create a simple text file with the data that you print. ACtoCDF has complete detailed instruction on how to add the printer. It takes only a few minutes.

Does ACtoCDF do a perfect conversion?  You can develop an address book that will convert perfectly! If your address book has a lot of blank fields or has unusual entries the conversion of some addresses may not be perfect. Any address that does not convert correctly can simply be edited in the AOL address book or and the process repeated. The Help included with ACtoCDF contains all the information you need to determain what went wrong and why!  It takes only 3 minutes to do the complete address book print, the conversion, and to look at the results with a spread sheet. 

What are unusual entries?  Some examples of 'unusua'l entries would be: multi word first names; last name without a first name; Commas in the address fields; Colons in any field; No entries in the names fields but entries in title or company; A state entry without a city; e-mail address not in an e-mail format; Screennames that are not correct format; zip codes that are not of correct format. This may sound really bad, but it is not likely your address book as a lot of addresses with these 'unusual' entries unless you used it as something different than and address book.And, if you have a few exceptions, simple edits in your new address book, a spreadsheet or in the AOL address book will fix up the problems. 

What if I have several entries with the same first and last names?  AOL allows this in their address book. Outlook express and others? will only import one of them.  You can choose which one to import as the import process takes place or.. you can make the names different in AOL or.. you can modify the .csv file before you import (make the names unique)

How do I know if the conversion worked before I import to another application?  Look at the comma deliminated file with a spreadsheet that imports .csv (comma separated values) files.  Most spreadsheets will import this file type.

Do you provide support?  Some, as time provides.  I do not have a support team in India, I do not speak any language except English, and I am retired and having fun. Support will take a second role to that main objective. Hell, given all that, my support could be better than say ....  well, I won't name names :)  ACtoCDF has a very comprehensive help system. You will probably find all the answers there - Yeh, Right!

Do you have one of those complicated license agreements?  Well of course, but you would not read it anyway. My license: Try the demo. If it works purchase a license. Please do not purchase, then try it, then ask for a refund. I will probably give you the refund but all that work on your part an mine is hardly worth the $12.

If you still have questions you can