Can you mode Address Book database to a shared location?

I'd like to move my address book DB to a shared location. Dropbox in particular, but it would be the same thing using an iDrive.
The idea being that my Mac & my laptop would both use one shared db so they are always in sync. A change made on one would be the same on the other.
Anyone know if this is possible?
I know you can sync contacts with MobileMe but Dropbox is free and I have no need/want for wasting $99/yr on MobileMe just to sync my contacts. This is more of a "wouldn't it be nice" than a necessity/
Thanks

you can try it but I would advise against it. the results might be unpredictable.
here is what you can try. quit address book on both computers. on the computer with the full address book database move the address book folder /users/username/library/application support/address book to the dropbox folder. leave a symbolic link to the new location in the old place. that's done with the following terminal command assuming you are using the default location for your dropbox.
ln -s ~/Dropbox/AddressBook ~/Library/Application Support
wait for Dropbox to finish syncing so both computers have the new folder in place. that's very important. then on the second computer delete the address book folder /users/username/library/application support/address book and run the above command too. now the AB folder sits in the dropbox and you have sym links pointing to it on both computers. however, I suspect you might have issues if you try to run address book simultaneously on both computers. if you feel brave you can try it out. but back up the address book folder first.

Similar Messages

Can I change Address Book's default setup?

I want to import my entire address book database from Palm Desktop to Apple Address Book (only about 5,000 entries in total).
I have several fields in the Palm Desktop database that don't match the Address Book default setup. In Address Book, I went to Card> Add Field> Edit Template but the changes I made there to the Template didn't actually seem to change anything in the actual Address Book display of addresses, even though I made several changes in the Edit Template function - it was as though the changes I made in the template editing function had no effect at all. The changes I made are still there when I revisit the Edit Template function but the additions and alterations don't show in the final address display.
1. Where did my changes to that Template go in respect to the actual display of the addresses?
2. Is there some way to apply my edited template to all the entries in Address Book in one fell swoop?
3. If not, then why have the Edit Template function at all?
I've done some trial runs using a tab-delimited file exported from Palm Desktop, which Address Book seems to import and work with happily... except for this inability to choose my edited template for the new entries - Address Book forces the new database into Address Book's own Template with none of my chosen changes. It's as though the template edit function is just for show but with no real functionality.
I hope this is all making sense...
This is an great time for me to make sweeping changes if necessary (if it is possible or if it helps) since I'm beginning a totally new database in Address Book from scratch.
Many thanks for any help.

Paul,
I'm afraid you will loose some of your data that you can insert in your Palm when you transfer to AddressBook, but you can try to get in as much as possible. Especially the custom fields are much more flexible in Palm.
But in the end, the full integration of AB in your Mail and Calender, backup to .Mac etc. may offset these drawbacks.
When you set up a template, did you actually complete one address record?
If not, you should.
When you want to import to AB from a tab-delimited file, try this program
Addressbook Importer, an excellent piece of freeware that will do this for you.
In the top row before you import, make sure you have an address record that has all your customized fields completed in a way you know which field that is (you can do this in Palm, using the name A. AAA, address etc.)
Now when you use the importer, you can make sure wich field goes where.
Backup your Palm data well before you start experimenting. I wouldn't want to be the cause of you dropping 5000 records. Also, disable all syncing when you start. Once it works, make a backup from within the AB application. Then when all looks OK, you can start syncing using iSync instead of Hotsync.

Palm Desktop software - Fails to open with msg "Error: Failed to open Address Book database"

In July 2009 I dropped my trusty Visor on a tile floor and it stopped working. So, in the meantime I have been using only the Palm Desktop software.
Just yesterday, when I attempted to launch the Palm Desktop software, it failed with the message “Error: Failed to open Address Book database”. I think this error was caused by a very ungraceful shut-down of my Win XP system yesterday.
I really do need to use the Palm Desktop software for my address list, calendar, and memo. The problem is that the error with the Address Book database seems to be preventing the Palm Desktop software from initializing.
I am using Palm Desktop 4.0.1 on Windows XP SP3. I do NOT have an export file of the Palm address book or other databases. However, I do have five levels of backup history on my external Maxgor backup drive.
Specifically, on my current c drive I have files in the directory:
C:\Program Files\Handspring\WR\address
            address.bak                  5/16/2009   (from last sync before I broke Visor)
            address.dat                   5/24/2011
            Personal.ABA   11/6/2008
            Unfiled.ABA    3/28/2008
On my most recent backup of my system, there are the following files:
                        address.bak                 5/16/2009   (from last sync before I broke Visor)
                        address.dat                  5/12/2011
                        Personal.ABA   11/6/2008
                        Unfiled.ABA      3/28/2008
I have not listed the four older backup versions.
I haven’t tried any corrective measures yet (I don’t want to make matters worse) and am hoping that someone can guide me along the right path.
Is it possible for me to just rename the “current” address.dat file to something like address.SAV and then copy the Address.dat file file with date of 5/12/2011 into the current directory. Will the software then just use the older version of the data, or must I do something else.
I am grateful for any assistance. Thank you very much.
Post relates to: Visor Deluxe
Post relates to: Visor Deluxe

Thanks for the speedy response. However, I read the article for which you provided the link, and I hve also read many other articles that I found via search, but I don't think these will help me. All of these articles seem to assume that (1) you have a handheld to which you can sync and thereby rebuild the database on the PC, or (2) you have a backup that you created via the Palm Desktop export function. Unfortunately, I have neither and so I don't think any of these solutions will work for me.
I did read with great interest an article that stated that recent versions of Palm Desktop have a built-in function that will repair a corrupted Datebook database. Will this also fix a corrupted Address Book database which is my problem?
So, I downloaded and attempted to install the latest version of Palm Desktop. I was careful to read the instructions that stated NOT to uninstall my current version of Palm Desktop, but to just install the latest version on top of my current Palm Desktop. However, when I attempted to do the installation, the installer software said it could not install on top of my current software and that I should first uninstall my current software.
I have some questions now:
(1) If I uninstall my current version of Palm Desktop, will this destroy my Address Book, Datebook, and Memo databases ( I don't care about the ToDo database)? If so, what can I do to preserve those databases?
(2) Is there really a function built in the recent versions of Palm Desktop that will fix a corrupted database? Is this an "automatic" function that will detect and fix a broken database or is this something I will have to invoke?
Thanks for your help.
Gdad

Can't restore address book from Desktop Software 6.0.0.43

To my regret, I had to do a security wipe in order to activate my Blackberry 8830 (World Edition) with my company's BES. (I had used BES in the past with a different company.)
Now, I'm trying to do a custom restore of address book contacts and memos from a backup file ("Blackberry 8830.ipd") using Desktop Software 6.0.0.42
I see that I have 269 address book entries and 2 memos in the restore window, so I assume that the backup file has not been corrupted.
When I click "Restore," I do not get any error messages, but no contacts appear in my Phone Book after I get the successful restore confirmation -- except for the generic Customer Care entry which I had retrieved from my Phone SIM card.
I am aware of Issue DT755153 from http://docs.blackberry.com/en/smartphone_users/deliverables/18351/BlackBerry_Desktop_Software-Releas...
Could a permissions or synch setting on my company's BES be the cause of my address book restore problem? I'm not sure if understand the full implications of DT755153. I am afraid of doing a full restore because I don't want to mess with my BES activation.
Can I manually change/delete a setting in the Service Book that would allow me to complete my restore?
Other Notes:
1) I have checked my address book database size after each restore and it's still 1KB (that 1 record).
2) I have checked for other contacts on my phone SIM card.
3) I have not switched phones or devices.
4) I tried rebooting my phone by pulling out the battery (while it was still on), but still no luck.
I would appreciate any other suggestions. I really need access to my contacts from my backup file!!!
Cheers,
TK

Hey Lenfrancis,
Welcome to the BlackBerry Support Community Forums.
Do you have any other email accounts setup like Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail? If you do, you might need to remove the *email address {SYNC}* service book prior to setting up the synchronization.
-ViciousFerret
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Be sure to click Like! for those who have helped you.
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Error to open address book database

Hi. I've been using the Palm Pilot i705 without the email feature for several years and on a succession of computers. Never had a problem. Today I can't access it on my pc. I get "error to open address book database."
Is the fix to reinstall the software from the cd? If so how do I save my existing databases or would the subsequent hot sync after reinstall pull in the database? My last hot sync was successful and is my most current.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks. Pat.

cmoulin,
Ok, No problem.
Glad to hear you recovered your data.
FYI,
The best way to preserve your data is to export the data in each category in Palm Desktop to a seperate folder on your PC.
Create a new folder on your PC somewhere that is convenient. Name it something like Palm Desktop Data. Click on the link below and follow the instructions on that page for the export procedure.
http://www.palm.com/cgi-bin/cso_kbURL.cgi?ID=28734
Make sure you select all for the range in the export window.
With the data saved in the folder you created, make a copy of that folder and save to a flash drive, cd-rw or external hard drive.
Anytime you make a change in Palm Desktop, export the data that was changed to that folder and save again to the external media.
With this process you can always import the data back into Palm Desktop anytime you have a problem with the data in Palm Desktop or if your computer/hard drive/device crashes.

How can I synch the Address Book on my Mac to the Contacts on my iPad (or, can I setup Address Book on my iPad?)

How can I synch the Address Book on my Mac to the Contacts on my iPad (or, can I setup Address Book on my iPad?)

Selected under the Info tab for your iPad sync preferences with iTunes.
With such a question, you should spend some time with the user guide.
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/ipad_user_guide.pdf

Can I sync Address Book and iCal to put contact info into iCal?

I use Address Book as a contact/customer list and use iCal to prepare my schedule for work. I usually type in the name of the customer I want to see in iCal. Is there anyway to import or drag names out of Address Book into iCal so the location & contact info will be included? I don't want to invite the customer. I just want to input the info into iCal so I don't have retype a name that is already in my Address Book.
If I have customer "xxx" in Adress Book and I am planning on visiting this customer tomorrow. Is there anyway for me to transfer/import this info to iCal without physically typing "xxx"? When I look at my appointment I would love to see the contact info for "xxx" in iCal when I click on individual appointments.
I hope this makes sense.

Hi,
You can link to the Address Book entry with a URL. See my script +Link to Address Book+ on this page http://www.nhoj.co.uk/applescripts/ which creates a link from the currently selected person in Address Book. These can then be added to the URL field in iCal or the notes field if you have more than one per event.
Best wishes
John M
<hr />As I sell software on my site and ask for donations, the Apple Discussions Use Agreement requires that I state that I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

How can I sync address book to iPhone 3?

How can I sync address book from mac book pro to iPhone 3?

Have you tried this article: iOS: Syncing with iTunes - Support - Apple
Go to the Info Tab in iTunes

How can i backup Address Book & iCal using TM?

How can i backup Address Book & iCal using TM?

just back up your whole computer and those things will be backed up along with everything else. Time Machine is not well suited for cherrypicking just a few things to back up and it's a bad idea anyway. if you insist on backing up just those two things back up homedirectory/library/application support/address book and homdirectory/library/calendars.

How can I import address book from thunderbird on another computer

I just purchased a new laptop and have dowloaded Thunderbird for my e-mail as that was what I was using on desktop. I have 2 e-mail accounts, my personal e-mail addresses came thru with no difficulty however my other account the contacts in address book didn't come thru. So question is how can I get address book imported for this account too. My desktop is Windows XP and my laptop is Windows 8
thanks for any help

The neat thing to do would be to copy the profile from the XP machine to the W8 machine. This would have transferred your messages, your account settings and your Address Book and much else.
Given that you have set up Thunderbird and have started using it, copying over the profile may not now be terribly attractive for you.
So, instead, you can export and import your Address Books.
On the XP computer, open the Address Book, select an address book (e.g. Personal Address Book), select '''Tools|Export''', select the name and location of a file to contain the exported data, choose LDIF and then Save. Repeat for each required address book. Give your LDIF files simple but meaningful names, such as PAB.ldif and CA.ldif. Don't use, for instance, ''Personal Address Book.ldif'', as this will create a second address book with the same name as one of the defaults and you won't be able to easily tell which is which.
Put the exported LDIF files where the W8 computer can see them, e.g. a USB memory stick.
On the W8 machine, open the address book, Tools|Import and select an exported LDIF file. It will import and create a new address book; you'll probably want to move the Contact data back to the usual address book. You can select all (ctrl+a) then drag-and-drop the imported Contacts to the preferred address book. Repeat for each LDIF file.
Having said that, I don't understand what you mean by "my personal e-mail addresses came thru with no difficulty however my other account the contacts in address book didn't come thru"; unless you have moved the profile folder over, I don't understand why ''any'' contacts should have transferred.
If you have in fact moved the profile folder, then I'm puzzled as to why the transfer of address books has been incomplete. However the export and import route should be able to reclaim the missing address book(s).

Address Book database is locked?

Hello,
I'm having a constant problem when trying to sync (using MySync): the sync services engine says that mingling failed and looking at the log I see:
<pre>
2006-06-21 09:09:59.357 SyncServer[216] NSGenericException: error 5 executing 'pragma synchronous=normal': database is locked
2006-06-21 09:09:59.358 SyncServer[216] ISyncManager caught exception NSGenericException trying to open truth record store at /Users/schmitta/Library/Application Support/SyncServices/Local. Reason: error 5 executing 'pragma synchronous=normal': database is locked
2006-06-21 09:10:00.877 AddressBookSync[227] AddressBookSync (client id: com.apple.AddressBook) error: Exception running AddressBookSync: Session <ISyncConcreteSession: 0x35ea30> cancelled. SyncServer failed to merge the changes from some clients: NSGenericException error 5 executing 'pragma synchronous=normal': database is locked
</pre>
So it seems that my address book database is locked. I tried rebooting both machines, but it did not do anything.
Anybody knows how to unlock an address book database?
Thanks a lot.
PowerMac G5 2x2GHz Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Thank you for the suggestion, I'll try it. (The new user account thing might be difficult as I'll have to tell MySync to synchronize accounts with different names.)
The strange thing is that this started happening with two machines at the same time.

HELP! Address Book database all lost, says "corrupted", won't open.

HELP!
Recently installed Tiger 10.4.3 combo update. Or --- did that FBI virus get me? The same day as update I noticed a bunch of spam in my dotmac email (it's forwarded to Yahoo account). One spam was that FBI scam. As soon as I uploaded the spam attachment to forward to the real FBI site complaint address, my entire address book was wiped out. All files. Now it won't open, even for me to attempt to merge or Sync or to import my backup AB files. Error message comes up after about 2 seconds and it says "COULDN'T OPEN THE ADDRESS BOOK DATABASE. The database is corrupted" with a 'quit' button.
Can I uninstall AB somehow? If so, how? Can I reinstall a fresh version, too?
HELP!

please to help

Can't reinstall address book

I posted this before - no help or replies.
After OS X 10.4.8 and latest security update address book application disapeared. With spotlight I found my address book data. But can't reinstall the application. Address book icon appears under OS 9. applications but wouldn't load. All trials to custom install address book are failing.
Any hints or help appreciated.
Thanks.
G4 Powerbook 17' Mac OS X (10.4.8) 1,5 GHz; 2 GB RAM

Applications don’t just disappear by themselves or as a result of installing a software update. If Address Book is no longer in /Applications/, it has to be because someone removed it from there.
Moreover, if it’s is somewhere else, it has to be because someone moved it there. If you have Address Book in the OS9 Applications folder and it doesn’t work, you should probably get rid of that altogether.
Anyway, you may reinstall Address Book as described in the second part of the following article:
Custom installs in Mac OS X 10.4
Note that Address Book may appear grayed out in the installer, but will be checked if you check Applications there, and will be installed if Address Book has been removed from the /Applications/ folder.
If the version of the system software on your install disks is earlier than what you’re using now (and only in that case), then you must also reinstall the Combo Update for the type of computer and the version of Mac OS X you’re using, to bring Address Book back in sync with the rest of the system:
About the Mac OS X 10.4.8 Combo Update
Mac OS X 10.4.8 Combo Update for PPC
Mac OS X 10.4.8 Combo Update for Intel
You may also want to read the following articles for guidelines on how to properly install system updates:
Troubleshooting installation and software updates
Installing software updates
Basically, you should verify/repair the startup disk before installing the update, no applications should be running while installing it, and you may experience unexpected results if you have third-party system software modifications (not normal applications) installed.

Can't share Address Book

I have tried to share my Address Book with another .Mac member, following the instructions below, copied from a "Help" document. The list which appears after I click the "+" button contains no email addresses, only names, and the "OK" button is grayed out. Can someone tell me how I can fix this problem? Many thanks!
To share your address book online:
Choose Address Book > Preferences, and click Sharing.
Select the "Share your Address Book" checkbox.
Click the Add button. From the list that appears, select the email address of a person you want to have access to your address book. Repeat for all the people with whom you want to share your address book.
Select Allow Editing if you want the person to be able to make changes to your address book.

Just discovered that I had an incorrect email address in my Address Book for the person with whom I wanted to share my address book. Once I fixed it, I was able to set up sharing.

Treo 90 fails to synchronize address book database and open

I have an old Treo 90 that I still like to use for addresses. Recently the software will not open on my computer and when I try to open it, I get an error message "Failed to open address book database" which is followed by "Drror: Invalid configuration. Terminating the Palm Desktop." I have uninstalled and reinstalled the software from the computer 2 or three times and still get the same errors. The handheld Treo seems to work fine. Any suggestions?
Post relates to: Treo 90

Hello,
This is mostly caused by the Addressbook database being corrupted even if you sync your Treo 90 to other PC you'll still have the same problem.
You need to import and export your addressbook
NOTE: these steps may cause the Addressbook to loose its category.
cut and paste to your desktop the addressbook folder from your username folder C:\program files\handspring\ your username folder\addressbook
reopen Palm desktop you'll see that the contacts are empty.
In your Palm Desktop click on file import
and in the import box look for the addressbook which you saved in the desktop.
in the file name type *.*
choose address.bak and click import
close Palm Desktop and reopen.
perform hotsync and set the contacts to desktop overwrites handheld.
hope this helps...

Can you mode Address Book database to a shared location?

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