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EssentialFax version 1.79 or above can import your Winfax phonebook by following these steps:

The first part of the process is done from WinFax.

note: WinFax files are in a proprietary format, so must first be exported to a common format before they can be accessed
  • Start Winfax Pro Message Manager
  • Click Go > Phonebooks from the menu
  • Click on File > Export from the menu to open the "Export Phonebook" screen
  • Change the "Format" setting from "ASCII(Text File)" to "dBase"
  • Click the "Next" button
  • Select the phonebook you wish to export
  • Click the "Next" button
  • Click the "Select" button to choose the file location and name to export the phonebook to. Remember the location and the file name as this is the file EssentialFax will work with once you have completed the export. (note: the exported file must have a .DBF extension)
  • Click the "Finish" button to complete the export process. Winfax will tell you "Export completed" or a similar message.

The second part of the process is done from EssentialFax

  • Start EssentialFax
  • Stop any current sending or receiving session if needed
  • Click on File > Import Faxes and Phonebook > Import from Winfax 10 (Phonebook)
  • Click the "Select" button to choose the file to be imported (the .DBF file you exported from Winfax)
  • Click the "Next" button. The Winfax entries are imported into a temporary "interim" file for you to look over before the final import
  • Touch up and adjust the records as needed (optional)
  • Complete the import by clicking the "Start Import" button
  • EssentialFax will notify you of how many entries were imported, and how many duplicate entries were skipped
  • You can now browse the EssentialFax phonebook to see the new entries

WinFax is a product of Symantec. Essential Fax Software does not provide support for Winfax. This import routine is provided for your convenience.