PowerShell Contacts Overview

PowerShell Contacts encompasses a set of cmdlets within PowerShell, a task automation and configuration management framework. It serves as a service or tool for managing contact objects within an organization. Utilizing the Get-Contact cmdlet, users can retrieve information about existing contacts and mail contacts. This cmdlet is designed to return contacts with detailed information and mail contacts in a summary form. However, it is important to note that Get-Contact does not provide mail-related properties for mail contacts. To access mail-related properties, the Get-MailContact cmdlet is employed specifically for mail contacts.

Accessing the features of PowerShell Contacts requires specific permissions. Users must have the appropriate permissions to run the Get-Contact cmdlet. For those needing to determine the requisite permissions, the service offers a way to identify them through the Find the permissions required to run any Exchange cmdlet. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access contact information, maintaining the integrity and security of the organization's data.

Exporting PowerShell Contacts to a CSV File

Using New-MailboxExportRequest

The New-MailboxExportRequest PowerShell command is utilized for exporting Exchange contacts to a PST file. This method is beneficial as it reduces dependability on the backup team and can save time. Contacts exported to the PST file using this command can then be imported into an Outlook profile or an Exchange server. Although this method is quicker than taking snapshots, it is considered a tricky process and may not be effective for exporting contacts from all mailboxes simultaneously.

Using Stellar Converter for EDB

Stellar Converter for EDB offers a simpler alternative for exporting Exchange contacts. With its interactive GUI, this DIY tool can export contacts to PST or CSV files in a few clicks. It is particularly useful for exporting all contacts from the Global Address List efficiently. Stellar Converter for EDB is designed to be compatible with multiple versions of Exchange and provides a safer and faster solution compared to the New-MailboxExportRequest PowerShell command.

Importing PowerShell Contacts Directly into Sourcetable

When managing contacts in PowerShell, you may typically export them to a CSV file before importing them into a spreadsheet program for further manipulation and analysis. However, with Sourcetable, you can streamline this process significantly. Sourcetable's capability to sync your live data from a variety of applications or databases, including PowerShell, eliminates the need for the intermediate step of exporting to CSV.

By using Sourcetable, you benefit from real-time data synchronization, ensuring that your spreadsheet always contains the most up-to-date contact information without manual intervention. This direct import method not only saves time but also reduces the risk of data transfer errors that might occur when exporting and importing through CSV files. The automatic pull of data into Sourcetable allows for a seamless transition to querying and organizing your contacts in a familiar spreadsheet interface, which is particularly advantageous for automation and business intelligence tasks. With Sourcetable, you can enhance your workflow efficiency and make more informed decisions based on the latest contact data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I export a list of users' contacts to a CSV using PowerShell?

You can use the New-MailboxExportRequest PowerShell command in the Exchange Management Shell to export users' contacts to a PST file. Then, you can convert the PST file to CSV format using additional tools or commands.

Do I need to assign permissions before exporting contacts using PowerShell?

Yes, you need to use either the Add-MailboxPermission command in Exchange 2007 or the New-ManagementRoleAssignment command in Exchange 2010/2013/2016/2019 to assign the necessary Import/Export role to your user account before you can execute the export command.

Is there an alternative to PowerShell for exporting contacts to PST/CSV?

Yes, Stellar Converter for EDB is an advanced third-party tool that can export contacts to PST/CSV and does not require technical knowledge or PowerShell commands.

What are the risks of using the New-MailboxExportRequest command?

If not executed properly, using the New-MailboxExportRequest command may result in data loss. It requires technical knowledge and careful execution of commands.

Is Stellar Converter for EDB a better option than PowerShell for exporting contacts?

Stellar Converter for EDB can be a faster and more user-friendly option compared to PowerShell, especially for those without technical knowledge, as it does not require the execution of complex commands.