Business Contact Manager (BCM) 2010, an add-on for Microsoft Outlook, streamlined Business contact management. But where is the database located, and how can you access your data? This article explores locating your BCM 2010 database and alternative solutions for managing your contacts.
Locating Your BCM 2010 Database
The BCM 2010 database typically resides in the following locations:
- %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Business Contact Manager
Here’s how to access it (Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10):
- Open the Start Menu and search for Run.
- In the Open field, type
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Business Contact Manager
and press Enter.
Note: You might need to enable Insurance Telemarketing Leads displaying hidden folders to see the “AppData” folder.
The database files will have a extension (main data file) and a extension (log file), likely named “BusinessContactManager.mdf” and “BusinessContactManager.ldf”.
Accessing and Utilizing Your Data
While you can find the BCM 2010 database, directly accessing or manipulating the data is challenging. The database format is proprietary, requiring specialized tools.
Here are your options:
- Backup and Restore: If you have a backup created using the BCM 2010 “Backup and Restore” function, you might be able to restore your data into a compatible application.
- Upgrade to a Newer Version of Microsoft Office: Upgrading to a newer version of Microsoft Office with a supported BCM version could allow data migration through the official upgrade process.
Alternative Solutions for Contact Management
Since Microsoft no longer actively supports BCM 2010, consider these alternatives:
- Built-in Outlook Features: Microsoft Outlook offers basic contact management functionalities. While not as comprehensive as BCM, it can be a suitable option for some users.
- Third-Party CRM Solutions: Explore dedicated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software designed for businesses. These solutions often offer:
- Advanced features beyond contact management, like sales pipelines and lead tracking.
- Integrations with other business applications.
- Mobile accessibility for managing contacts on the go. Popular options include:
- Zoho CRM
- HubSpot CRM
- Salesforce Essentials
- Freshworks CRM
Choosing the Right Path
The best approach depends on your needs and budget. Upgrading your Office suite with BCM might be suitable if you heavily rely on its advanced features and have a compatible Office version.
For a more future-proof solution with potentially richer functionality, exploring third-party CRM solutions could be a better long-term strategy.
While directly accessing the BCM 2010 database might be limited, various alternatives exist to manage your business contacts effectively. Consider upgrading your Office suite, utilizing built-in Outlook features, or exploring third-party CRM solutions to find the best fit for your needs.