Importing distribution lists

[WEC]

Hi, am using checkbox version 4.5.3.55 and wanted to know if it was possible to import a distribution list? My client wants to send out a survey to all of their employee's (10,000+), but I was not sure how to go about sending the survey out using their 'all employee' distribution list; or what angles I could take with this? All of these employees are obviously not user's, and typing out each email address is also not an option - so, back to my original question - is it possible to import a distribution list - and if not, are there any other options?

Also, I did a search and noticed a similiar question was asked previously, but that was towards the beginning of the year and wasn't sure if any updates were released!

[pwiesner]

Based on your description it sounds like you would like to create an email list. This can be accomplished by navigating to the user manager and selecting the "Email Lists" option. From here you will be able to create a new email list. After the list has been created you have the option to import addresses from a text file. The import process requires one email address per line.

The current release of the product is 4.6.4 and it is available for download in the customer area (Checkbox Support Login) of our website.

[srm_dt]

Hi, am using checkbox version 4.5.3.55 and wanted to know if it was possible to import a distribution list? My client wants to send out a survey to all of their employee's (10,000+), but I was not sure how to go about sending the survey out using their 'all employee' distribution list; or what angles I could take with this? All of these employees are obviously not user's, and typing out each email address is also not an option - so, back to my original question - is it possible to import a distribution list - and if not, are there any other options?

Also, I did a search and noticed a similiar question was asked previously, but that was towards the beginning of the year and wasn't sure if any updates were released!

Hi there,
I do this all the time. Best bet - see if your client can provide the individual email addresses for you. Their Exchange administrator probably has some way to do this. If not, you could
(1) add this list to an email, expand the names (don't hit send)
(2) and then in batches of 150 at a time copy into a new distribution list. (3) Use the "Send in Internet format" option which will create an email with a text file attachment.
(4) open this attachment and copy the contents to Excel. The 2nd column contains the proper email addresses that you can paste into the Email List in Checkbox.

Obviously with 10000 names this will take you some time - a good 2 hours at least. So if you can get the client to do the work, then all the better.

Steve

[jlehrhoff]

I started using the free vresion of Imanami SmartR a few years ago and it is great for getting these types of results out of Active Directory. I used it for exactly what you are talking about after getting a "Mail enabled Users" report from it into a CSV and then into the Checkbox Invitation Manager Email List area...
You will have to have administrator access to a domain controller to do this though