WAB File Extension

What is WAB file?

WAB is a file extension commonly associated with Windows Address Book files. Microsoft defined the Windows Address Book format standard. Files with WAB extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with WAB extension are categorized as Data Files files. The Data Files subset comprises 1326 various file formats. Microsoft Windows Contacts supports WAB files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 5 other tools may also be used.

Programs which support WAB file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support WAB files. Files with WAB suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with WAB extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening WAB files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with WAB extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Windows Contacts

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening WAB files is that no program that can handle WAB files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Windows Contacts or one to the listed programs: WabOut, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Windows Contacts website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Windows Contacts

You still cannot access WAB files although Microsoft Windows Contacts is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why WAB files are not compatible with Microsoft Windows Contacts. The most recent version of Microsoft Windows Contacts is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Windows Address Book files with Microsoft Windows Contacts

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate WAB files with latest version of Microsoft Windows Contacts you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the WAB with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Windows Contacts installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open WAB files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with WAB extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with WAB extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the WAB for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper WAB file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the WAB in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the WAB is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. WAB file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the WAB file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with WAB extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Windows Contacts

If the systems has insufficient resources to open WAB files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Windows Address Book files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with WAB files affecting older versions of given software.

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