File extension .OAB
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Outlook Offline Address Book Format | N/A | Data Files |
The .OAB file extension is associated with Microsoft Outlook, a personal information manager from the Microsoft Office suite of productivity applications. It stands for Offline Address Book and is used to store address book data in an offline form. When connected to a server, such as an Exchange Server or IMAP mail server, it synchronizes contact and address lists with the server.
Purpose
The purpose of an OAB file is to allow users to keep updated information available when not connected to the email server. It stores contact information in properties such as First Name, Last Name, Email Addresses, Phone Numbers etc. Synchronizing of OAB files with a mail server keeps the stored contact information up-to-date, ensuring contact and address lists remain valid and accurate. Without the OAB file, users would need to be connected to the server at all times for contact and address book management.
File format
Offline Address Book files are encoded in unicode, which is a Microsoft proprietary text format. Although the underlying data within these files is plain text, the format is specific to Outlook applications and cannot be understood by other applications without conversion. Other similar file extensions which work with Outlook include .pst, .ost and .msg.
Programs for WINDOWS system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .OAB) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .OAB extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .OAB file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .OAB extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .OAB extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .OAB file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .OAB file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .OAB file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .OAB file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .OAB file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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