how to fix issue of blank file when exporting all contacts (header only is in CSV file)

Leslie Stevens 20 Reputation points
2026-08-12T17:21:26.3833333+00:00

How do you fix an issue when trying to export contacts (just under 1400) and the csv file has a header row only.

Outlook | Web | Outlook on the web for business | Contacts
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Answer accepted by question author
Jayden-P 2,440 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-12T17:40:06.98+00:00

Hi @Leslie Stevens

Could you please let me know which application you're using to open the exported CSV file (for example, Excel, Notepad, or another application)?

Also, could you try the export again using Microsoft Edge browser, or an InPrivate/Incognito browser session?

After exporting, please open the CSV file in a different application (such as Notepad) to verify whether the file contains only the header row or if the contact data is present but not displaying correctly.

Please verify that the contacts are stored under Your contacts in Outlook on the web. To check this, open People in Outlook on the web and confirm that the contacts appear under Your contacts. If they are stored elsewhere, try moving or copying a few contacts into Your contacts and then perform the export again to see if the issue persists.

I look forward for your reply.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-12T17:21:42.36+00:00

    Open the exported .csv file in Excel and verify whether it contains any contact data beyond the header row.

    If the file has only headers, the export did not include contact data. Use this fix path:

    1. Open the .csv file in Excel.
    2. Check whether any rows exist below the column headings.
    3. If there is no data, run the export again.
    4. If exporting from Google or another source system, make sure the export includes All contacts or the correct contact group.
    5. After exporting again, open the new .csv in Excel and confirm that contact rows are present.
    6. When closing the file in Excel, if prompted to keep the CSV format, choose Yes. Choosing No can make the file unusable.

    If contacts import or export with missing information instead of being completely blank:

    1. Open the .csv in Excel.
    2. Check whether the missing values exist in the file.
    3. Add missing values if needed.
    4. Do not change the column headings in the first row, because Outlook requires them.
    5. Save the file as CSV, and choose Yes on Excel’s CSV-format prompts.

    If the export is from classic Outlook on Windows, verify that the correct folder is selected during export:

    1. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
    2. Select Export to a file > Comma Separated Values.
    3. In Select folder to export from, scroll to the top if needed and select the correct Contacts folder under the account.
    4. Finish the export, then open the new .csv in Excel to confirm the contacts are present.

    If the contacts are stored only in a contact list in Outlook on the web or new Outlook, export may be unavailable or incomplete unless those entries are also saved in Your contacts. In that case, save the contacts into Your contacts first, then export.

    A separate limit applies when importing: importing more than 2000 contacts at a time can cause an error. With about 1400 contacts, that specific limit does not apply.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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