So, you’ve been using Google Calendar Beta and you’ve decided to move to Windows Live Calendar. Either you’re moving permanently (I don’t blame you, Live Calendar is great) or you want to dip your toe in and see if you like it.
Reentering all of your calendar data would be a pain in the neck when you move, and even if you’re just testing and comparing, you need data to work with.
Export Your Google Calendar
Google Calendar Beta stores your data in a universal .ics file that can be imported. We need to figure out how to point to it so Live Calendar can grab the agenda items.
1. Log into Google Calendar Beta
2. In My calendars, you’ll see the name of your calendar. Click the down arrow.
3. Choose Calendar settings.
4. Scroll down the calendar details to the Private Address section.
5. Click the ICAL button.
6. Google shows you a link to an .ics export file. Click the URL and download/save the file to your desktop.
7. Click the OK button to close that window. You may log out of Google Calendar or leave it open.
Tell Windows Live Calendar to Import Your Calendar
1. Log into your Live Calendar. These are directions for the web version, not the Live Mail client.
2. Click the Subscribe button.
3. Select Import from an ICS file.
4. For Choose the file: click the Browse button. Find the downloaded .ics file on your desktop.
5. You’ll need to choose whether you want a new, distinct calendar or if you want this data in your existing calendar. The next steps assume a new calendar. Therefore, select Import into a new calendar.
6. Type a clear, simple name for the calendar that is about to be imported.
7. Select a distinct color for agenda items in this calendar. Make it different from your normal calendar.
8. Click the Import calendar button.
9. You should get the Calendar import was successful message. If so, click the Done button.
Make sure the new calendar is checked in your list of calendars. If you want to hide it, simply uncheck it.
It appears that either the exporting or importing process is buggy. A 3 day repeating item in Google came through as only 2 days in Live. Do be careful to verify your agenda items.
To Adjust or Delete the New Calendar
1. When you point to the name of the calendar, it is an underlined hyperlink. Click the name.
2. A new window opens where you can change the name, the color, the description, or the sharing properties. You can also choose Delete calendar from the toolbar.
Now you have a copy of your data from Google Calendar Beta. You may switch programs or start testing. Either way, enjoy!
~ Brien
