XAB File Extension

What is XAB file?

Full format name of files that use XAB extension is Microsoft Outlook Express Address Book. Microsoft Corporation defined the Microsoft Outlook Express Address Book format standard. Files with XAB extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. XAB file belongs to the Misc Files category just like 6033 other filename extensions listed in our database. Users are advised to use Windows Mail software for managing XAB files, although 1 other programs can also handle this type of file. On the official website of Microsoft Corporation developer not only will you find detailed information about theWindows Mail software, but also about XAB and other supported file formats.

Programs which support XAB file extension

The following listing features XAB-compatible programs. Files with XAB 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 XAB extension?

Being unable to open files with XAB extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with XAB extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with XAB files.

Step 1. Install Windows Mail software

Problems with opening and working with XAB files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with XAB files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Windows Mail or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Outlook Express) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support XAB files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Windows Mail installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Windows Mail and update if needed

If the problems with opening XAB files still occur even after installing Windows Mail, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Windows Mail is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Windows Mail installed, it may not support XAB format. The most recent version of Windows Mail is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Microsoft Outlook Express Address Book files with Windows Mail

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate XAB files with latest version of Windows Mail you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the XAB file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Windows Mail is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open XAB files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the XAB file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with XAB extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the XAB is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the XAB file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the XAB file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the XAB file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. XAB file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the XAB file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the XAB 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. When downloading the file with XAB extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Microsoft Outlook Express Address Book file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Windows Mail

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Microsoft Outlook Express 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 XAB files affecting older versions of given software.

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