How to troubleshoot Salesforce Excel import excluding existing contacts

using Coefficient excel Add-in (500k+ users)

Diagnose and fix Salesforce Excel import issues that exclude pre-existing contacts from list views with comprehensive troubleshooting and prevention strategies.

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When Salesforce Excel imports exclude pre-existing contacts from list views, it’s typically due to fundamental limitations in the native import process rather than user error. Salesforce’s standard import wizards insert new records instead of updating existing ones, leaving original contacts untouched and excluded from import-generated list views.

Here’s how to diagnose the root cause and implement permanent solutions for this common issue.

Diagnose and fix import issues using Coefficient

Coefficient provides both diagnostic capabilities and permanent solutions by offering comprehensive data reconciliation tools and intelligent import processes that handle both existing and new contacts properly.

How to make it work

Step 1. Diagnose the scope of the problem.

Import your Excel data and existing Salesforce contacts into a single Coefficient spreadsheet. Use matching formulas to identify which Excel contacts already exist in Salesforce: =IF(COUNTIF(SFEmailRange,ExcelEmail)>0,”EXISTS IN SF”,”NEW CONTACT”). Count existing versus new contacts to understand the full scope of the issue.

Step 2. Reconcile the problematic import.

Compare imported record IDs with existing Contact IDs to identify duplicate contacts created by the failed import. Map which existing contacts should have been included but weren’t. Create a comprehensive view of what the import should have accomplished.

Step 3. Choose your corrective action strategy.

For a clean slate approach, delete duplicate contacts created by the problematic import and use Coefficient’s UPSERT functionality to properly handle mixed data. For reconciliation, keep newly created contacts and use Coefficient to export existing Contact IDs to the same Campaign or list object.

Step 4. Implement prevention measures.

Configure Coefficient for ongoing list management with automated matching logic for future imports. Set up Email as External ID for consistent duplicate prevention and implement validation rules to catch issues before they occur.

Step 5. Create comprehensive monitoring.

Set up audit trails for all contact list modifications and implement automated list view updates based on spreadsheet changes. Create visual identification systems for existing versus new contacts before any import process.

Transform troubleshooting into prevention

This approach eliminates recurring import failures by implementing robust contact management workflows. You’ll get automatic handling of mixed data scenarios and preservation of existing contact relationships. Prevent future import issues with intelligent contact management.

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