GROUP File – What is .group file and how to open it?
GROUP File Extension
Windows Contacts Group File – file format by Microsoft
GROUP is a file extension for Windows Contacts Group Files developed by Microsoft. It stores contact groups created in Microsoft Outlook and other compatible email clients, including names, email addresses, and other contact information for multiple individuals.
GROUP File Format
A GROUP file is a Windows Contacts Group File that stores a group of contacts. It is a text file that contains the names and email addresses of the contacts in the group. GROUP files can be created and edited in the Windows Contacts application.
GROUP File Contents
The contents of a GROUP file are simple and consist of the following:
- The header line, which contains the version of the GROUP file format
- A list of contacts, each of which is represented by a line containing the contact’s name and email address
GROUP files can be shared with other users, who can then import the contacts into their own Windows Contacts application. GROUP files can also be used to back up contacts in case of data loss.
Using Microsoft Outlook or Windows Contacts
To open a GROUP file in Microsoft Outlook or Windows Contacts, follow these steps:
- Launch Microsoft Outlook or Windows Contacts.
- Click on “File” > “Open” and select the GROUP file from the file explorer.
- The contacts group will be imported and displayed in the “Contacts” section.
Using Third-Party Applications
Several third-party applications can also open GROUP files, such as:
- GroupMail: This specialized application allows users to manage and send emails to multiple contacts groups efficiently.
- SoftArtisans GroupMapper: It’s a utility that converts GROUP files to other formats like CSV, XML, and LDIF, making it easier to export contacts to different systems.
- Windows Live Mail: An email client that supports importing and exporting GROUP files, allowing users to easily transfer contacts between different computers or devices.
GROUP File: Organization and Distribution of Contacts
GROUP files, also known as Windows Contacts Group Files, play a crucial role in managing contacts within the Microsoft ecosystem. Developed by Microsoft, these files are specifically designed to create and maintain groups of contacts, enabling users to organize and categorize their contacts efficiently. GROUP files facilitate the grouping of contacts based on various criteria, such as family members, colleagues, or a specific project team. By organizing contacts into logical groups, users can easily distribute emails or messages to specific groups rather than manually selecting individual contacts.
Key Characteristics and Usage of GROUP Files
GROUP files are plain text files that store contact information in a structured format. They typically contain the contact’s name, email address, phone number, and any other relevant details. The structure of GROUP files ensures that contact information is easily accessible and transferable. When sending an email or message, users can simply select the GROUP file associated with the desired group of contacts, and the message will be automatically distributed to all members of that group. This streamlined distribution process saves time and effort compared to manually selecting individual contacts each time communication is required.