Create a distribution group with a CSV file.

[kenrick]

Hi all,

 

I have some distribution groups with around 500 members which should change every year and currently are now out of date. I have been given a CSV file with the raw data and was wondering if it is possible to import that imformation via a CSV file?

 

The other problem I have is that the email addresses of the students do not appear on the csv file. The email address is made up as follows: [email protected]. Is there a way I can append the username field with the remaining information to make up the email address?

 

The thought of having to do it all by hand is not a good one.

 

Many thanks

 

Paul

[sonofsanta]

email addresses is easy in Excel

=CONCATENATE(A1,"@domain.ac.uk")

where A1 is the cell reference for the username. Drag that down, simple. Then copy the contents of the sheet, open a new spreadsheet, Paste Values and save that as the CSV.

 

when you say importing, I assume you mean into active directory? If so, Powershell is your friend - modify this script to read in the CSV and add each user to the named group. You shouldn't need the email for that though, just the samAccountName.

[kenrick]

Hi Thank you for this.

 

What I meant by importing was I want to import the content of the CSV file into a distribution list within Exchange.

 

Paul

[sonofsanta]

Is your exchange not linked to your AD groups?

 

If not, this script looks like it will do the job in Exchange 2007/2010 in the EMS. No idea if it's 2003 you're running though, sorry.

 

import-csv C:\Distro1.csv | foreach {add-distributiongroupmember -id Distro1 -member $_.PrimarySmtpAddress }

Change the file path after import-csv and change Distro1 to the relevant group, obv.

Edited June 13, 2012 by sonofsanta
added code directly to fix spacing from the original page